Equinox Field Series

Join Colorado West Land Trust for our series of monthly field trips to conserved lands, running from the Spring Equinox to the Fall Equinox. Learn about why landowners work with CWLT to conserve their land and experience our mission up close through guided hikes, bird watching, plein air painting, and more! These events provide unique opportunities to explore Western Colorado’s stunning landscapes, discover diverse wildlife, and understand the importance of our conservation efforts. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an avid birder, or someone looking to enjoy the great outdoors, the Equinox Field Series offers something for everyone!

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Upcoming Equinox Field Series Events:

Conservation on Canvas

Join CWLT for a Paint Along at Avant Vineyard in Palisade, a spectacular conserved property along the Colorado River. Guided by local artist, Monica Esposito, capture this scenic conserved landscape on canvas. All skill levels are welcome! Painting materials will be provided, but please bring a camp chair. Join us in Avant’s Tasting room after painting for a wine tasting and light fare!

Birding and Blossoms

Join CWLT and Black Canyon Audubon Society (BCAS) for a morning of birding on a conserved property near the City of Delta on Ash Mesa. Landowner John Welfelt and Bruce Ackerman of BCAS will guide us on a two-mile walk around the property. There should be an abundance of birds and blossoms, so bring your binoculars! Coffee and pastries will be provided.

Love Your Trail Day with the City of Ouray

Roll up your sleeves and help restore one of Ouray’s most beloved trails, the Uncompahgre River Walk. Colorado West Land Trust is partnering with the City of Ouray to host the second annual Love Your Trail Day! As a bonus, celebrate the installation of the trail’s new interpretive signs with us! These signs are the product of a yearlong community partnership that honors the natural and cultural heritage of the region. We can’t wait to share them with you!

Screen to Stream: “Thinking Like Water” Film and Field Trip (Paonia)

Colorado West Land Trust is proud to partner with Quivira Coalition to screen the first episode of “Thinking Like Water”, a five-part series documenting the innovative restoration practices of Bill Zeedyk. Join us at the Paradise Theatre at 5:30pm for happy hour. The screening starts at 6pm and will be followed by a panel of local experts and the filmmaker. Then, join us for a field trip to a conserved property in the North Fork and learn about wet meadow restoration on the ground.

Wildflower Walk with Mary Menz

Experience the scenic vistas of the San Juan Mountains in Ouray from an entirely new perspective during this wildflower walk. Landowner Charlie Parker will guide us on a three-mile hike across his property while local botany expert Mary Menz helps the group identify colorful flora. Wear your hiking boots and bring your cameras for this stunning, high-alpine adventure.

Protecting the Plateau: Newly Conserved Ranch on the Uncompahgre

Stay tuned for details on this field trip to one of the Land Trust’s most recently conserved properties on the Uncompahgre Plateau! With spectacular views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, this is a field trip you won’t want to miss!

Screen to Stream: “Thinking Like Water” Film and Field Trip (Grand Junction)

Colorado West Land Trust is proud to partner with Quivira Coalition to screen the first episode of “Thinking Like Water”, a five-part series documenting the innovative restoration practices of Bill Zeedyk. Location TBD, Join us at 5:30pm for happy hour. The screening starts at 6pm and will be followed by a panel of local experts and the filmmaker. Then, join us the next day for a field trip to a conserved property on Glade Park and learn about wet meadow restoration on the ground.

Hike Shavano Valley Rock Art Site

Join us for a fan favorite field trip to one of the most important concentrations of rock art in western Colorado. Led by docents from the Ute Indian Museum, learn about the Nuuciu’s (Ute’s) storied relationship with the land through more than 26 panels of rock art. Bring your sunscreen and water for this extraordinary experience!