Coyote Gulch is a tributary stream to Bear Creek Lake in Jefferson County. Increased development had damaged the area and forced excess water through the channel causing streambank erosion and leaving an unstable channel base. Valerian was selected to stabilize the channel bed and banks and restore the ecological function of the stream corridor. Water quality improvements for both the stream and Bear Creek Lake were also part of the mission.

Expansions and improvements to the area’s trail system and the addition of new signage aid in educating visitors about the tenuous ecological environment at Bear Creek Lake.