Starburst Award

The Avenger Open Space project in Woodland Park received a 2026 Starburst Award from the Colorado Lottery.

The citation said that the project “protected 120 acres of open space, preserving wildlife habitat and expanding access to
trails and outdoor recreation.”

The awards recognized 18 projects across the state that demonstrated outstanding use of Lottery proceeds in Colorado communities, marking a record-breaking year for both applications and awards.

These projects represent more than $65.5 million in total investments, supporting outdoor recreation, conservation, education, and community spaces used by Coloradans every day.

“The Starburst Awards highlight projects that show the real impact of Lottery dollars across Colorado,” said Tom Seaver, Senior Executive Director of the Colorado Lottery. “These investments help protect our outdoors, strengthen communities, and ensure Colorado remains a great place to live and explore.”

Art show

The Annual Student Art Show, sponsored by The Mountain Artists, will be
on display downstairs at the Woodland Park library from April 11-30. 
The exhibit features the work of middle and high school students from
Teller County and Lake George. The awards ceremony is 5 p.m. April 18 in the library’s large community room.

Road work

The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform bridge inspection work on US 24 at Mile Point 297.7 over Canon Avenue in Manitou Springs April 20. Motorists can expect delays on US 24 as travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Working hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traffic delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected.

Birding 301

Local expert Joe LaFleur, a Courier columnist, will be hosting a free bird walk and program on April 18.

The bird walk will be from 9-10 a.m. Participants will meet at the Manitou Lake park entrance ($11 per vehicle park entrance fee will apply). The program, Birding 301, will be from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ute Pass Historical Society.

“Learn to identify birds by sight and sound in this free audiovisual program,” an announcement said. “Covers species that are ‘rare but regular’ in Teller County and includes a mix of birds from kingbirds to blackbirds.”

Assessor workshop

Assessors from Teller and Park counties and professionals from Natural Resource Conservation District host a landowner workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 2 at the Lake George fire station at 8951 Co. Rd. 90. The discussions will include agricultural status and information about technical assistance. To register and RSVP, call (719) 472-3671.

Education accolades

• Olivia Daniels of Woodland Park was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester at Grove City College.