Colorado State University (CSU)

Fall foliage taken in 2023. A dirt road winds through a field past a stand of yellow and orange aspens on the left. There are mountains in the background against a blue sky.

Colorado’s aspen trees are showing their fall colors while it’s still August. Is that a bad thing?

In The NoCo

Colorado aspen trees are starting to change colors unusually early this year – despite the continued summer heat. Why is this happening? And how will it affect the thousands of leaf-peepers who drive to the high county to enjoy the fall colors? We explore the science behind why the aspens are popping early this year.

A bearded man in a blue coat leans over a stream with a syringe.

In The NoCo

Why a secret weapon against climate change might be hiding in your shower or air conditioner

In The NoCo

If you have a drip tray under your fridge that’s filled with orange goo, a CSU scientist might be interested in hearing about it. A researcher there collects samples from people’s appliances like air conditioners and hot water heaters – and says the organisms could hold solutions to climate change and pollution.

Sports

3 departing members of Mountain West suing the conference for withholding millions of dollars

John Marshall, AP Sports Writer

Three departing members of the Mountain West Conference are suing the league, alleging it improperly withheld millions of dollars and misled them about a plan to accelerate Grand Canyon's membership. Boise State, Colorado State and Utah State filed an updated lawsuit in the District Court of Denver, arguing the conference and Commissioner Gloria Nevarez willfully disregarded the league's bylaws by "intentionally and fraudulently" depriving the schools of their membership rights. The three schools are all headed to the Pac-12 after the 2025-26 school year.

A woman wearing a yellow hard hat holds a pencil and paper while standing in the woods.

In The NoCo

Aspen groves help slow the spread of wildfire. Here’s what that means for mountain towns

In The NoCo

Researchers say that during a wildfire, aspen groves in Colorado’s forests help slow the progress of the blaze. So should more mountain communities plant aspen groves on the outskirts of town?

two orange-colored tomatoes ripen on vines in a garden

In The NoCo

Colorado’s dry, sunny climate can be tough on vegetable gardens. Here’s how to help yours thrive

In The NoCo

Many Coloradans love the idea of having their own vegetable garden — but the sunny, dry climate on the Front Range can make growing your own veggies a challenge. Today on In The NoCo, we hear from a gardening expert with CSU extension about how to get started, and how to help your plants thrive all summer.

A man stands on a walkway holding several flowering plants.

In The NoCo

Climate change could make Colorado lawns suffer. Here’s how to help yours adapt

In The NoCo

Colorado’s summers are getting hotter and drier and our lawns are getting crispier. But you don’t have to give up your lawn altogether, says Colorado State University Extension's turf grass specialist.

An adult Emerald Ash Borer adult sits on a piece of bark.

In The NoCo

The emerald ash borer is spreading across the Front Range. Here’s how to protect your trees

In The NoCo

An insect called the emerald ash borer has been spreading around the Front Range for years. It infects and kills ash trees, and recently spread to Denver. Learn how to prevent the spread of this insect, and protect your ash trees from this tiny green pest.

A man and a woman inspect plants growing in a lab.

In The NoCo

Vegetables that ripen whenever you’re ready to eat them? Scientists at CSU want to make it a reality

In The NoCo

Imagine being able to tell the vegetables in your garden when to ripen. Researchers at Colorado State University say they’re developing genetic “toggle switches” for plants that would let people control when and how their crops grow.

The Colorado State University bison herd at Soapstone Prairie, photographed on July 20, 2022

In The NoCo

How an unusual CSU program helps restore bison herds across the American West

In The NoCo

A group of researchers at CSU are celebrating a decade of raising a herd of genetically pure bison. Those bison have been transferred over the years to tribes and wildlife organizations around the West. We hear from the researcher who’s been leading this project and raising the herd.

A tree is pictured with a dozen peaches growing, against a blue sky backdrop

In The NoCo

Growing your own Palisade peach tree is harder than it sounds. Here’s how to give it your best shot

In The NoCo

If you’ve ever dreamed about picking a sweet, fuzzy peach right off your very own Palisade peach tree – well, we have some good news and some bad news. While it is possible to grow a peach tree on the Front Range, plant experts from the CSU extension say there are a lot of pitfalls to be aware of before you plant one.