How local stewardship, outdoor learning, and community engagement in Southern Colorado align with broader statewide conservation and recreation priorities.

Adventure Acres Foundation is a Southern Colorado nonprofit focused on stewardship, outdoor learning, citizen science, and community-centered environmental engagement.

Through hands-on projects, educational partnerships, and local collaboration, Adventure Acres Foundation supports many of the same priorities outlined in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s 2026–2036 Strategic Plan and Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, particularly around shared stewardship, outdoor learning, community engagement, and resilient ecosystems.

Shared Stewardship & Community Engagement

Adventure Acres Foundation develops hands-on stewardship opportunities that connect people directly to the care of local landscapes through cleanup projects, habitat restoration, volunteer events, and community partnerships.

Current Examples

• Community Stewardship Days with Observer Ranch
• Fremont County cleanup initiatives
• Pollinator habitat projects in Florence
• Local volunteer stewardship opportunities

Outdoor Learning & Youth Engagement

Adventure Acres Foundation creates outdoor learning experiences that encourage environmental awareness, curiosity, and long-term stewardship through citizen science and community-based education.

Current Examples

• 120+ student Fremont County Citizen Science Pilot
• iNaturalist biodiversity observation projects
• School and educator partnerships
• Hands-on environmental learning opportunities

Conservation, Habitat & Resilience

Adventure Acres Foundation supports practical, place-based stewardship projects focused on healthier ecosystems, pollinator support, habitat awareness, and long-term ecological resilience in Southern Colorado.

Current Examples

• Pollinator habitat development
• Native planting and restoration efforts
• Community-based stewardship initiatives
• Stewardship-focused outdoor education

Collaboration & Local Partnerships

Adventure Acres Foundation works collaboratively with schools, nonprofits, community spaces, educators, and local partners to expand participation in stewardship and outdoor engagement efforts.

Current Examples

• Observer Ranch
• Emergent Campus
• Fremont County educators and schools
• Community and nonprofit partnerships across Southern Colorado

Looking Ahead

Adventure Acres Foundation believes long-term conservation becomes stronger when communities feel personally connected to the landscapes around them.

By creating accessible, hands-on stewardship experiences in Southern Colorado, AAF aims to support a broader culture of shared stewardship, outdoor learning, conservation awareness, and community resilience for future generations.

Cheers,
Justin Lake Whedon
Founder & Executive Director
https://adventureacresfoundation.org