Wildfire changed our landscape and our community last year. As the coming rains wash over burned soils, the fire’s legacy will continue to change the landscape and waterscape for years to come. Much can be done to help alleviate negative impacts on safety, homes, roads and water supply. But we need your help.

With spring here and the forest beginning to regenerate after last fall’s Junkins Fire, our local community is getting ready for what comes next.

The Bluff Park is the jewel of downtown Westcliffe, and San Isabel Land Protection Trust wants to polish it with your help.

The Land Trust hopes to create a crew of volunteers – Bluff Stewards – to help with planting and maintaining gardens and landscaping. Think Friends of the Library but with a gardening twist – and a spectacular view.

Recently, San Isabel landowners and members joined Curt and Peggy Sorenson at their Garden Park property in northern Fremont County to hear their story of a very successful public-private collaboration for forest restoration.