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The Windstar Land Conservancy |
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From the December 1999 Windstar Land Conservancy
Newsletter...
John Denver had a dream from the time
he was a young boy. He spent a lot of time outside, by himself, finding
inspiration from nature. A place as simple as a tall cottonwood tree,
in which he could nestle himself in the high branches, provided sanctuary
and perspective. Perched in the arms of such a tall tree, he thought
about finding a place where people could gather from all over the
world-to be nourished and inspired, to learn and to connect with his
first and best teacher, the Earth itself. Many years later, at a time
when he was the No. 1 recording artist in the world, he had the opportunity
to bring that dream to life. He bought nearly 1000 acres of land near
Old Snowmass, Colorado. He gave that special land to the Windstar
Foundation. It became what John was seeking. John had a deep desire
for the Windstar Land to be conserved and protected in perpetuity.
It was a great source of peace to him to know this dream of his too
had come true with the creation of the Windstar Land Conservancy and
the signing of the conservation easement that safeguards the Windstar
Land from developement. John saw the Windstar Land as a symbol of
the importance of the wild places throughout the Earth. He hoped that
other landowners would be inspired by the actions taken by the Boards
of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Windstar Foundation and the National
Wildlife Federation that enabled the creation of the Windstar Land
Conservancy-and that many others would provide conservation protection
for the open space lands in their care.
John was deeply grateful for people's generosity and commitment. He
would be delighted to know that the good works and contributions of
the many friends of the Windstar lands continue.
There is much work to be done-in the form of hands-on projects to
restore and conserve the wild resources of the property, to pioneer
innovative land restoration practices, to develop additional scientific
and educational programs, and to communicate with others in order
to disseminate the results of these efforts to other locations in
need of such protection. To each of you who have made contributions
to help support the conservation of the Windstar Land, a heartfelt
thanks. On behalf of the Members of the Board of Trustees of the Windstar
Land Conservancy, we hope you will stay involved.
With gratitude for
wild places,
Cheryl Charles, PhD.
President, Windstar Land Conservancy
| In
Lasting Trust...
| In 1996 The Windstar
Land Conservancy became a reality. This not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization protects
in perpetuity the aesthetic, wildlife, and natural values of the 1000-acre property
that housed the Windstar Foundation in Old Snowmass, Colorado and had been jointly
owned by the Windstar Foundation and the National Wildlife Federation |
 | This historic
home of the Windstar Foundation is nestled in the high country of the Rocky Mountains
in Colorado. Home to bear, eagles, fox, and deer, this beautiful acreage serves
as a critically important migration route for the remaining elk in the area to
travel seasonally between their winter and summer habitats. Appropriately, the
1000 acres begins in a high mountain valley with a view of magnificent Mount Sopris
and then reaches toward the upper elevations of the Elk Mountain Range. |
| Twenty years ago, entertainer
and philanthropist John
Denver bought this special property and
donated it for educational and charitable purposes to the Windstar Foundation
that he established with Tom Crum in 1976. The purpose of the Windstar Foundation is to inspire
individuals to make responsible choices and take direct action to achieve a peaceful
and environmentally sustainable future. It is appropriate that these lands remain
in trust as a continuing reminder of Mr. Denver's vision. In August of 1998 a
plaque in memory of Mr. Denver was placed on the lands. |
 | At the time of
the creation of the Windstar Land Conservancy, John
Denver said, "It is important to keep
some of the remaining wild places on Earth alive and in good health for generations
to come. I welcome the increased protection that the creation of the Windstar
Land Conservancy will provide for this particular area in Colorado, and hope our
actions serve as an inspiration to others to take similar steps." The focus
of the Land Conservancy for the near future is the restoration of the Windstar
land. | | The
Rocky Mountain Institute is currently housed on the property. The lands are open
daily to the public with a self-guided walking tour in place. However, groups
larger than ten must register ahead with Joann through the Rocky Mountain Institute
(970/927-3851). |
| Photographs by Jeanie Tomlinson |
| This beautiful giant
Juniper tree is one of several large junipers located on the Windstar Land Conservancy
property. The nearly 1500 year old tree was discovered by former Windstar Land
Conservancy Land Manager and wildlife biologist, Mike Villa, during a biological
survey of the land in August 1997.
The tree measures 15 feet 1-1/2"
in circumference and is perhaps the largest of its species in Colorado. It might
even challenge the world record juniper located in New Mexico, according to Mr.
Villa. The Conservancy is awaiting confirmation of the tree's status, upon completion
of intensive study by the Colorado State Forest Service. 
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| This magnificent Juniper is protected forever, as
it is located in the area of the Windstar Land Conservancy designated byConservation
Easement status. All but about 35 of Windstar's nearly 1000 acres are in the Conservation
Easement area. This Conservation Easement was established in 1996 by the Conservancy
in cooperation with the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board. Mr. Villa stated,
"I think this is a real jewel for the Open Space Program to have it under
conservation." |
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