The Greenlands Reserve

This program is focused on “Protecting A Way of Life”. It identifies family farmers and ranchers as an endangered species. Low prices paid for agricultural products, the high cost of equipment and materials, the aging of the farm and ranch work-force, while younger generations seek more sustainable and lucrative employment opportunities, as well as competition from corporate agriculture, all threaten the survival of the family farm and ranch.

Through conservation easements, we have helped farmers and ranchers protect traditional agricultural properties, maintaining scenic views, benefiting wildlife habitat and riparian corridors, and preserving farming and ranching heritage. In many cases, water rights are left on the land to protect conservation values and keep the land green. We have substantial acreages currently under conservation easement protection in the Colorado High Plains. We have easements on farms and ranches in Crowley, Kiowa, Adams, Lincoln, Bent, Otero and Prowers counties. In some cases, our conservation easements are on contiguous properties, creating larger conservation preserves.

Our mission is to preserve agricultural landscapes for the greater benefit of all Americans. Family farms and ranches are a core feature of the American West. The Arkansas Valley is not only an important area for food production, but also a significant part of Colorado history and the culture of the West. We are doing our part to help preserve Colorado’s farm and ranching heritage.