A number of local open space, stewardship and recreation organizations are joining together to present an interactive, educational event on outdoor sustainability, to be held on June 21, 2022, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Red Leg Brewing (2323 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907). Presented by El Paso County Parks, El Pomar Foundation’s Pikes Peak Heritage Series, Leave No Trace, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Rocky Mountain Field Institute, and Trails and Open Space Coalition, the event aims to gather users of outdoor spaces to discuss the current challenges facing trails, parks and open spaces, as well as to connect Pikes Peak region residents with volunteer and land stewardship opportunities with local organizations. The community is invited to join for an informative gathering on how to responsibly enjoy our public lands and get connected to volunteer opportunities.

The event will begin with remarks from Gillian Rossi, who serves as both Senior Park Ranger for Colorado Springs’ Trails, Open Space & Parks and Colorado State Advocate for Leave No Trace. Attendees will then be invited to join breakout conversations led by representatives from the participating outdoor industry organizations on the following topics: economic impact of the outdoor industry; Leave No Trace principles; outdoor advocacy and funding; trail maintenance and best practices; and getting involved in outdoor industry nonprofit governance. Networking between attendees and local recreation organizations will immediately follow. Appetizers will be provided.

More information about the event, speaker and registration can be found at:

https://www.elpomar.org/programs/pikes-peak-heritage-series/convening-voices-for-land-stewardship/

El Pomar’s Pikes Peak Heritage Series program was established in 2015 as an extension of founders Spencer and Julie Penrose’s focus on the natural beauty and proximity of outdoor spaces in the Pikes Peak region. The program celebrates and raises awareness of the region’s natural assets by hosting discussions, forums and other events to encourage collaboration among champions of our natural outdoor resources.

About El Paso County Parks

El Paso County Parks was established in 1971 as a recreation district to provide a regional park system. It manages more than 5,500 acres of parkland and open space, more than 80 miles of trails, more than 2,000 acres of conservation easements, two nature centers, the County Fairgrounds and many nature programs and services.

About El Pomar Foundation

El Pomar Foundation is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in Colorado. El Pomar contributes approximately $25 million annually through grants to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities and civic and community initiatives, as well as community stewardship and leadership development programs. Spencer and Julie Penrose founded El Pomar in 1937 with the mission to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.

About Leave No Trace

Using the power of science, education and stewardship, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. The organization accomplishes its mission by providing innovative education, skills, research and science to help people care for the outdoors. By working with the public and those managing public lands, Leave No Trace focuses on educating people—instead of costly restoration programs or access restrictions—as the most effective and least resource-intensive solution to land protection.

About Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates

Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates are mountain bikers who build, share and protect inspiring trail experiences. For more than 25 years, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates have built relationships with all local land management agencies, including the City of Colorado Springs Parks Department, El Paso County Parks, the US Forest Service, the BLM and Colorado State Parks. It works to be a resource for all these agencies any time a question comes up about mountain biking and trail use.

About Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance

Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) is a collaborative of outdoor businesses, nonprofits, government entities and individuals who recognize the value of our region’s natural and recreation assets to our community both as an economic driver and for our health and well-being and the strength found in working together. PPORA’s mission is to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry for the Pikes Peak region through leadership and collaboration.

About Rocky Mountain Field Institute

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. RMFI is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological health of our land and water resources by completing projects focused on watershed restoration, forest health and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. By prioritizing the involvement of community volunteers and youth, RMFI envisions a world where our work fosters vibrant and healthy natural systems that are respected and cared for by the public.

About Trails and Open Space Coalition

The Trails and Open Space Coalition was formed as a citizen’s initiative in 1987 under the name Pikes Peak Area Trails Coalition to help the City of Colorado Springs implement its trails master plan. Today it works cooperatively with local and regional governments, community organizations, businesses, families and individuals who share the vision of an interconnected network of trails, greenways and open space. It advocates, educates, builds connections with other groups, funds projects and creates and supports volunteer projects.