In 1995, a non-profit group successfully convinced the Fort Collins city council to initiate a city-funded community horticulture program. The positive results of that program’s many dozens of gardens and gardening projects were then used as a springboard to secure the endorsement of voters in a 1997 municipal election, resulting in $3,000,000 in city funding for The Gardens on Spring Creek.

In the spring of 2001, The Friends organization was established for the purpose of providing support for The Gardens on Spring Creek and to aid the implementation of its mission and programming. Objectives included promoting awareness, building and sustaining membership, and securing funding for expansion of the gardens. After much hard work, including many thousands of volunteer hours, The Gardens opened to the community in January 2004.

Major accomplishments of the Friends of The Gardens on Spring Creek to date include:

• Securing funding towards the construction of the Evelyn Clark Classroom facility, the Children’s Garden, the Entry Garden, and the Garden of Eatin'
• Establishing a membership of over 200 local citizens that provide financial support to The Gardens on Spring Creek through annual dues, donations, and participation in special events
• Organizing and conducting special events each year to promote awareness of The Gardens on Spring Creek
• Producing a semi-annual newsletter highlighting educational and community events held at The Gardens on Spring Creek
   

2009 Board of Directors

Pam Barker
Pam is a small-time, small-scale gardener for hire, physical therapist, mom, and all-around community meddler. She joined the Friends of Spring Creek Board of Directors in 2006 and has since enjoyed being part of the rapid growth and expanding vision of The Gardens. She worked with others in coordinating the 1st and 2nd Annual Harvest Festivals at The Gardens and is looking forward to an expanded role as Chair of the Marketing Committee for the Friends Board. Working towards growing community awareness, helping significantly increase supporting membership, and encouraging The Gardens to continue to develop in a way that fosters education, environmental, and community stewardship and sense of place are goals she feels are well worth working to achieve.

Emily Goldman
Secretary
Emily has a B.F.A (Fine Arts) degree from Naropa University, Boulder, and a B.S. degree in Landscape Architecture from CSU. She is certified LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). Emily is also a child-care director. She is starting a new business called Sweet Pea Old Town Child Care. It will be a "sustainable" child-care business that will incorporate sustainability on all fronts: composting, recycling, education and enrichment for the kids, gardening, and organic food.

Sally Guthart
Sally is a landscape designer for Empire Landscaping. Prior to working for Empire, she was the owner of Earthborn Landscape Design. Sally holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Horticulture and Landscape Technologies. She has studied color and design at both CSU and UCLA. Sally has been an active community volunteer over the past 21 years that she has lived in Fort Collins.

Chris Johnson
President
Chris is a Kansas native who, despite his actual gardening skills, has had a life-long appreciation of the natural world. Chris earned his B.A. in Environmental Studies in 1991 at the University of Kansas. By day he is a Geographic Information Systems Analyst for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family and enjoys the challenges and fulfillment associated with community involvement and volunteerism. He has servec on the Board for over two years.

Ross Shrigley
Vice President
Ross received a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1994 from CSU. Hands-on gardening and the outdoors drew him more than academia so he purchased and operated a gardening business from1995 through 2001. In 2000, Ross invented the Rain Cane Watering Wand, which is still on the market today. Employed at the Denver Botanic Gardens for five years now as a horticulturist, he has managed the Perennial Walk, Dwarf Conifer Collection, Ornamental Grass Collection, and Children’s Secret Path. Currently he is working on the construction of the Mordecai Children’s Garden, which will break ground in Fall 2009.

Bebe Sorge
Treasurer
Bebe graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After working in corporate accounting and financial management for several years, she decided to return to her agricultural “roots” and earned her Master’s degree in Soil Science at CSU. Bebe is currently an instructor in the Horticulture program at Front Range Community College.

Mary Stonaker
Mary was raised in Southern California where anything grows. She was a clinical dental hygienist and also taught dental health at the elementary level. She married into the National Park Service and lived in several western parks, working in visitor services and as a naturalist. The flora in the parks stimulated her interest in native plants, an interest which remains today. She moved with her husband and son to Fort Collins in 2002. Mary studied horticulture and landscape design at Front Range Community College. Five years working in nurseries has helped round out her horticultural knowledge. She now has a business: High and Dry Landscape Design and Maintenance.

Amy Taylor
Amy owns Taylor & Associates, LLC; a Regulatory Affairs consulting firm providing registration and compliance services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Amy is a microbiologist and chemist by education and has offered her writing and business skills to support fund-raising efforts for The Gardens. Amy is a Colorado native and has lived in the Fort Collins area with her husband since 1991.