Tuesday, May 21, 2024 -- Riparian Restoration Field Day, from 8:00am-1:00pm (lunch included), at Powers Ranch, 1044 Highway 325, Rifle, the road to Rifle Gap Reservoir.

CSU’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is hosting this Field Day to raise awareness and share lessons learned of the restoration of riparian areas; tour the Rifle Creek restoration project on the Powers Ranch (now heading into its eighth year); connect with local natural resource experts, neighbors, students and staff from Colorado State University; and become a resource for future restoration efforts.

Representatives from natural resource agencies, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions will guide a tour of Rifle Creek, explain their work and roles in this restoration project, and identify cost-sharing opportunities. We’ll share lessons learned and ideas for future restoration, on any property. You’re welcome to invite others who might be interested.

Please RSVP for May 21 Riparian Restoration Field Day here, so we can plan ahead for parking and lunch.

During the afternoon of May 21, you’re welcome to join the CNHP group as they visit restoration sites in the West Rifle Creek State Wildlife Area with Middle Colorado Watershed Council and Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff. Contact Paula Stepp for details, pstepp@midcowatershed.org.

Wednesday, May 22, 2204 – Tour of private ranch and Workshop on Land Trusts and Conservation Easements. From 1:30pm – 6pm at Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus.

CSU’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is hosting this program to :

• raise awareness about the viability of conservation easements and other land protection options;
• Discuss conservation opportunities and considerations in the Roaring Fork Valley
• Connect with experts, neighbors, and Colorado State University students/faculty/alumni.

1:30pm - 2:45pm - (Optional) Tour Spring Valley Property, a 455-acre privately owned property atop Spring Valley.  Meet at the ranch gate at the end of Spring Valley Road. No bathroom facilities.

3:00pm – 5:30pm - Workshop on land trusts and conservation easements. Meet at the Veranda at Colorado Mountain College, Spring Valley Campus.

• Meet CNHP Leadership and Siegele Conservation Science Interns
• Learn about private land conservation options. Explore how a land trust may be able to help land owners, local governments, and community groups accomplish long-term ownership and land use goals.
• Jonathan Rose, Aspen Valley Land Trust
• Owen Yager, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
• Students work through a conservation easement planning document and offer ideas for the best use(s) of Spring Valley Ranch

5:00pm - 6:00pm - Pizza with Partners conversations, special guest speaker TBA. Veranda at Colorado Mountain College, Spring Valley Campus.

Please RSVP for the May 22 Land Trust Workshop here.