Palmer Land Conservancy

Last week's Bike the Bessemer was more than just a scenic journey—it was an immersive experience exploring the stories and efforts surrounding the Bessemer Irrigation Ditch. The dedication of local farmers, families, and water experts, as well as the importance of protecting this 2% of Pueblo County, left a lasting impression. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! Thank you to our generous 2024 Bike the Bessemer Sponsors: Pueblo Water Works, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, Broadmoor Outfitters, Diavolo Pueblo UCHealth, Pueblo Star Journal, Brylak Law

Our first stop on our Bike the Bessemer tour on Saturday was the Williams Family Farm and Seed Store. Sandy shared how thrilled her family is that their farm received the Centennial Farm designation at this year's state fair. This honor, bestowed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and History Colorado, is not merely an award but a recognition of the enduring relationship between a family and their land—a relationship cultivated with care, respect, and a deep understanding of agricultural practices and tradition. The link to the full story is in the comment below.

Small-Scale Stewardship, Big Impact: How Conservation Provides Multiple Benefits to the Community During new student orientation at Colorado College, students participate in half-day service and outdoor programs designed to build camaraderie, foster a connection with the Colorado Springs area, and make a positive impact on the local community. This year, two groups of enthusiastic students volunteered with Palmer Land Conservancy to help steward Mesa Wildlife Preserve, a Palmer Land Conservancy owned property. Students mitigated wildfire dangers, enhanced the water quality for the farms that feed us, and supplied nutritious food for zoo animals—all in one project. Thank you, Jerry Cordova, from City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise for providing an informative outdoor classroom session about the importance of properly disposing of pet waste.

🚲 Bike the Bessemer is only 10 days away! Saddle up for a unique adventure through the verdant landscapes portrayed in @MirasolFilm. You'll witness the importance of conserving the farmland along the Bessemer Irrigation Ditch. After the tour, indulge in a mouthwatering, locally sourced lunch and then enjoy a screening of MIRASOL, along with engaging conversations on the MIRASOL story. Join us! 📍 Pueblo, CO 📆 Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 🎟️ $50/person (including farm-to-table lunch) 🚳 No bike? No problem! Thanks to our Visionary Business Member, The Broadmoor Outfitters, we can provide bikes for participants. Reserve your bike today and join the fun. REGISTER NOW: https://lnkd.in/gxPtbTxK Check out the lunch menu for this year’s event: 🌶 Organic Mixed Field Greens with Goat Cheese, Basil vinaigrette, & heirloom tomatoes 🌶 Cavatappi with Pueblo Chile-Spiced Marinara 🌶 Diavolo Meatballs 🌶 Roasted Garlic Toasts 🌶 An Assortment of Sweet Treats 🌶 Craft Beer & Other Beverages Thank you to our generous 2024 Bike the Bessemer Sponsors: Pueblo Water Works, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, Broadmoor Outfitters, Diavolo Pueblo, UCHealth , Pueblo Star Journal, Brylak Law

Join us and our friends from Pueblo Food Project and Pueblo Farmer's Market for MIRASOL y Mercado: a celebration of Pueblo's local food and farming culture. Come indulge in a delicious array of fresh produce and homemade goods from local vendors at the Pueblo Farmer's Market throughout the afternoon. Following the market, join Palmer and Pueblo Food Project under the stars for a special outdoor screening on the Riverwalk of MIRASOL. Gateway Park, Pueblo Friday, September 13 | 4 - 8 p.m. GET TICKETS: https://lnkd.in/gVFjtgzD

Join us for two special screenings of Mirasol, Looking at the Sun, at the Colorado State Fair! 📍 PB&T Bank Pavilion 📆 Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. Following the Governor’s Plate (Governor Polis, we’ll save you a seat!) 📍 Colorado Building 📆 Saturday, Aug. 31 | 4 p.m. Following the World Slopper Eating Championship Before Ludacris takes the stage (Ludacris, we’ll save you a seat too!) In this poignant new film, award-winning filmmaker Ben Knight challenges us to think about land and water use in the West through an intimate portrait of a rural farming community in Pueblo, Colorado, as they fight to protect their water and land, and in turn, their culture and livelihood. Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District

Earlier this summer, Sand Creek Ranch became the first Palmer-protected property to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. 🎉The family of the ranch, spanning three generations, gathered on their cabin deck to celebrate this prestigious designation. This register, governed by the National Park Service, is a revered catalog of America's most historically significant sites, a testament to the nation's commitment to preserving its heritage. Being included in the National Register not only secures the ranch's place in history but also opens doors for potential grants to aid in preserving its rich heritage. Get the whole story in our blog: ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g_Gvz9Yr

Our friends at Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance are hosting the 6th Annual State of the Outdoors event next week on Aug. 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Some of our staff will be attending, and we hope to see you there. Themed 'Climbing to Higher Ground: Overcoming Threats and Shaping the Future of Our Outdoors,' the program focuses on sharing the current state of the outdoors, including the pressing threats to both natural resources and recreational experiences. This conference also explores ways to overcome these challenges at the national, state, and local levels to create an exceptional future. Explore the value of the outdoors to local communities as well as strong and growing economic drivers for the nation. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gSfb2-Aj

The farm-to-table lunch by @DiavoloPueblo is always a highlight of Bike the Bessemer. 😋 After a morning bike tour of farms and the Bessemer Ditch, it’s rewarding to share a family-style meal with ingredients from the farms we've passed along the route. Learn more and register today: palmerland.org/events 📍 Pueblo 📆 Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 🎟️ $50/person Thank you to our generous 2024 Bike the Bessemer Sponsors: Pueblo Water Works, Diavolo Pueblo, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, UCHealth, Broadmoor Outfitters, Pueblo Star Journal, Brylak Law

🌶🏙 The Pueblo Chile is headed to the Big Apple this weekend! We're grateful for the opportunity to share the story of the Pueblo farming community at Greenpoint Film Festival tomorrow. See the list of future screenings at mirasolfilm.com