Spring 2026 Newsletter
A note from the Executive Director
Greetings Friends,
It’s been a warm, dry winter—and if you’re like me, you’ve been hoping for a little more snow. The good news is, spring still shows up. And with it comes that familiar sense of renewal, and maybe a little optimism, too.
At MALT, we’re leaning into that fresh start. After many years of one big annual gala, we’re trying something new: smaller, more curated events that connect you more directly to the places and purpose behind our work. It’s also a smarter use of resources, less time and money on one large event and more going where it matters most: conserving land, water, and wildlife.
We’re kicking things off with Preserving Our Planet: A Curated Conversation on Thursday, May 21 at the Colorado School of Mines Museum of Earth Science. Space is limited and tickets are going quickly—so if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time to reserve your spot!
Thank you for being part of this work. We couldn’t do it without you, and we’re excited to share this next chapter together.
With gratitude,
– Lynn Caligiuri
103 Conservation Easements & Counting: More Land Protected—And More to Come!
It has been a busy start to 2026 with multiple Conservation Easements closed! Here’s a quick recap!
Floyd Hill Meadow Grows by 11 Acres
Thanks to a generous donation of 11 acres by Nate Peterson, owner of Vederra Modular, Floyd Hill Meadow has grown into 29 acres of permanently conserved land.
What began as a long-held community vision to protect land from development, the iconic landscape adjacent to Clear Creek High School and visible to millions traveling I-70 and Highway 40 is permanently conserved land that safeguards open space, wildlife habitat, and the scenic views.
Nate Peterson shared, “This land is part of what makes Floyd Hill such a special place. Protecting these additional acres, especially the creek and surrounding habitat, felt like a natural extension of what the community has already worked so hard to accomplish. I’m grateful to play a small role in ensuring it remains undeveloped and cared for into the future.”
Learn more here.
71 Acres Near Fairplay Permanently Protected
n March, MALT was pleased to announce the permanent protection of 71 acres along the Eastern Mosquito Range in Park County. Adjoining Pike National Forest this voluntary conservation agreement safeguards a remarkable mix of habitats, including coniferous forests, natural grasslands, alpine meadows, and 14 acres of wetlands along Fourmile Creek.
The landowner shares, “I cherish the rustic lifestyle, the quiet, and the solitude of the land I call home. I’ve seen the condos and large homes in Vail, Frisco, and Breckenridge and felt compelled to permanently protect what I love most. After seeing MALT’s work with a neighboring property, I knew they were the right partner. While I’ve had prior experience with conservation easements, I found MALT to be especially attuned to my goals.”
Learn more here.
910 Acres Permanently Protected at Wellington Lake
We are thrilled with the successful conservation of 910 acres at Wellington Lake, a treasured recreational and ecological landmark near Bailey.
Wellington Lake, owned by the Wellington Reservoir Company, is widely known for its stunning woodland setting, anchored by a 167-acre subalpine lake and framed by the dramatic and iconic “Castle” rock spire formation. Recognized for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and diverse wildlife habitat, the area offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, rock climbing, and camping. Surrounded by Pike National Forest and located near Lost Creek Wilderness, the property also includes nearly 50 acres of wetlands, supporting the region’s rich ecological diversity.
Learn more here.
And more to come….watch your inbox for announcements in the coming weeks on more exciting conservation projects in Conifer and Silver Plume!
Environmental Education & Community Center at Sacramento Creek Ranch Now Open
In March, Mountain Area Land Trust and over 130 community members, including students, neighbors, and partners, celebrated the opening of the Environmental Education & Community Center at Sacramento Creek Ranch (SCR). In less than six months, SCR’s iconic barn was renovated to 2,200 square feet of classroom and administrative space. Its bright, natural light and open-concept design foster collaborative programming and offer easy access to the ranch’s 71 acres of natural areas, trails, and beaver ponds.
The Center will expand MALT’s high-impact conservation and environmental educational programming while providing an accessible, year-round indoor space that anchors outdoor learning. High Rockies Community School will use the space for its unique K-8 outdoor education curriculum focused on the local environment.
We are grateful to the funders who invested in Sacramento Creek Ranch and brought this project to life, including The Sterling Hope Foundation, Hershey Family, Land Trust Alliance, Boettcher Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Howe Foundation, and High Rockies Community School.
A Partnership Rooted in Place: High Rockies Community School & MALT
Mountain Pine Beetle is Back
A forest in Jefferson County in September 2025 shows dying pine trees, a sign of mountain pine beetle infestation. Image courtesy of Dan West
The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is about the size of a grain of rice, but it has killed millions of pines in western Colorado. The Colorado State Forest Service reports higher infestation levels in our area as we approach 2026. If you have ponderosa, lodgepole, limber, or Scotch pines on your property, now is the time to act. Check your trees and protect them while you still can.
Learn more here.
Thursday, May 14 – Hike at Red Rocks with Denver Mountain Parks
Saturday, May 16 – Bird Watching for Beginners with Evergreen Audubon at Sacramento Creek Ranch
Thursday, May 21 – Preserving Our Planet: A Curated Conversation, Mines Museum, Colorado School of Mines, Golden
Saturday, June 13 – Birding Bio-Blitz at Sacramento Creek Ranch, Fairplay
Friday, June 26 – Hike at Flying J Ranch, Evergreen
Miles For MALT – September
Get ready for a month-long hiking challenge, bringing our community together in support of conservation. Whether you build a team, set a personal goal, or make it a family adventure, Miles for MALT is your chance to move with purpose while celebrating the incredible trails and landscapes that make Colorado home. Miles for MALT will lead into our inaugural Celebration of Conservation on Saturday, October 3 at Alderfer Three Sisters.
