LPOSC is pleased to announce that we have been awarded Accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation. The rigorous accreditation program requires extensive documentation, hundreds of hours of staff time, extensive Board member involvement, and a comprehensive third-party evaluation. Accreditation is a mark of distinction reserved for organizations that meet rigorous quality standards, including sound finances, ethical conduct, and responsible governance, and strive for continuous improvement.
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Accreditation demonstrates LPOSC’s commitment to permanent land conservation in Southwest Colorado” said Adrienne Dorsey, Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means that the lands and waterways that make Southwest Colorado so special will remain forever.”
New Interns Hired to Compile Research about Recreation on Conserved Lands
Permanent protection of open spaces in our region is critical to the
growing outdoor recreation community.
In February, LPOSC welcomed Autumn Vargas as an intern who will be helping us conduct stakeholder interviews to gather feedback about recreation on conserved lands. This research will inform LPOSC’s new strategic plan, which is in development. Autumn is originally from Denver and is a sophomore at Fort Lewis College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism. She is passionate about working with issues like land conservation and how public versus private sectors affect land rights and uses. When not in the office, she loves curling up with a good book and her cat, Waldo.
Later this month, LPOSC will also be welcoming back Analyn Hoffner as an intern to support our involvement in the Care for Durango Stewardship Ambassador Program in partnership with Visit Durango, San Juan Mountains Association, and Durango Trails. The Ambassador Program’s goal is to put more friendly faces in the field at popular recreation sites to educate visitors about keeping our local community trails pristine and beautiful for years to come. Keep an eye out and give these trail ambassadors a wave on local city conservation easements such as Horse Gulch, Overend, and Oxbow Trails!
Wellness In Nature Collaborative Introduces
Youth to Cross Country Skiing
Haley Perez of MSI celebrates good weather with kids from La Escuelita.
Earlier this month, our Wellness In Nature Collaborative partners, Mountain Studies Institute (MSI), worked with our Spanish speaking community through La Escuelita, a program within Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center. Working in conjunction with LPOSC, San Juan Mountains Association, and Purgatory Resort Nordic Center, MSI welcomed students of La Escuelita out in the mountains and on cross country skis. This was a first for many and the joy and laughter that this field trip brought as well as the curiosity and wonder was truly an extraordinary experience! While this was a new concept to a lot of students and was not easy at first, they never gave up. LPOSC is grateful to be part of this incredible collaborative and looks forward to working with our partners to host La Escuelita outings on conserved lands in 2024.
Colorado Agrivoltaics Survey
With most new solar developments anticipated to be sited on agricultural land, it’s important for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to share their honest perspectives on how these developments will impact their livelihoods. These insights can help shape where projects are built, how they’re designed, and much more. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Colorado are encouraged to complete this short survey to share their honest perspectives on agrivoltaics and their impact on rural communities across the state.
Do you have an extra room, ADU, or land for camping? You can support the next generation of conservationists by hosting a Southwest Conservation Corps member. You may be eligible for compensation and tax benefits. Please find more information here and reach out to Jacob at jmandell@conservationlegacy.org for more information.
La Plata Open Space Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your gift may be tax deductible. Our EIN number is: 84-1204273.
To contribute, go to: lposc.org/donate-today/
or mail a check to the address below. Thank you!