Small-Scale Stewardship, Big Impact: How Conservation Provides Multiple Benefits to the Community

Small-scale stewardship projects can make a significant difference in our local community. Here’s an example of how a team of university 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.

During new student orientation at Colorado College, students participate in a unique CC tradition known as the Priddy Experience. 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.

The Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve serves as habitat for local wildlife and a natural space for the community to enjoy. However, like many natural areas, it faces challenges from invasive species, litter, pet waste, and the ever-present threat of wildfires. To address these issues, the students rolled up their sleeves and got to work, guided by the expertise of Palmer Land Conservancy's stewardship staff.

The students learned about various techniques for stewarding the land, including the removal of invasive species such as Canada Thistle, Mullein, and Siberian Elm. These non-native species can quickly spread and outcompete local flora, making their removal crucial for maintaining the health of the ecosystem. 

The volunteers also learned about the importance of fire mitigation in the region. The student group trimmed many of the trees on the property by removing dead branches and low-hanging branches that would allow a fire to climb up into the tree canopy. 

The benefits of this project didn’t end with fire mitigation. The live and freshly trimmed branches from the Elm and Siberian Elm trees were collected and donated to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to support their innovative browse program. This program provides zoo animals with fresh, nutritious plant material to enhance their diets and enrich their environments. By donating the branches, the students were not only helping to protect the Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve but also contributing to the well-being of animals at the zoo.

In the afternoon, Jerry Cordova from Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise provided an informative outdoor classroom session about the importance of properly disposing of pet waste. As Colorado Springs continues to grow, more and more bacteria and contaminants from pet waste are washed into the stormwater, polluting the water that irrigates the farms we get our food from in the Lower Arkansas River Valley. 

This collaborative effort between CC College, Palmer Land Conservancy, Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo showcases the power of community-driven stewardship. The students' work is a shining example of how a single initiative can have multiple positive impacts—protecting local ecosystems while also supporting animal nutrition. As these new students embark on their college journey, they do so with a deepened understanding of their role as stewards of the environment, ready to champion causes that benefit the land, water, and everyone who calls Colorado home.