Being Green IS Easy!

When I was seven, my grandma took me to see FernGully. I have never felt so wrought with guilt as I did leaving that theater. The grievous costs of society's over-consumption literally ate me up inside, so I refused to go home until my grandma bought me a little plant of my own.

Luckily, here in Boulder I don't have to worry about mitigating unnecessary ozone and rain forest depletion. We have enough trees and vegetation to be named a "Tree City USA" for the 26th year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. (As if we didn't already hold enough titles--seriously, Boulder is like one of those girls-next-door that decides to enter a pageant just for fun and sweeps all the awards.) This is an awesome recognition and so easy to come by. If you're interested in spreading the (tree) love, The Center for ReSource Conservation has a great deal on Colorado-specific trees through their Trees Across Boulder plan. Or, Downtown Boulder, Inc. is offering free petunias to businesses in the Business Improvement District as a way to beautify!

If your kids also suffer from FernGully trauma, bring them down to Pearl Street Mall this Friday to celebrate the tulips and the coming of summer with the Tulip Fairy at the Tulip Fairy and Elf Parade. Children are encouraged to dress up as miniature fairies and elves and parade around the bricks. Following the parade is the annual Colorado Children's Day Festival with activities galore for your little ones to enjoy.

Support Downtown's effort to be green and thriving; plant a tree, plant some tulips, or come downtown with your children to instill environmental awareness at an early age!

--Stacy

City of Boulder's Annual Tulip Bulb Giveaway!

The most anticipated few hours of summer are nearly upon us: no, not the BolderBoulder, not CU's first home game, or even String Cheese at Red Rocks, we are talking about the City of Boulder's Annual Tulip Bulb Giveaway. All those delightful beauties that bloom on the mall every spring are up for grabs as the City's Park and Rec Department hands them out on a first come, first serve basis tomorrow, August 27, starting at 11:30 a.m. on the 1300 Block of Pearl Street. (Note: For City of Boulder residents only)

There will be about 300 to 400 bags of tulips available. Parks and Recreation staff changes the variety and color of the tulips planted on the Pearl Street Mall every year to provide a unique and impressive display each spring. Each fall, staff plant about 15,000 new tulip bulbs. After the bloom, staff removes the bulbs to make way for summer plantings, storing them until the annual tulip bulb give-away each August. Pearl Street Mall tulips are imported directly from Holland from a wholesale provider.

So come on down and grab a big 'ol Boulder bag of blossoming bulbs to make your yard as pretty as April in Downtown! Now if we could just get those buskers and hotdog carts on your lawn too...

Today in Downtown Boulder

Take two minutes to read this blog then turn off your computer and make your way to Downtown Boulder today! The weather is amazing. People are relaxing and enjoying delicious foods and beverages on various outdoor patios. Buskers are performing all along the Pearl Street Mall, hundreds of tulips are in full bloom and perhaps best of all…the Boulder County Farmers’ Market starts their Wednesday season this afternoon from 4 – 8 p.m.!

What’s new this season at the wildly popular Boulder County Farmers’ Market? Specialty organic chocolate and an organic bread baker to name just a few! Over the last year, 20 new farms have begun participating in the market. This means you can expect to find more eggs, pasteurized cow and goat milk, a variety of cheeses, more starter plants to help you grow your own and unique products such as crayfish. Many of the returning vendors are also adding new products to their mix. The market is located just off the Bricks (Pearl Street Mall) next to Central Park on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue.

Later this evening in Downtown Boulder, elephantjournal.com’s “Walk the Talk Show with Waylon Lewis” will take place at the historic Boulder Theater. The show is honored to host Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg, famous yoga teacher John Friend, Titans of New Tech including Gwen Bell, Jeffrey Kalmikoff of Threadless, Brad Feld, Micah Baldwin of Lijit and music by Paper Bird. The event will include an eco-expo, before and after party, music and much more entertainment with the highlight of the evening being an eco-fashion show courtesy of prAna with makeup by top makeup artist, Jen Murphy. Showcased on all of the models will be the bio-active, organic make-up line, Afterglow Cosmetics. Click here for ticket information.

In Downtown Boulder there is something to see and do every day of the week. To find out about other happenings in the heart of the city, visit BoulderDowntown.com.

Another Sunny Beautiful Day on the Pearl Street Mall!