Engaging communities in everyday conservation

By: Gigi Schaller, Education & Volunteer Assistant

The view near Blue Sky trailhead capturing a suburban residential area in the foothills of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Credit Gigi Schaller

On National Trails Day, we recognize the importance of our trails for recreation, conservation, and connecting communities with nature. But the enjoyment of the outdoors goes beyond our open spaces and trails, and so does engaging the communities within Larimer County.

Nature is in our backyards, neighborhoods, gardens, parks, public buildings, side roads, sidewalks, and buildings. While we have thousands of visitors a year, most of the time, we are surrounded by nature in developed areas. Conservation and community engagement should be happening within these landscapes.

Conservationists have traditionally neglected highly developed ecosystems, but recently conservation within urban and suburban areas has become increasingly common. For example, xeriscape, although often framed from a water stewardship perspective, offers enormous potential for conservation. In the last several years, turf lawns have been converted into xeriscape on county properties to reduce water usage. These xeriscape spaces also offer a unique opportunity for habitat connectivity, diversity, and nature accessibility.

Urban conservation allows us to understand and address the diverse needs and preferences of the community and visitors. By providing a variety of accessible green spaces, parks, and nature-based amenities within urban areas, we create inclusive experiences that inspire connection to nature and place for people from all backgrounds. Furthermore, investing in urban conservation provides valuable opportunities for community engagement and education.

By cultivating programs and initiatives that are accessible and inclusive, we empower the whole community to participate in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of stewardship and ownership over nature even outside of Larimer County Open Spaces. Investing in urban conservation alongside open spaces is crucial for achieving our COMPASS goals on multiple fronts. Ultimately, integrating urban conservation with open space initiatives enhances biodiversity and ecosystem health while creating vibrant, resilient communities where people can connect with nature and each other.