The two children appeared as if they ran through a Jackson Pollock painting. It’s unique to find kids who want to use their valuable summer time in Keystone real estate on being educated about nature. They were given fluorescent paint in several colors, a present from a few of the counselors. The counselors were painted and dressed up like various weeds and mountain plants and of course Mother Nature, and they ended up having more paint on them than the children.

It’s all part of a new enterprise at KSS called “Flower Power”. This is a mixture of tag and capture the flag with a little Discovery Channel tossed in for good measure.  The students had to locate the “flowers,” obtain some basic facts about them and return to “Mother Nature” to get whatever the plants needed to survive, all the while taking care to avoid being attacked by the “weeds.” Joel Egbert, one of the KSS camp directors, noted that Flower Power is just a typical day at KSS and that the staff enjoy it just as much as the kids do, if not more.  “Not a lot of occupations offer you the chance to produce a world,” he declared.

Three core principles

Egbert said, “Kids deserve to have magic, they really do,” explaining that what makes the camp unique and keeps the kids coming back are the camp’s three core concepts of science, fun, and adventure. In terms of science, the activities are focused on one particular theme which is then woven into the day’s lessons.  “You can find other fantastic camps, but they are usually outdated,” Egbert said. “We’re very forward-thinking. We search for techniques to truly connect to science.”

The KSS staff favors an active course of schooling rather than presenting Ben Stein-type lectures. On Tuesday, the children were taken on a hike on the EarthTrack to expose them to the great outdoors. During a woodland hike, the staff gently weave lessons into games and a scavenger hunt. The culmination was when the counselors had the campers demonstrate the interdependence of the different plants and animals in the food web using an interwoven string. The whole web fell apart when a camper holding the part that represented the sun dropped his end.  “You are the most important element!” one camper shouted to the sun. The offended sun replied “I know, I already said that.”

This active way to be taught must be succeeding because children keep returning to the camp. According to Jordan Egbert, Joel’s brother and a member of the KSS staff, 70% to 80% of campers have been at the camp before. A month to a month and a half is what quite a few of the kids sign up for, he added.  According to Jordan Egbert, the returning kids eventually end up teaching the other kids.

The Egberts said they were interested in KSS for both “selfish and selfless reasons.” Selfishly they wanted to spend as much time as possible in the mountains taking part in any and all outdoor activities, but selflessly they really wanted to work with children. This sort of interconnectivity is what allows KSS to thrive.  Jordan Egbert said, “These kids give you the same experience you give them.”

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT CONDOMINIUM, LOT, OR KEYSTONE HOME FOR A SINGLE FAMILY? GET YOUR KEYSTONE UPDATE FROM JONNA BEADSLEY – BRECKENRIDGE ASSOCIATES TODAY! MANY FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR HOME OWNERS. JONNA@BRECKEN – Phone: (970) 390-2533

Gilliland’s research reflected an alternative view that she had known for a while, “However, I didn’t factor them in for years.”  A small detail caught my eye. A few miners had left Leavenworth, Kansas for Breckenridge real estate in the beginning of April.  With the study of manuscripts and other documents from the Denver Public Library, the author Mary Ellen Gilliland carried out further investigation.

“I started to uncover additional information, and it was surprising and interesting,” she said.  However her book, which is being released to coincide with Breck 150 anniversary celebrations, delves into more than the birth of local gold mining, covering progress through the World Wars, skiing history, and events up to and including the present.

Gilliland shared, “There are many stories that have gone untold,” reminding us that the Great Depression and World War II was especially difficult for the town.  The profiles of 10 pioneers are included too — prominent historical figures who have remained in the shadows throughout history.

In another of her books, “Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels and No Goods,” Gilliland profiled some less savory figures, but her most recent book concentrates on more reputable people like Christ Kaiser, a German grocer, and Robert Foote, the Denver Hotel proprietor.  There are some photos, some never before published, inside the 144 page book.

Call Breckenridge real estate expert, Jonna Beardsley if you are considering purchasing a house in the Rockies. She has served her real estate community for about thirty years!

Email jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at (970) 390-2533.

It seems that what Breckenridge Colorado and Summit County are currently experiencing is a wide separation in price between sellers & buyers in regards to the market value of real estate.  The majority of sellers in the Breckenridge and Summit county area don’t have to sell and the majority of buyers don’t have to buy.  This puts buyers and sellers at an odd impasse when trying to negotiate a transaction.  Sellers are beginning to realize and accept that selling their property in this market means having to negotiate on their bottom price (something they have not had to do in years). But the sellers’ idea of negotiating and the buyers’ idea that we are in a Florida market price is just not matching up.  Breckenridge Realtors are trying to prepare their sellers for low-offers but sellers have been pretty clear that although they will negotiate, they will not “give” their property away.  This still leaves buyers in a good position.  All in all they are getting a good discount.

Inventory has started to climbed second quarter. There have been about half the numbers of buyers in the market our first quarter, but buyers seem to be coming out of the woodwork. With our market inventory high, investors have a great choice of fine ski area properties to choose from and have the buyer’s market for negotiating.  There really are some great deals out there—these are some of the best deals our market has seen in years.  After experiencing this type of market over the  past 30 years, it has been my experience that buyers aren’t sure they want to purchase a second home—  In a couple of years they will be saying “I should have bought something in 2009.”  I realize some buyers are trying to wait for the bottom of the market but how do you determine where and when that is? You may miss it. I believe with all types of investments it is about time in the market instead of timing the market. With prices down, and interest rates at a fantastic rate (all time low) my opinion is if you are searching for a second home purchase for your family…NOW IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER A PURCHASE IN BRECKENRIDGE OR THE SUMMIT COUNTY AREA.

Please contact:  An experienced real estate professional, Jonna Beardsley 970-390-2533 “I am only a phone call away.”jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com

There is no place like Breckenridge homes, especially the Festival of Film event in Breckenridge Co. aka Breckenridge Ski Resort in the Colorado Rocky Mountains!  The Breckenridge Co Festival of Film was established in 1981, making it one of the oldest film festivals in the country. The Festival has hosted such guests as Alan Arkin, Sydney Pollack, Mary Steenburgen, and Donald Sutherland. Our four Summit County theaters hosts’ premier features, and Breckenridge friends and volunteers, help make this a splendid mountain event.

The Breckenridge Film Festival has a great web site connecting visitors with lodging for beautiful Breckenridge homes and Breckenridge condominiums offering off season favorable nightly rates. Be sure to check out all of the parties and events and festival schedule. It is a great time to interact with the stars. SEE: (breckfilmfest.COM)

The Breckenridge Festival of Film is proud to announce that Breckenridge Associates (Jonna Beardsley- partner) is honored to receive the “Sponsor of the Decade” award for their continued support.  Director Dawna Foxx, stated that our Breckenridge Real Estate Hometown team has truly lived up to their name with the support of the Film Festival.  Also, stating our donations sponsorship dollars and numerous volunteer hours. Our hat is off to this non-profit organization.  They work hard with fundraising events, and are known for the many private and local contributions.  The revenue from tickets and merchandise sales help provide funding.

Breckenridge was established in 1859 and boast much of the look and historic charm of its prior fame as a late 1800’s mining town. In a spectacular setting 9,600 feet above sea level, summer and fall visitors enjoy many recreational opportunities from fishing, golf, tennis and horseback riding, to biking, hiking, sailing and rafting. Hockey players and family members will enjoy the two ice rinks, as well as a full recreation center with a climbing wall and skate park.
Breckenridge is located approximately 90 miles west of Denver via interstate highway 70. The town offers historical tours, art galleries, many shops and fine dining.

If you have an interest in Breckenridge Colorado real estate contact Jonna Beardsley, Broker/Owner. I can help you with a tour around town or sign up to receive my  by-annual real estate magazine called “The Source” or news letter update for the Breckenridge real estate economy, homes of interest, and inter active online magazine.

I am only a phone call away. “Serving the Breckenridge community for close to 3 decades.” 970-390-2533 or e-mail jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com

We had light rain drizzle but it didn’t stop the bikers from riding on the connected bike trails from Breckenridge to Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, or Copper mountain ski resort.

The Breckenridge wild flowers are about to bloom… many ladies enjoy the hikes to discover many names and types of wild flowers. It is our own fun and discovery of “gold in them hills”. I hope you will discover the beauty of “Gods Country” this summer. 

Be sure to ask Jonna Beardsley about the fun amenities of Breckenridge, real estate lodging or calendar of events.  You can find all of these things here on my web site.  Remember I am only a phone call away. Decades of dedication to helping folks find their Breckenridge Co dream vacation property or ski home.

The Mountain Pine Beetle attacks the Rocky Mountains in cycles every 20 to 30 years.  They swept through the area in the 1970s and returned in recent years.  Both forest stand conditions and weather patterns affect the outbreaks.  Primary targets are Ponderosa, Lodgepole, Scotch, and Limber pines.  Bristlecone and Pinion pine are less commonly attacked.  MPB normally do not attack seedlings, saplings, or pole-sized trees. 

During the early stages of an outbreak, the insects attack trees that are weakened through stress.  Stress can be caused by construction damage, over-crowded stands, fire damage, lightening, soil compaction, mistletoe infection, and old age.  Once they reach epidemic levels, they strike any favorite tree but prefer those that are larger in diameter.

Natives used fire to promote desired plants for food and medicine, to clear land, and to provide forage for game.  European settlers also cleared the land.  Fur trappers hunted beaver, greatly impacting the streams and forests in the region.  Enter the miners, cattlemen, loggers, and the railroad—all industries that thinned out forests. 

Modern tools have been used to reconstruct the image of what forests looked like in the past.  Photographs help collaborate information. Additionally, dendrochronology studies tree rings to calculate the rate of growth, weather patterns, insect outbreaks, and fire intervals.  Layers of ash at varying depths in the soil can also determine ancient fire regimes.  The beetle itself thinned forests, allowing for new and healthy growth. 

They have a one-year life cycle.  From July 15 through September 15, the new generation sets out to claim territory.  Using their highly developed sensors, they attack green trees, enter the bark, mate, and lay eggs that hatch the next year.  After the invasion, the tree is effectually dead, although it retains its green color throughout the winter before turning yellow, beige, and red. 

To deter them, pine stands can be thinned before the insects get to the area.  A wide range of techniques includes horse logging, tractor skidding, and helicopter logging.  Of course, fire is not a good method to use near homes.

Most property owners seek professional assistance through a tree service, which sprays individual targets every year or two.  Some people spray their own trees with Carbaryl or the recommended deterrent.  In fact, it is helpful to organize the neighborhood to treat an entire subdivision at the same time.  The Forest Service can help owners to identify infested or weak trees. 
Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about real estate in the Rocky Mountain region.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

In today’s market, we are finding creative solutions for buyers of Breckenridge CO real estate.  Ask about our one-bedroom condo at Crystal Peak for $860,000 with quarter-share interest available at $300,000.  It is a buyer opportunity with equity on the table in a premier ski in/out location with the gondola! 

For buyers who need large family or corporate retreats, look at the unique Breckenridge log home with ski-in/out access on Beavers with almost 6,000 square feet and five bedrooms fully furnished and listing for under $4M.  For $2,250,000, the round log Breckenridge CO home on Boulder Circle features 4802 square feet and 5 bedrooms—right in the heart of the Peak 8 expansion.

We are speaking about Breckenridge properties.  However, the Epic Season Pass is completely unrestricted and unlimited at Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly.  “Unrestricted” means no blackout dates and “unlimited” means that you ski where you want when you want for just $579 during the entire season. 

Additionally, the Epic Pass comes with a long list of benefits. 
• Epic Pass Club (EPC) with exclusive member-only benefits, discounts, freebies, and more
• 6 ski-with-a-friend tickets to take friends and family to ski at a discounted rate.  Tickets are loaded onto your Epic Pass.
• One-year subscription to SKI Magazine, 7 issues per year
• Resort Charge privileges to make it super convenient to charge on-mountain dining, ski and snowboard lessons and more.  Your Epic Pass can be linked to a credit card for use on 5 of the 6 mountains.

All season passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.  The Epic Season Pass requires a current photo of the passholder, which can be uploaded online.  Once again, the $579 price is only guaranteed through April 9, 2009.  After the initial payment of $49, which is due by May 10, the balance is paid in September.

Contact Jonna Beardsley at (970) 453-2200 for friendly and professional real estate assistance in Summit and Park counties.

Mud season is a great time to plan to brighten up a corner of your vacation home in Frisco or a condominium terrace in Silverthorne CO real estate.  Plan to put in lavish baskets and flower beds of peonies, crocus, poppies, lupine, tulips, columbine, delphinium—and peek-a-boo stands of hearty wildflowers along the hillsides.

Gardening at an elevation of 9,600 feet requires a bit more patience than at sea level, however.  Our local landscapers are wonderful guides to successful high-altitude gardening.  They know what works and what plants tend to struggle in the cooler climate. 

Annuals and perennials are slow to start.  They can be started indoors using the short-season or high-altitude seeds that are available through a variety of plant suppliers and local landscaping companies.  Additionally, seed-starting mixes such as Redi-Earth Seed Starter and Ferti-Mix are available on the market. They really do help our high-altitude gardeners achieve maximum success.  After germinating, seeds must stay inside for 4-6 weeks so start in early May.  To shortcut the process, buy plugs to plant in June. 

When temperatures consistently reach the 40s, prepare the flower beds outdoors but wait to plant until the middle of June when warm weather arrives.  By covering the plants with mulch and regularly watering and weeding, most gardeners enjoy beautiful blooming gardens by late July or early August.  After the middle of August, it’s best to stop fertilizing and start planning for next year.  Most watering should end by the end of summer. 

Wildflowers prefer soil with low fertility that can be watered.  If seeded with a carrier such as fine sand, they will spread evenly.  The key is to barely cover them with dirt and to keep them moist.  If planted in the spring, they will bloom by late summer. 

New gardeners may get the hang of it more quickly by joining the Summit County Garden Club, which works on beautifying public spaces.  Mid-summer, they hold an annual tour of some of the most fabulous gardens in the area.  Everyone shares gardening ideas, including inspiration about healthy bushes and flower bulbs like daffodils that can be planted in the fall for an easy garden in 2010.  By the way, water bulbs until snow or freezing temperatures arrive.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about real estate in the Rocky Mountain region.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.