Peak to Prairie

According to scientists at The Nature Conservancy, “Grasslands are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in North America.”  They represent one of the most converted habitat types on earth and are one of the least protected types of landscapes.  Grassland birds have experienced more extensive declines than any other class of North American Species.  Approximately 85% of prairie lands in southeastern Colorado are in private ownership—providing the required habitat for these and other important species.  Due in part to good stewardship by family ranchers, much of southeastern Colorado’s shortgrass prairie exists in a predominantly natural condition, creating a timely opportunity for preservation.

Palmer Land Trust’s Peak to Prairie Conservation Initiative aims to protect important prairie and wetland ecosystems in the Lower Arkansas Valley across portions of El Paso, Pueblo, Fremont and Crowley counties.  Working ranches in this area—many in fourth or fifth generation ownership—protect some of Colorado’s most threatened habitat.  The Lower Arkansas Valley contains a rich tapestry of human history and one of the greatest concentrations of North American bird species to be found anywhere on the North American continent.  Protecting the area as an interconnected and ecologically functioning landscape secures habitat, stems the tide of Front Range urban sprawl, and keeps ranches and ranching communities viable.

Palmer Land Trust has partnered with Colorado Open Lands, The Nature Conservancy and numerous private landowners and other partners to protect this important landscape.  In 2008, Great Outdoors Colorado awarded a $4.7 million Legacy Grant to advance conservation of three “anchor” areas within a portion of the Peak to Prairie Initiative area.  Palmer has protected over 40,000 acres of shortgrass prairie in the project area to date.