Don’t have time to cart the kids off to Moab this summer? Your local land trust has you covered with Family Fun Day at Miller Ranch Community Open Space. Seeking to highlight its brand new conservation easement, the Miller Ranch Community Open Space, your local Land Trust will be building bird houses on Saturday, June 16 at 10 am. “We really want to show the mid-valley community the work we’ve done in the past few years to ensure they have recreation opportunities within walking distance of their homes.” said Scott Conklin, project coordinator for Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT).
Family Fun Day will be held at the Miller Ranch Community Open Space on Saturday, June 16 from 10am-1pm. This land was permanently protected in January of 2012 and boasts over 1 mile of Eagle River frontage, excellent riparian habitat, public river access and extensive walking trails. The new tract of permanently protected open space is located immediately to the southeast of the Miller Ranch neighborhood, bordered on the west by the “blue bridge”, on the south and east by the Eagle River, and on the north by the railroad tracks. The Miller Ranch Community Open Space is a gem continually used by the people of Eagle County. Hikers, bikers, runners and walkers exercise daily on this land. Our local cross country and track teams train here regularly. Fly fishers, bird watchers and boaters consistently enjoy this beautiful expanse. Parents pushing strollers and dogs romping with kids are a staple of this family friendly area which will now be saved forever. Elena Jones, a Miller Ranch resident, loves “the Miller Ranch Community Open Space! It is a beautiful place for my friends, my dog and me to exercise.” The permanent protection of this beloved recreation spot is truly a momentous occasion for the people of Eagle County and a cause for celebration, and celebrate we will.
In addition to refreshments, a face painter and other outdoor fun, Family Fun Day at Miller Ranch Community Open Space will have a great hands on craft project for kids of all ages. “One of the attractions at this conservation easement is the large mountain bluebird population” noted Kara Heide, Executive Director of EVLT. “We think building bird houses will be a fun way to celebrate conserving and protecting their home.” EVLT will provide all the materials for participants to assemble. (Don’t worry Moms, there won’t be any sawing.) After the volunteers are finished, Eagle County Open Space will erect the new bird dwellings throughout the property.
For years, the residents of Edwards and Arrowhead, along with the surrounding homeowners associations, have rallied for the permanent protection of the Miller Ranch Community Open Space. The 32-acre parcel is the last remaining undisturbed portion of the former Miller Family Ranch. This new conservation easement was once a much larger parcel of open space, however hundreds of acres were lost to recent housing development. “The third time was a charm. It took some work, but we got it done for the people,” commented Heide. “Your local Land Trust is so happy to have finally saved this last unspoiled portion of the Miller Family Ranch for the enjoyment of our entire community.”
So mark your calendars for Saturday, June 16th 10 am and head on down to the Miller Ranch Community Open Space. To get there, head east on Hwy. 6 from Edwards and turn left on Miller Ranch Road. Park at June Creek Elementary on the right and follow the signs to family fun.
If you go…
Who: The Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space
When: 10 am June 16th
Where: Miller Ranch Community Open Space; parking at June Creek Elementary
More info: 970-748-7654 or Scott
About the Eagle Valley Land Trust:
Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) was founded in 1981 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental conservation organization. EVLT is a state certified and nationally accredited public land trust. The mission of your local Land Trust is to protect forever our scenic vistas, open spaces, historic lands, waterways and wildlife habitats that represent the uniqueness of Eagle County, Colorado for the education, enjoyment and benefit of people who experience this special place. Your local Land Trust currently holds 24 parcels and 6,500 acres of protected lands under conservation easements in Eagle County, Colorado. These properties stretch from East Vail to the entrance of Glenwood Canyon and from Tennessee Pass near Leadville to Yarmony Mountain near the Routt County border. The EVLT has also participated in the conservation of nearly 4,000 more acres in partnerships with other land trusts. EVLT serves as the steward and the guardian of the land. Your local Land Trust is entrusted by our community and mandated by our government to inspect, monitor and defend conserved lands to ensure they remain protected, open and unspoiled for the benefit of all residents and visitors to our mountain community. Eagle Valley Land Trust