In response to our invitation to participate in our recent strategic planning effort, Randy Woods, San Isabel's first president, sent a letter offering his insight into our organization’s history and graciously allowed us to share it with you.

In 2014, Kathi and Jack Thomas found their dream home in the Wet Mountains east of Westcliffe. But just two short years later, that dream went up in smoke in the Junkins Fire, an 18,000-acre conflagration that erupted in the early morning hours pushed by hurricane-force winds.

The fire destroyed the Thomases’ home and burned about 200 acres, much of it under a conservation easement with San Isabel Land Protection Trust. But they didn’t give up on their dream, and they didn’t give up on the land.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ©2016 Greg Smith

The Bluff Park, located at the west end of Main Street in Westcliffe, provides sweeping views of the Wet Mountain Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A steady stream of visitors and residents alike enjoy the park, the site of music festivals, night sky viewing parties, weddings and parties, and casual recreational use throughout the year.

San Isabel Land Protection Land Trust would like to clear up any confusion about land preservation and our most commonly used tool, conservation easements. 

Our goal is simple: Protect land, water and wildlife while there is still time. 

San Isabel Land Protection Trust would like to thank all who contributed to the success of the 2018 Art for the Sangres – our talented artists, hard-working volunteers and generous sponsors and patrons.

Celebrate art and nature at the 22^nd annual Art for the Sangres, a fine art sale that supports vital land protection efforts in southern Colorado.

Art for the Sangres takes place in a refurbished barn at beautiful A Painted View Ranch just outside Westcliffe at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a stunning fall backdrop for this special event.

The 2018 edition of the show features 11 returning favorites and 10 new artists. The sale and reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

Autumn's Essence by Kate Kiesler, 2018 featured artist 

This summer, San Isabel has enjoyed the hard work and very enjoyable company of stewardship intern Olivia Baxter, a recent graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability.

San Isabel Land Protection Trust named Mike Liebman its Alice Proctor Outstanding Volunteer of the Year at the land trust’s annual member appreciation event Aug. 12 at the Ruzanski Ranch near Westcliffe.

The event brought together more than 140 people, who celebrated the Land Trust’s 23 years of conservation work. The Ruzanski Ranch has been protected by a conservation easement since 2003.

WESTCLIFFE – The arts take center stage in this iconic mountain town in late September, with two premier events and a celebration of the arts for all ages.

Linda Poole has been named San Isabel Land Protection Trust’s new executive director.

“It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I tell you we have hired a new executive director,” said Larry Vickerman, board president. “Our search took many months, but the hard work has paid off. We have found the right person to take San Isabel into a bright future.”