Silent and serene Roxborough State Park has been a soul stirring experience for nature lovers for more than 20 years.

Soaring red rocks rise against Colorado's blue canopied sky like hands lifted in praise of the beauty that lies within this Douglas County National Natural Landmark.

Animals and birds live undisturbed within the park's secluded environment. Wildflowers bloom across a meadow under a red rock formation that looks remarkably like a reclining George Washington.

Once just the terrain of cattle ranchers, Roxborough annually welcomes thousands of visitors to hike its trails and marvel at its simple beauty

Appointed Roxborough's park manager in 1980, Susie Trumble is thrilled the park is considered a jewel in the state park system.

"I fought long and hard for Roxborough," she says.

The park grew under her watch from 500 to its present 3,300 acres.As manager, community organizer and grant writer, Susie was a key player in putting Roxborough State Park on the map both locally and nationally.

Susie was the third woman hired by state parks. Before that time, in order to be hired, "You had to be able to tear down an engine or put up a barbed wire fence," she says.

She was successful in accessing funds to restore the interior and exterior of Henry Persse's place located within the park.More recently she helped acquire funds for the restoration of the Persse cabins.

Because of her efforts the silica brick site adjacent to Roxborough State Park and Sedalia's Pretty Woman Ranch, a former stagecoach stop, were designated as Douglas County landmarks.

Susie's banking her most recent submission to the county will place the historic Sundance Ranch on its landmark list.

Looking back on her accomplishments, she says, "It wasn't me.I just had the opportunity to be in a position to be a catalyst, a source of energy."

While working 22 years as park manager, Susie organized Colorado's first friends of a state park.Friends of Roxborough State Park went on to raise more than $700,000 and played a major role in the state's ability to acquire hundreds of additional acres.

During the first seven years before the park was opened to the public in 1987, her efforts resulted in developing the first state parks' volunteer program. Susie's volunteers assisted her in documenting the park's natural resources and leading tours for people who were anxious to see the park before it opened.

Sue Wareck, a 20-year volunteer naturalist, called Trumble a marvelous manager.

"We would have done anything for her," Wareck said. "She made you feel good and was so grateful.Her heart was in Roxborough. It was her baby."

As a fully certified state law enforcement officer, Susie carried a pistol and was responsible for providing park security.In the early days, "I was the Lone Ranger, " she laughs, responsible for tracking down those who grew marijuana plants, poached animals or committed other illegal activities within the park.

It was on her security rounds that she met Tom Trumble, who was working security "over the fence" in Roxborough Park's residential area.They married and have a son, Jamie.

In 2002, Susie had to testify in a murder case after she and another park worker discovered a man's body left beside a park road. That event along with the Hayman fire, in which she and her staff were on call around the clock for four days, was a difficult year.Wanting to spend more time with son, Jamie, and 30 years of service under her holster, Susie decided to hang up her pistol and retire.

Though retired, Susie still has energy to draw people together.She's founder and president of the Roxborough Area State Historical Society, a member of the Douglas County Historic Preservation board, and the recently formed Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve board.

Her ability to gather public support, foster political will and raise funds for local heritage and cultural programs are assets her neighbors continue to appreciate.