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. 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 10am. “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 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 the on the north by the railroad tracks. The Miller Ranch Open Space is a community 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 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, on June 16th.
In addition to refreshments, a face painter and other outdoor fun, Family Fun Day at Miller Ranch 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.) or drilling.) 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 this Miller Ranch 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 10am and head on down to the Miller Ranch 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.
But don’t assume that’s where the summer fun ends. Just down the road to the west of Miller Ranch is the Eagle River Preserve (ERP). This 72 acre parcel was conserved in 2005 has great river access, hiking trails and is centrally located in Edwards (the entrance is immediately west of the Gas House, through the green gate). Taken together, these properties offer great opportunities for families to enjoy summer. “We are very excited to partner with the Eagle Valley Land Trust to increase and enhance public access to the Eagle River, both Miller Ranch and Eagle River Preserve accomplish this mutually important goal” said Toby Sprunk, director of Eagle County Open Space.
Your local land trust will have 2 Family Fun Days on ERP held June 30th and Aug. 4th. Both events will start at 10am and will feature kite decorating, refreshments and more. To get to Eagle River Preserve head west on Hwy. 6 from the intersection of Edwards Access Road and Hwy. 6. Take the first right onto the Preserve’s driveway and park in designated spots.
If you go…
Who: The Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space
When: 10am June 16th
Where: Miller Ranch parking at June Creek Elementary
More info.: 970-748-7654 or email Scott.