La Plata Open Space Conservancy

05/13/2026

We are hiring! LPOSC is seeking a Conservation Development and Outreach Coordinator to support outreach, events, donor engagement, stewardship support, and the day-to-day work that keeps conservation projects moving and people connected to the outdoors.

LPOSC is seeking a Conservation Development and Outreach Coordinator to support outreach, events, donor engagement, stewardship support, and the day-to-day work that keeps conservation projects moving and people connected to the outdoors. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

04/29/2026

“We must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.
We ignore, at our peril, the fact that these natural systems — in other words, nature’s own economy — provide the foundation for our prosperity and our national security.” - King Charles III address to Congress, April 28, 2026

04/21/2026

What would you protect – if you could choose?

"...[E]very single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference that you make" - Jane Goodall

Happy Earth Day!
https://www.lposc.org/donate-today

04/19/2026

04/17/2026

Steve McClung, retired Colorado Parks and Wildlife Assistant Area Wildlife Manager, brings many years of expertise in wildlife, habitat, and land management to the LPOSC Board.
His work has focused on big game species and the increasing pressure on winter range, where development and critical habitat overlap in SW CO.
As he puts it, “One thing they’re not making anymore is land—once it gets developed, it’s hard to undevelop it.”
Outside of his professional work, Steve stays closely connected to the landscape through trail running, hiking, and exploring open spaces that remain “open and wild” on the land’s terms.
He brings a thoughtful, practical perspective to conservation and values the partnerships that help landowners translate their vision into lasting protection that provide benefits to us all.

04/02/2026

Hey Durango! Spring is here, which means spring monitoring season has begun, and we are excited to get back in the field.

Watch for Derrik and Ashley out and about! If you are interested in getting involved, stay tuned; opportunities are coming your way soon.

03/13/2026

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." — John Muir

This winter has been anything but predictable. Inconsistent snow (or lack thereof), warm spells, early melt… the land is always telling a story. The more eyes we have out there noticing the details, the better we understand what's changing.

What are you observing this season? Drop them in the comments below👇

03/08/2026

National Conservation Day 🌿

In Durango, conservation shows up everyday.

From the cool, fresh air on our morning runs, to the river where we raft and play, to the scenic views along our drives, to the trout we land in the riffles, to the trails we ride on our bikes—these experiences are not coincidences. They exist because of the conservation efforts of forward-thinking outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, and visionaries who turned their passion for this landscape into lasting protection.

La Plata Open Space Conservancy has protected open space across Southwest Colorado through conservation easements for more than three decades!

Save Space for Tomorrow. Because no one is making land anymore.

Happy National Conservation Day. 💚

03/07/2026

🐻 Rise and shine... bear season is almost here!

As temperatures warm up significantly around La Plata County, bears are starting to wake from hibernation, and they are hungry and ready to explore. Let's be good neighbors this spring!

✅ Secure your trash cans
✅ Bring in bird feeders at night
✅ Do not leave pet food outside

These small efforts will reduce human encounters - keep them wild and all of us safe!

Bear Smart Durango - https://www.bearsmartdurango.org/
Living with Bears | Colorado Parks and Wildlife - https://cpw.state.co.us/living-bears

02/27/2026

Meet the heroes behind Palmer Ranch!

For over 70 years, the Palmer family has been part of the Durango community. From owning the Sunset Motel on North Main Avenue in the early 1950s, to purchasing the core of Palmer Ranch in 1956, this family has deep roots in La Plata County

Their decision to protect over 800 acres through a permanent conservation easement is a reflection of their connection and commitment to the land and the place we call home.

Cheers to the Palmer Family!

Save Space for Tomorrow™