Save the Niwot Tree Carvings
Help preserve the Niwot Tree Carvings, three monumental Native American tree sculptures in Niwot, Colorado, created by Eddie Running Wolf and lovingly restored by his son, Dustin Wolf. The Niwot Cultural Arts Association is leading a donation and preservation campaign to build a permanent protective shelter so these irreplaceable carvings can stand for generations.
The carvings honor Indigenous legacy in the Boulder Valley and were created under the guidance of Arapaho and Cheyenne Elders. Community donations support restoration, relocation, and construction of a tipi-inspired canopy at Lefthand Valley Grange Park.
Donate to support the Niwot tree carving preservation campaign or visit NiwotLivingHistory.org to learn more about related Indigenous history, Elder conversations, and community programs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Preserving the Niwot Tree Carvings
What are the Niwot tree carvings?
The Niwot tree carvings are three monumental tree sculptures—Cheyenne Holy Man, Spear Lodge Man, and The Eagle Catcher—created by the late Native artist Eddie Running Wolf. Carved directly into standing trees under the guidance of Arapaho and Cheyenne Elders, these works honor the enduring Indigenous legacy of the Boulder Valley.
Who is restoring the Eddie Running Wolf sculptures in Niwot?
Dustin Wolf, the son of the late Eddie Running Wolf, is meticulously restoring the three Native American tree carvings in Boulder County. Following his father's passing in 2020, Dustin has dedicated hundreds of hours to repairing severe weather and rot damage, preserving his father's intricate legacy "one little chisel chip at a time".
Where will the restored Niwot tree carvings be permanently located?
The restored tree carvings will be permanently installed under a protective, tipi-inspired canopy at Lefthand Valley Grange Park in Niwot, Colorado. This new site along Boulder County's LoBo Regional Trail will protect the sculptures from harsh weather while maintaining them as accessible, physical landmarks of Indigenous history.
How did Arapaho and Cheyenne Elders guide the Niwot tree carvings?
Eddie Running Wolf created the original designs for the carvings in direct dialogue with Elders and cultural leaders from the Arapaho and Cheyenne Tribal Nations. This guidance ensured the accurate, respectful representation of sacred figures like the Holy Man and Spear Lodge Man. To read contemporary perspectives from Southern Arapaho and Southern Cheyenne Elders regarding Boulder Valley history, visit niwotlivinghistory.org.
How does the Spear Lodge Man sculpture connect to Chief Niwot?
The 13-foot-tall Spear Lodge Man holds special local significance because artist Eddie Running Wolf considered it an imagined portrait of Southern Arapaho Chief Nowoo3 (Chief Niwot or Left Hand). Chief Nowoo3 was a peacemaker whose people wintered in the Boulder Valley before being subjected to forced removal and the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre.
How can I help save the Niwot tree carvings and support related Indigenous programs?
The Niwot Cultural Arts Association is actively raising funds through community donations to build the permanent protective shelter for the sculptures at Lefthand Valley Grange Park. Your tax-deductible contributions directly support the carving restoration and ensure these landmarks survive for generations. To explore all of Niwot's ongoing Native community collaboration—including the Niwot Native Art Market—visit niwotlivinghistory.org. Donate today to support the Niwot tree carvings!