Where
In the spring of 2019, Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) acquired the land and assets of Beaver Ponds Environmental Education Center, a 70-acre property located near Fairplay on Sacramento Creek and bordering the Pike National Forest. The property is now known as Sacramento Creek Ranch and serves as an access point for Forest Service trails as well as an outdoor learning lab for many educational groups, including local schools, universities, and the Keystone Science School. Thanks to a 2020 partnership with VOC, an additional mile of trails were constructed last August. With expansive views, a sense of solitude, and beaver ponds dotting the landscape, Sacramento Creek Ranch is well worth a visit.
What
Join us as we return to Sacramento Creek Ranch for the first of two projects this season. This year, we’ll work to complete necessary maintenance on a loop trail that follow Sacramento Creek as it travels through the property, as well as build approximately a half-mile of a new trail that will complete an additional loop near the creek.
Friday and Saturday night camping will be available on the Sacramento Creek Ranch property, just 10 minutes from the town of Fairplay. Additionally, volunteers will have access to the lodge facilities at Sacramento Creek Ranch, including indoor bathrooms and running water – a camp luxury! VOC’s volunteer Crew Chefs will provide breakfast on Saturday and Sunday as well as dinner on Saturday night.
Why
Trails on this property are frequently used by the local community, including several youth groups. MALT has a partnership with Keystone Science School and provides the property for outdoor education opportunities including annual visits by first-time campers. Adult groups from the South Park Land Steward program use the property, as do scientists who conduct high alpine research in the region. The general public has access to the trails on the property and frequently visits. Your efforts will help improve recreation access, promote the South Park region’s economy, and enhance educational resources and natural resource protection.
