About Us

Laura, a passionate outdoor enthusiast, environmentalist, photographer, and world traveler, draws constant inspiration from the beauty of nature. A Glenwood Springs native, she is thrilled to bring this meaningful "legacy" project to her hometown. Laura owns The Silver Bead (and Yarn Shop), a cherished part of the downtown community for nearly 24 years. She served on the Parks and Recreation commission for six years and has actively worked to protect local land areas from the dangers of irresponsible forest fires caused by unhoused encampments, successfully leading multiple clean-up efforts. The vision for the Botanical Gardens began as a city project during her time with Parks and Recreation four years ago. However, she eventually transformed this dream into an independent endeavor, founding the Glenwood Springs Riverside Botanical Gardens in the summer of 2025. Finding those "perfect moments" every day and cherishing the magic of our precious lands is her life goal.

Chrissy is a certified herbalist and commercial building designer who blends creativity and nature into everything she does. As a former co-owner of Homested, a local business rooted in community and sustainability, she led numerous plant walks and educational workshops on native plants and their traditional uses. 

When she is not designing spaces or exploring the world of herbal medicine, Chrissy enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two kids-whether hiking, gardening, or simply soaking in the beauty of the natural world.

Chrissy and Laura also helped to bring the Glen-a-Palooza and "Find your Wings in Glenwood Springs" events to our downtown community a few years ago when the Grand Avenue bridge was being re-constructed. Their passion for working through challenges and finding creative and inspiring outcomes continues to flourish in bringing these botanical gardens to our community.

For over 35 years Carolyn Meadowcroft has called Glenwood Springs home. She is currently employed as a Closing Agent by Land Title Guarantee Company and previously worked for Vectra Bank for 22 years as a mortgage lender and banker. Carolyn has a deep commitment to her community and has been involved with, and volunteered for, several organizations throughout the valley. She has been a dedicated Scout Leader and for 20 years she served as a board member of Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley. She joined the Glenwood Springs Garden Club last year and is now a new board member. When the opportunity arose to get involved with establishing the Glenwood Springs Riverside Botanical Garden non-profit, she embraced the possibility of building a public garden with the historic greenhouse as its centerpiece. She brings her years of experience, dedication, and passion to this new organization. Carolyn believes in the old adage that is so fitting for this new endeavor - Bloom Where You’re Planted.

Carolyn  has lived in GWS for 30 years and comes from a design and construction background. She has received several preservation awards, has worked with the Historical Society on the Cardiff Coke Ovens project and serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. She is a passionate local historian and preservationist and is committed to seeing the greenhouse relocated to become a City amenity.

Nathan, a native of Glenwood Springs, has a deep passion for style and creativity. His artistic vision guided him into a career in landscape design, leading to the founding of his company Blue Oak Studios in 2008. With a degree in Landscape Architecture and Art History from the University of Oregon, Nathan blends his knowledge of historical preservation with a knack for designing spaces full of unique and personal charm. His plan to help bring a "Victorian" theme to these gardens promises to be both inspiring and innovative.

Cindy has been a Roaring Fork resident for nearly 30 years and raised two children here. An enthusiastic home gardener with a keen interest in sustainable, water-wise designs. Cindy also has a diverse professional background in law, accounting, and property management. She brings the same philosophy to all projects: clarity, integrity, and a long-term perspective. Cindy is a dedicated problem-solver and looks forward to the collaborative efforts required to bring a botanical garden to Glenwood Springs and preserve the historic Redstone greenhouse.