On today’s stop on the #COVirtualHeritageJourney, enjoy this informative short video – “Mountains Meet the Prairie” – where we learn about the four distinct ecosystems that make up the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and the wildlife that thrives in the river corridor.
What wildlife have you spotted recently on or near the Poudre River?
Today on the #COVirtualHeritageJourney we have the “Western Water – and Power” documentary, a fascinating film from RMPBS about our state’s most important natural resource: water.
“Ever since Western settlers dreamed of deserts in bloom, men have chased the mirage of more water than these arid lands can provide. ‘Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting’ describes the urgent struggle every generation of Coloradans faces to control this fleeting resource—creating hydrodynamic history through structures that can propel water to run uphill toward money, and power.”
This week on #COVirtualHeritageJourney check out some local history in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.
In this video, we will learn about the history and rehabilitation of the Antonito Depot. “The Depot was a bustling hub of activity and the businesses in Antonito flourished!”
For more information, visit: sangreheritage.org
#AntonitoDepot #SdCNHA
Today, on the #COVirtualHeritageJourney, take a tour of the craft brewing scene in Fort Collins, CO and learn how you can support your favorite brewers by purchasing the Colorado Strong Pale Ale!
Our local breweries are an integral part of the Northern Colorado culture and heritage. Many of these breweries rely on the Poudre River to brew their beer. A healthy river = a healthy brewing economy! And, lots of happy beer drinkers too. Please support craft brewers by sharing this video, drinking local, and purchasing Colorado Strong Pale Ale.
Colorado Strong Pale Ale is a benefit beer made with Colorado ingredients by Colorado breweries to support the local supply chain, small independent breweries, and raise funds for the Colorado Strong Fund to provide aid in response to the impacts of Covid-19 across Colorado.
The Colorado Brewers Guild and the Left Hand Brewing Foundation, have partnered with the Ball Corporation, On Tap Credit Union, StickerGiant, Root Shoot Malting, Colorado Hop Company, and Shirts On Tap. 20% of all sales of Colorado Strong Pale Ale will return to the Colorado Strong Fund and will be allocated directly to provide assistance to healthcare, hospitality, service industry, and gig economy workers across the state.
By purchasing a growler, crowler, or 6-pack of Colorado Strong Pale Ale from your local brewery you not only provide a charitable contribution, but help your favorite brewery to make payroll, keep the tasting room open, and most importantly, keep brewing delicious beers for years to come! Learn more at: http://coloradobeer.org/colorado-strong/
This week on #COVirtualHeritageJourney, Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area takes us on a trip down memory lane. We will learn about La Placita de San Rafael.
“The truth is, you never outgrow where you come from. You carry it with you everywhere you go. I was raised in the shadow of the church of San Pedro y San Rafael, not the San Rafael Presbyterian church in Mogote but the Catholic church by the same name. Sufficed to say that since I lived right across the fence from church, I spent a lot of my time there; attending mass, helping in the maintenance and upkeep and even playing guitar in the three-person choir.
When I’m asked where I grew up, a sense of pride and satisfaction comes over me. I was brought up in San Rafael and educated by Catholic nuns, it was all I knew. As far as other religions were concerned, they didn’t exist, everybody was Catholic. I’m not proud to say that my church attendance has lessened over the years but I’m still a Catholic, it’s my identity, my culture. The entire population of the “placita” felt similarly, and we all felt as if the little church belonged to all of us.
My family, as well as our relatives and neighbors all shared a common bond, our little church. From the changing of “mayordomos” to the annual “función” and our monthly mass, it was all about family and community. Father Felix Lopez was the pastor, he was from Spain and spoke little English, all our interactions with him, including mass, were in Spanish. That was fine though, since it was our native language anyway. When my father passed in 2014, my aunt Fedelina and I rang the church bell to announce his passing. I was told that it was the tradition.
Who I became and my perception of the people and places around me was forged in this placita. I don’t live there anymore and I wish could spend more time there. But I carry it with me everywhere I go.
I hope you enjoy this documentary as much as I enjoyed growing up “en la placita de San Rafael”.
– Toby A. Madrid Jr.
Thank you to Rick Vigil at Down to Earth Media for sharing this piece with the heritage area to share with the world!!