04/22/2026
Today is Earth Day, and we’re celebrating a powerful reminder of what conservation can achieve. The story of Floyd Hill Meadow is still unfolding, and thanks to a new act of generosity, its impact just grew.
Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) is proud to announce the addition of 11 acres of conserved land at Floyd Hill Meadow, generously donated by Nate Peterson, owner of Vederra Modular. This gift expands upon the original 18-acre Homestead Parcel, donated in 2023 by Albert Frei & Sons, Inc., permanently protected in partnership with Colorado Open Lands and supported by more than 100 community members.
What began as a long-held community vision—to protect this iconic landscape from development—has grown into 29 acres of permanently conserved land that safeguards open space, wildlife habitat, and the scenic views that have long shaped this distinctive corridor.
Located adjacent to Clear Creek High School and visible to millions traveling I-70 and Highway 40, Floyd Hill Meadow is both a scenic landmark and a vital natural area. Its open meadows, quaking aspen groves, riparian areas, and seasonal wetlands provide habitat for elk, deer, black bear, and other wildlife, while preserving the sweeping views that welcome travelers into Colorado’s high country.
“We are incredibly grateful to Nate for this meaningful contribution,” said Lynn Caligiuri, Executive Director of MALT. “This gift builds on the extraordinary momentum created by the Frei family and this community, and it allows us to protect not just a place people love, but the natural systems that sustain it. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation is something we build together—step by step, acre by acre.”
Nate Peterson shared, “This land is part of what makes Floyd Hill such a special place. Protecting these additional acres, especially the creek and surrounding habitat, felt like a natural extension of what the community has already worked so hard to accomplish. I’m grateful to play a small role in ensuring it remains undeveloped and cared for into the future.”
For more than three decades, residents advocated for the protection of Floyd Hill Meadow, recognizing its importance to wildlife habitat, water, and quality of life. Today, that vision continues to grow, demonstrating what’s possible when landowners and communities come together to conserve the places that matter most. On Earth Day, it’s a powerful example of how individual actions can create lasting impact for land, water, and wildlife.
As a nonprofit, MALT relies on the generosity of the community to support its land and water conservation efforts. This Earth Day, you can be part of what comes next. Make a donation to support MALT’s conservation efforts across the Front Range.
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/MALT
