Mountain Area Land Trust: Keeping Colorado Wild

Just before dropping down into Clear Creek Canyon on Interstate 70, a vista of open fields, coniferous forests and snow-capped peaks comes into view. This is the wild beauty that Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) has fought to preserve from development.  MALT has been the driving force behind the $1.1 million purchase of 108-acres along the Interstate 70 corridor called North Floyd Hill. Just 25 minutes west of Denver, North Floyd Hill will provide a gateway to public open space for hikers and cyclists.

“The reason so many of us live and raise our families in Colorado is the access to nature and recreation,” said Jeanne Beaudry, executive director of MALT. “With an estimated 9,000 people a month moving here, we need to act now to protect what makes this area so special.”

MALT conserves natural areas like North Floyd Hill through public and private conservation easements and educational programming. The organization uses data and mapping technology to identify significant water sources, wildlife wintering grounds, endangered species habitat and other high priority needs spanning the Front Range to the Continental Divide. MALT’s educational programming brings people, including Denver area students, on guided hikes.

“Our work isn’t just about wildlife and water,” reflected Beaudry. “It’s about connecting people with the land.” Since MALT is charged with taking care of their properties in perpetuity, becoming an endowment partner with Community First Foundation was a natural step in ensuring this happens. “We really want to keep building our endowment,” said Beaudry. “Community First Foundation has provided financial security in a way that takes the burden off of us as a small organization. It’s fantastic!”