Behind the Scenes of Conservation: A Member-Exclusive Hike through Solitude Park

Surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere on an uncharacteristically cool August morning, a select group of Palmer Land Conservancy’s Millennium Society members embarked on a unique, members-only hike through Solitude Park, a Palmer-protected property since 2003. The hike, led by Dick Standaert and Jim Hannon who are members of the Solitude Park Board, provided participants with a blend of natural beauty, physical challenge, and a behind-the-scenes tour showcasing how conservation can play a critical role in improving climate resilience in a community.  

The event began with a warm welcome and an invitation to savor the different aspects of Solitude Park, from the panoramic vistas to the tranquil, pine-shaded canyons. This variety in the landscape is part of what makes Solitude Park so special, underscoring the value of conservation work protecting what we love most about Colorado.

One of the hike's highlights was the ascent to a vantage point where participants could view the burn scar left by the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire. Here, the hike leaders shared how Solitude Park played a pivotal role in preventing the fire from spreading further into the Cedar Heights community. Thanks to extensive fire mitigation efforts led by the community in partnership with Palmer Land Conservancy and the local fire department, the park served as a crucial buffer zone. The fire approached Cedar Heights as a crown fire with intense flames in the thick and overgrown forest and lost momentum upon reaching Solitude Park's mitigated areas. By reducing the woody masses and opening up the landscape with fuel reduction, the intensity of the fire was significantly diminished. This allowed firefighters to operate safely and effectively, ultimately saving the area from greater devastation.

The story of Solitude Park's role in fire prevention is a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive conservation efforts. Fire mitigation is not just about protecting property; it's about maintaining the health and resilience of the forest ecosystem. Working closely with Palmer Land Conservancy, the Cedar Heights community has been at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that Solitude Park remains a safe and vibrant natural space.

Solitude Park is more than just a beautiful place; it is a living testament to the vision of Palmer Land Conservancy's founders. Palmer staff recounted the story of Bruce Warren, one of Palmer's founding members, who in 1977, recognized the urgent need to protect the rapidly developing landscape surrounding Colorado Springs, especially the land adjacent to Garden of the Gods. Inspired by the stunning views of the Garden, Warren realized that without intervention, the world-renowned beauty of the Garden could be lost to unchecked development. His foresight led to the creation of Palmer Land Conservancy, which has since conserved 138,000 acres across southern Colorado, including the scenic views that Warren cherished.

The hike also served as a celebration of the enduring partnership between Palmer Land Conservancy and the Cedar Heights community. Since conserving Solitude Park more than twenty years ago, this partnership has been instrumental in maintaining the park’s natural state. The community's active involvement in conservation efforts, such as noxious weed control and ongoing fire mitigation, has ensured that Solitude Park remains a pristine environment for future generations to enjoy.

The efforts of Palmer Land Conservancy, in partnership with local communities, have created a legacy of conservation that benefits not only the environment but also the people who cherish these natural spaces. For the members who joined the hike, it was more than just a walk in the woods; it was a journey through history, a lesson in conservation, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the landscapes that define the character and beauty of Colorado.

In the end, the hike through Solitude Park left participants with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into protecting such spaces. They returned home not only with memories of a beautiful day in nature but also with a renewed commitment to supporting the ongoing conservation efforts that make experiences like this possible. 
If you’d like to join Palmer on a future member-only event, we invite you to become a member today. In addition to member-exclusive events and other perks, you’ll contribute to protecting land, water, and local food for future generations.