Boulder County, Colo. – Therese Glowacki, Director of Boulder County Parks and Open Space, has announced that she will retire effective Dec. 17, 2025, following a distinguished 26-year career with the department.
“Therese has greatly contributed to the success and legacy of open space in Boulder County,” said County Administrator Jana Petersen. “While I’m excited for her to celebrate the end of her Boulder County career during the department’s 50th Anniversary year, I will certainly be sad to see her go.”
“Therese has given so much to the community during her 26 years with Boulder County,” said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. “Environmental successes with the biomass utilization at the county's Parks and Open Space building, rare and endangered habitat restoration, and increasing the amount of critical land with perpetual protection as open space are just a few of her amazing contributions. The results of Therese's hard work and dedication will be enjoyed by community members and wildlife for years to come.”
In her long career with Boulder County Parks and Open Space and as director, Glowacki has led efforts that will leave a lasting mark on Boulder County’s open space system. Under her leadership, the department has:
- Restored thousands of acres of land.
- Advanced wildfire mitigation projects.
- Acquired significant properties, most recently Haystack Mountain, located north of Boulder, and the Tucker property, located west of Nederland.
- Updated the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Environmental Resources Element in 2014, adding hundreds of plant and animal species to the protection list.
- Guided the recovery of public lands following the 2013 flood.
- Spearheaded the department’s 2005 move to renewable energy by implementing biomass heating systems which burns wood thinned from open space to replace natural gas.
She has also championed programs that promote inclusion and access, supporting the department’s transition to bilingual signage, expanding Spanish-language programming, and strengthening partnerships with tribal nations. Glowacki’s leadership reflects her lifelong dedication to conservation, community engagement, and stewardship of the county’s natural landscapes.
About Boulder County Parks and Open Space
Boulder County Parks and Open Space protects and manages more than 107,000 acres of land for conservation, recreation, and agriculture. The department remains committed to preserving natural, cultural, and agricultural resources while ensuring equitable access for all members of the community.
