Land Trust Events
COMMUNITY CONNECTION & ENGAGEMENT
Land trusts host a variety of events throughout the year to bring Coloradans together and celebrate the land. From nature hikes, field trips and picnics, to educational seminars and volunteer projects, land trusts offer many touch points for getting involved. Check this page often to see what’s in store across Colorado! (We’ll keep the list of opportunities as up-to-date as we can, but please check land trusts’ websites for the most accurate info.)
2024 Events
Event: Western Water Field Day
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Join Palmer Land Conservancy for our Western Water Field Day. You'll learn all about water rights in the state of Colorado and what it takes to get the water from our reservoirs to your kitchen sink. The day will feature a short hike, hands-on water science techniques, and opportunities to spot seasonal and migratory wildlife.
Event: Water Rights on the Front Range
Host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and time: Monday, Apr. 29, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join Douglas Land Conservancy and water experts Steve Boand and Todd Warnke to get your feet wet in the complex world of Colorado water rights. We'll focus specifically on how water is allocated- and who owns it- here on the Front Range. Come ready to learn and face difficult questions about the future of water in Colorado. Photo: USGS
Event: Virtual Spring Update
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: April 30, 2024 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Join Palmer Land Conservancy for our Spring Conservation Update Virtual event. Discover the impactful strides in conservation Palmer has made in partnership with the Colorado community and learn about the innovative initiatives driving our mission forward.
Event: Summer Solstice Hike at the Paint Mines
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: June 20, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Experience the beauty of nature and celebrate conservation with Palmer Land Conservancy at our Summer Solstice Hike at Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Guided by interpretive staff from El Paso County Parks, you’ll be enriched with a wealth of information regarding the Paint Mines’ geologic and cultural history, illustrating the critical importance of conservation work in preserving our region's most beautiful landscapes.
Event: MIRASOL: Screening at SCP Hotel, Colorado Springs
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Join Palmer Land Conservancy for a Colorado Springs Screening of MIRASOL, Looking at the Sun. In this poignant new film, award-winning filmmaker Ben Knight challenges us to think about land and water use in the West through an intimate portrait of a rural farming community in Pueblo, Colorado, as they fight to protect their water and land, and in turn, their culture and livelihood.
Event: MIRASOL: Salida Premiere
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 PM
Join Palmer Land Conservancy and our friends Guidestone Colorado and Central Colorado Conservancy for the Salida premiere of MIRASOL, Looking at the Sun. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ben Knight, MIRASOL challenges us to think about land and water use through an intimate portrait of the rural farming community in Pueblo, Colorado, as they fight to protect their water and land and, in turn, their culture and livelihood.
Event: Bike the Bessemer
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Join Palmer Land Conservancy for our annual Bike the Bessemer event – a fun-filled and educational ride showcasing Pueblo County’s premier agricultural lands. Enjoy an easy ~12-mile bike ride with stops at local farms, followed by a delicious farm-to-table lunch (included with your registration) featuring ingredients sourced directly from the farmers in Pueblo County. Your day will conclude with a special screening of MIRASOL: Looking at the Sun, a new film directed by acclaimed director Ben Knight and produced by the Palmer Land Conservancy.
PAST EVENTS | 2024
Event: TENACITY: Women in Conservation
Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and time: March 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
TENACITY: Women in Conservation will feature three remarkable women who have blazed their own paths and are defining conservation in the 21st century. We'll hear about the challenges they faced, the successes they've celebrated, and what gives them hope for the future. They will also share a few pearls of wisdom to inspire the next generation of Land Lovers.
Event: Conservation Trends In The West Coffee Chat
Host: Mountain Area Land Trust
Date and time: March 6, 2024 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Mountain Area Land Trust is thrilled to host “Conservation Trends in the West” with Lori Weigel, Principal of New Bridge Strategy, on Wednesday, March 6 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at our office in Evergreen. Guests will get an inside look at the findings from the 14th annual bipartisan Conservation in the West poll, which shows Westerners’ views on climate change, public lands, water and other conservation issues.
Event: Tax Credit Webinar
Host: Southern Plains Land Trust and Tax Credit Connection
Date and time: February 20, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Southern Plains Land Trust is hosting a zoom webinar to provide information about buying tax credits. They are a much more powerful tax reduction tool than the charitable deduction. And they aren't just for the 1%! Host is Dr. Henry Pollock, executive director at Southern Plains Land Trust, joined by speakers Martin Herz, financial expert, and Caroline Rideout of Tax Credit Connection.
Event: DLC Volunteer Orientation
Host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and time: Feb. 20, 2024, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Interested in volunteering with Douglas Land Conservancy this year? Come join us at our volunteer orientation and information session to meet the community of volunteers who work to conserve land in the Douglas County region. Learn more about how land trusts operate and opportunities to get involved in protecting what you value, like guiding hikes, developing educational social media content, creating GIS maps of conserved properties, and so much more! A regular time commitment is not required to volunteer in most positions with DLC.
Event: Private Film Screening of FULL Circle with Guest Jennifer Corbet
Host: Mountain Area Land Trust
Date and time: Feb. 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00p.m.
Event website: RSVP to malt@savetheland.org or (303) 679-0950
This documentary features local snow sport influencers Trevor Kennison and the late Barry Corbet, a world-renowned mountaineer and storyteller. This inspirational ski and snowboard film follows the path of two individuals and shares an unblinking examination of the challenges of spinal cord injury, and a celebration of the growth that such tragedy can catalyze. Barry’s daughter, Jennifer Corbet, who is an Olympian, storyteller, local community member and longtime MALT supporter, will share memories about her dad, the influence he had on her and the broader community, and the legacy he left behind. Free.
Event: Wildcrafting Workshop (Medicinal Plants)
Host: Mountain Area Land Trust
Date and time: Jan. 30, 2024 from 3:30-5:00p.m.
Event website: RSVP to malt@savetheland.org or (303) 679-0950
Are you ready to go foraging in your backyard to discover plants that may be able heal your aches and pains? Mountain Area Land Trust welcomes guests to join Mary O’Brien, co-author of “Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Southern Rockies: Foothills to Alpine in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho” to learn about wildcrafting, which is the craft of harvesting medicinal plants from the wild. During this insightful session, guests will learn about the health benefits of native plants, how to identify plants in nature, steps to harvest medicinal plants in Colorado’s great outdoors and a recipe. Free.
PAST EVENTS | 2023
Event: Coffman Coffee Walks
Event host: Aspen Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: Every first Friday at 9:00 am.
Rain, snow, or shine, every first Friday of the month at 9am Aspen Valley Land Trust will be at the ranch ready to walk to the river. Bring your own coffee and please wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet and dress for the season. The next Coffman Coffee Walk. All ages are welcome.
Event: Bike the Bessemer
Event host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and Time: Sept. 30, 2023 from 8:00am-1:00pm
Get ready to pedal gently through the heart of southern Colorado's lush farming community and revel in a day of adventure, discovery, and delectable food. Designed to deepen your connection to local foods and the rich agriculture legacy of the region, this guided bike tour will delight all of your senses on a one-of-a-kind Colorado adventure.
Event: Forever Colorado BBQ
Event host: Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
Date and Time: Aug. 12, 2023 from 4:30pm-9:30pm
Benefiting the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and the conservation of working lands. Featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent auction.
Event: Field Trips
Event host: Crested Butte Land Trust
Date and Time: August 7 at North Pole Basin with Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Festival, all day!
August 31 at Schutt property with Gunnison Wildlife Association at 4:00pm
September 14 at Gunsight Bridge with Crested Butte Land Trust at 4:00pm
Join Crested Butte Land Trust for their summer field trips series. Field trips focus on science research, the history of our beautiful valley, trail building and maintenance, and so much more. Visit conserved land and learn about the great work being done. Email jessica@cblandtrust.org to sign up.
Event: Colorado Land Connection Restoration Series: Social Trails
Event host: Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space
Date and Time: July 20 from 9:00am-12:00pm
Miller Ranch Open Space is a beautiful and easily accessible open space, and includes access to the Eagle River. In recent years usage has increased, leading to trail braiding and other impacts. As a result, Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space are working together on this project to help solve these issues.
Event: 21st Annual Caddis Cup Fly Fishing Tournament
Event host: Crested Butte Land Trust
Date and Time: July 15, 2023 from 8:00am-5:00pm
This event is the land trust’s longest running tradition, raising funds to support our mission in land conservation throughout the Gunnison Valley. Together, we are protecting land and water for people, wildlife, and ranching. This year’s categories are: Most aggregate inches (the Caddis Cup winner), largest Brown, largest Rainbow, largest Cutthroat, and we will continue the *Grand Slam* award with the total of the largest individual Brown, Brook, Rainbow, and Cutthroat. Happy fishing!
Event: Save the Land
Event host: Aspen Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: July 12
Help save land and water with your fellow conservationists while enjoying dinner and drinks at T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen. Stay tuned for more info and ticket and sponsorship opportunities.
Event: Saving Great Plains Grasslands
Event host: Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
Date and time: June 29 at 12:00 pm
Join CCALT for an upcoming webinar with The Xerces Society on June 29. Grasslands in Colorado, and elsewhere, are rapidly disappearing. Grasslands provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators and other invertebrates. Join Xerces Biologists Ray Moranz and Rae Powers to learn about the ecological and social value of rangelands, management practices to support pollinators, and critical actions to maintain native plant diversity on rangelands.
Event: 35th Anniversary Challenge
Event host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and Time: March through June 28, 2023, 10:30pm
You are invited to celebrate by participating in DLC’s 35th Anniversary Challenge! We challenge you to head outdoors between March and June and do “Something 35”. Then share with DLC via email or social media, using the hashtag “#DLC35.”
Event: Community Land Connection Series: Searching for the Elusive Harrington’s Penstemon
Event host: Eagle Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: June 27 from 9:00am - 11:00am
Did you know Eagle County is home to a very rare and beautiful flower? In fact, West Avon Preserve is one of the only places in the world where you can find the elusive Harrington’s Penstemon. Come out to see this rare beauty and learn about the abundant life in the sagebrush community.
Event: Wildflower Walk
Event host: Colorado Headwaters Land Trust
Date and Time: June 25 at 8:30 am
Stop and smell the flowers with Colorado Headwaters Land Trust on Sunday, June 25 at Himebaugh Gulch/Jones Creek Ranch Conservation Easement outside of Hot Sulphur Springs. This event is free to attend, but donations to CHLT are accepted. Registration is required!
Event: A Night in the Park
Event host: Mountain Area Land Trust
Date and Time: June 24 from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Save the date for “A Night In The Park”, Mountain Area Land Trust’s annual signature fundraising event. The celebration is set for June 24, 2023 at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park in Evergreen.
Event: Headwaters Book Club
Event host: Colorado Headwaters Land Trust and Headwaters Trails Alliance
Date and Time: June 15 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join CHLT and HTA for our quarterly book club meeting Thursday, June 15th, 6:00 pm, at Headwaters River Journey in the Think Tank room.
Event: Hot Sulphur Days Fun Run/Walk with CHLT
Event host: Colorado Headwaters Land Trust
Date and Time: June 11 starting at 9:00 am
Join Colorado Headwaters Land Trust for Hot Sulphur Days for a fun run/walk on Sunday, June 11 starting at 9:00 am at Hot Sulphur Mini Merc (116 E Byers Ave, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451).
Event: Douglas Land Conservancy's Plein Air Community Day
Event Host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and Time: June 10 from 7:00am-4:30pm
Join Douglas Land Conservancy for Plein Air Community Day! All ages & all levels of painting skill from professional to amateur are welcome. Join acclaimed Plein Air artists for a day of painting at Sandstone Ranch Open Space.
Event: Summer Kickoff Party
Event host: Colorado Headwaters Land Trust and Headwaters Trails Alliance
Date and Time: June 7 starting at 5:00 pm
Join CHLT and HTA for a summer kickoff party at Vicious Cycle Brewing on Wednesday, June 7th starting at 5:30 pm! Come meet CHLT and HTA staff members, board members, and supporters from the Grand County community.
Event: Sandstone Ranch Geologic Field Trips
Event Host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and Time: June 3, 2023, 10:00am - 12:30pm or 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Hike at Sandstone Ranch where you can put your hands on billion-year-old rocks, folds, and faults. Hikes will be led by qualified geologists and supported by Douglas County Open Space and Douglas Land Conservancy staff and volunteers.
Event: Community Land Connection Restoration Series: Fence Removal
Event host: Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space
Date and Time: June 2 from 9:00am-12:00pm
Join Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space for a morning of fence removal at Eagle River preserve in Edwards from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, June 2nd. Old fencing inhibits wildlife by causing injuries and limiting their movement, and removing it from the landscape has tangible and rewarding results. Come help remove some fencing and support our local wildlife.
Event: Conservation Easements 101 for Realtors
Event host: La Plata Open Space Conservancy
Date and Time: June 2 from 9:00am-12:00pm
This workshop will cover the ins and outs of conservation easements, their benefits and costs, and things to keep in mind for real estate transactions on conserved properties. Those working in real estate-related fields (appraisers, lenders, closing officers, etc.) should also find this course useful. Please RSVP.
Event: Cortez Cycle for Conservation
Event host: Montezuma Land Conservancy, Cortez Cultural Center and School Community Youth Collaborative
Date and Time: June 1 from 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Join MLC's Next Generation Advisory Board for a group bike tour of Cortez-area conserved lands and a post-ride party at WildEdge!
The ride will have distance options to visit either one public open space on a 5.5-mile ride, or both conserved properties for the full 9-mile tour! Both options will start from Montezuma Park in Cortez and end at WildEdge Brewing Collective where there will be live music and door prize drawings.
Snacks and refreshments will also be provided at tour stops during the bike ride. Please RSVP.
Event: Front Range Social
Event host: Headwaters Land Trust
Date and Time: May 21, 1:00-4:00 pm
Join Colorado Headwaters Land Trust for a front range gathering at Mockery Brewing in Denver. Meet fellow supporters of our land trust, connect with our board and staff, and enjoy beverages on us!
Event: Springfest
Event host: Aspen Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: May 20 from 11:00am-2:00pm
Welcome spring and celebrate conservation with your local land trust at Strang Ranch, a historic working ranch in Missouri Heights. Bring your chairs and blankets for a family-friendly picnic. It's a day on the land you don't want to miss!
Event: Beavers in Colorado
Event host: Estes Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: May 13, 9:00 am
Registration is now open for Estes Valley Land Trust’s virtual breakfast event on Saturday, May 13. Join the land trust and guest speaker Dr. Ellen Wohl for a discussion on how beavers modify rivers and how these modifications enhance river health and resilience to wildfire, drought, and flood. Registration is required.
Event: Earth Day Hike
Event Host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and Time: April 22 from 10 am - 12 pm
Join Palmer Land Conservancy on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, for an exclusive hike and birding opportunity to see rare migrating birds drawn to the area as a haven on their journey North. See firsthand how nature is thriving on and near a Palmer-protected property.
Event: History Colorado Exhibit
Event host: Estes Valley Land Trust
Date and Time: April 4, 2023 @ 9am - 5pm
Join the Estes Valley Land Trust for a guided tour of History Colorado’s new Sand Creek Massacre Exhibit on Tuesday, April 4th. Reservations for the tour are required and space is limited. The guided tour includes a shuttle to and from Estes Park and History Colorado in Denver, access to the entire museum, and a catered lunch.
Event: Land Trust Social
Event host: Colorado Headwaters Land Trust
Date and Time: March 31 @ 7pm
Join Colorado Headwaters Land Trust for a gathering at the Parshall Inn, Friday, March 31st starting at 7pm!
Come meet fellow supporters of our land trust, connect with community members and landowners from across Grand County, and enjoy a musical performance by local singer/songwriter Caitlyn Taussig Cowboy Music. This event is free to attend!
Event: Virtual Auction and Open House
Event host: Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust
Date and Time: March 15-31, 2023. Open house is March 31, 2023, from 5:00-8:00pm.
RiGHT compiled diverse items and experiences from around the San Luis Valley from world-class artwork, local food, fishing and hunting experiences, horseback riding, and self-care packages benefiting their mission. The auction closes on March 31st at 7pm. RiGHT is also hosting an open house to close the auction and celebrate the start of a new irrigation year in the San Luis Valley from 5-8 pm on March 31 at the RiGHT office in Del Norte, CO.
Event: Southwest Stewardship Series
Event host: La Plata Open Space Conservancy
Date and Time: March 28 from 5:30-7:30pm
Learn about funding and partnership opportunities for private land stewardship projects from our agency partners: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado State Forest Service, This session will take place at the Durango Public Library in Program Room 1.
Event: The Great Migration Journey: Birds on the Move
Event host: Douglas Land Conservancy and Denver Audobon
Date and Time: March 28, 7-8pm
The Great Migration Journey: Birds on the Move - Spring comes alive throughout the Front Range as wildflowers bloom and migrating songbirds head Northwards to take advantage of seasonal food choices, thawing waters, and ideal nesting conditions. Learn to identify some of our most anticipated spring migrants through field marks and bird songs, as well as tips for living in bird-friendly ways that help support migratory species.
The presenter will be Curt Frankenfeld, President of the Denver Audubon Board of Directors. There will be time for Q&A.
Photo credit: Dick Vogel
Event: Southwest Colorado Equitable Land Access Project
Event host: La Plata Open Space Conservancy
Date and Time: March 27 from 11:30am-1:30pm
La Plata Open Space Conservancy, the Old Fort at Hesperus, and Montezuma Land Conservancy invite you to the first of five community gatherings focused on addressing the need for equitable land access in the Southwest. Join us at the First National Bank in Cortez on March 27 for a listening session centered on land access challeges and possible creative solutions.
Event: Exploring the Rivers of the Great West | On the Trail with Tim Palmer
Event host: Western Rivers Conservancy
Date and time: March 22, 2023 @ 2pm PT
Western Rivers Conservancy is kicking off another year of its Great Rivers of the West, Live series. This year, the theme is Exploring the Great Rivers of the West, and our first episode will be On the Trail, with Tim Palmer, featuring the very best river hikes in the West.
The live online event will be a fast-paced and highly informative slideshow by author and conservationist Tim Palmer, one of the country’s foremost authorities on river recreation.
Event: Winter Field Trip: Crested Butte Museum
Event host: Crested Butte Land Trust
Date and Time: March 24, 2023 from 10:00am-2:00pm
Ski or snowshoe with CBLT staff members out to the Magic Meadows Yurt where we’ll meet representatives from partner organizations to learn about the work they do on conserved lands. Staff from the Crested Butte Museum will share some history of the Lower Loop area, including the Smith Hill Mine that sits above Gunsight Bridge.
Event: TENACITY: Women in Conservation
Event host: Palmer Land Conservancy
Date and Time: March 15, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm
TENACITY: Women in Conservation 2023—an evening of inspiration and conversation around our shared passion for Colorado. The event will feature three remarkable women who have blazed their own paths and are defining conservation in the 21st century. From the history of the land and water, to recreation and conservation, to protecting Colorado’s critical water resources – learn about the grit and determination these women harness to do their important work.
Event: Film Screening: Languages of the Landscape: The Cedar Mesa Perishables Project
Event host: Montezuma Land Conservancy
Date and Time: March 8, 2023 @ 6:00pm
Following the film, archaeologist Laurie Webster, wildlife biologist Chuck LaRue, and Zuni fiber artist Christopher Lewis will lead a discussion of how ancient peoples used and preserved the natural resources of the Four Corners region. The presentation will include Chuck and Chris's replicas of prehistoric artifacts, which attendees will be able to examine after the talk.
Event: Conservation in the West
Event host: Mountain Area Land Trust
Date and Time: Feb. 28 from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Mountain Area Land Trust is thrilled to host "Conservation in the West" with Lori Weigel, principal of New Bridge Strategy, on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. in Evergreen (908 Nob Hill Rd, Suite 200). Lori will share an inside look at the findings from the 13th annual bipartisan Conservation in the West poll, which shares what has and has not changed in Westerners' views on climate change, public lands, water and other conservation issues. Space is limited! RSVP required.
Event: Winter Field Trip: Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Event host: Crested Butte Land Trust
Date and Time: Feb. 24, 2023 from 10:00am-2:00pm
Ski or snowshoe with CBLT staff members out to the Magic Meadows Yurt where we’ll meet representatives from partner organizations to learn about the work they do on conserved lands. Staff from the Crested Butte Avalanche Center will share and demo some of the great work that they do keeping our community safe in the backcountry. Come get outside with us.
Event: Virtual Presentation with Denver Audubon: “Wildlife in Winter; Bird Feeders & Seed Eaters”
Event host: Douglas Land Conservancy
Date and Time: Feb. 23 from 7:00-8:00pm
Join DLC and its partners at Denver Audubon for a FREE presentation on wildlife in winter. Winter is the perfect time to get to know our year-round birding residents in Colorado. Many of them rely upon seeds and berries to sustain them through the colder seasons when insects are dormant. Learn about different bird seed varieties, plant recommendations for berry production, and practice your local bird identification with Denver Audubon.
Event: Superb Owl Party
Event host: Southern Plains Land Trust - and YOU!
Date and Time: Feb. 12, 2023 during the Superbowl
Whether you’re a football fan, an owl fan, or both — consider hosting a 2023 Superb Owl Party. Southern Plains Land Trust is encouraging prairie grassland supporters to consider hosting a Superb Owl Party on Sunday, February 12. Imagine parties all over Colorado and beyond — folks gathering to be together and to make a difference in preserving native habitats for plants and wildlife. A simple, fun idea that’s a “win-win.”
