Central Colorado Conservancy hosts major annual event and fundraiser Nov. 9
The Central Colorado Conservancy hosts its Annual Event and Fundraiser at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5:30-9 p.m. The Conservancy is committed to conserving the region’s land, water and wildlife by partnering with landowners, agricultural producers and the community.
The Nov. 9 event is the nonprofit’s major annual fundraiser. It includes heavy appetizers by Kalamatapit Catering, cash bar, silent auction, presentation of the Annual Conservationist Award, and updates on the nonprofit’s strategic goals, programs and initiatives. Proceeds benefit land and water conservation in Central Colorado. Purchase tickets today!
Since its inception in 2001, the Conservancy has helped protect more than 10,000 acres of land and restored miles of waterways in its service area, which includes Chaffee, Lake, Saguache, Fremont, Park and Gunnison counties. During the event’s silent auction, thousands of dollars worth of goods are available, including ski gear and lift tickets, guided outdoor adventures, regional wine and spirits, hot springs passes, gift certificates to local establishments and more.
This year’s event will include Through the Artists' Eyes, an art show benefitting the Conservancy’s work.
The art show highlights Artists for Conservation, a new program in which artists join the organization to support its mission, while the Conservancy provides exposure for member-artists who reflect their vision of the natural world’s wonders.
A special presentation will be given by rancher, land steward and environmentalist Sid Goodloe, who with his wife, Cheryl, has owned and operated Carrizo Valley Ranch in southern New Mexico for 56 years. He is founder and president of the Southern Rockies Agricultural Land Trust. He is the recipient of the New Mexico Watershed Coalition’s Steward Award and the New Mexico Riparian Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other accolades. Goodloe will expand on his philosophy and techniques of land and water stewardship during the event address.
The event also highlights recipients of the Conservancy’s 2017 Conservationist Award, which is given for significant commitment and leadership in protecting the region’s natural and agricultural resources. Recipients Steve and Nancy Oswald have changed the ranching paradigm by renewing their land at the Taylor Ranch near Cotopaxi, and making the Oswald Cattle Company a model of sustainable ranching in Colorado.
Conservancy Executive Director Andrew Mackie and Board President Cindy Williams will provide an update of progress made toward the organization’s 10-year strategic plan, which aims to triple the organization’s pace of conservation over the next decade.
Tickets cost $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets , by calling 539-7700, or in-person at the Conservancy office located at 128 East 1st St. in Salida.