Breaking Barriers to Nature: $1.75M Grant Creates Pathways for Pueblo's Next Generation of Conservation Champions

For over a decade, Palmer Land Conservancy has worked on community-driven conservation projects in Pueblo, most notably the Bessemer Farmland Conservation Project. Beyond agricultural land and water conservation, Palmer has begun developing a wider vision for conservation in the Pueblo region to also improve outdoor recreation. A new coalition has formed, taking a monumental leap forward as children and families across the region will soon discover new opportunities to connect with nature. Palmer Land Conservancy is a proud member of the coalition that has been awarded a transformative $1.75 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to launch Generation Wild of the Pueblo Region over the next five years. 

This coalition brings together key partners, including the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation, Colorado State University Extension, D.Vine Connections, Fountain Creek Watershed District, Grassroots Gravel, Pueblo Zoo, Trout Unlimited, and Arkansas Valley Audubon Society. Together, we're creating pathways for Pueblo's youth to become the conservation champions of tomorrow.

In Pueblo's Y-Zone neighborhoods—Bessemer, Eastside, and Westside—and rural Avondale community, many young people face significant barriers to experiencing the outdoors. Limited green spaces, lack of transportation, and generations of disinvestment have disconnected youth from nature's benefits. Understanding these challenges required deep listening. The coalition engaged over 500 community members to learn how people connect with nature and what obstacles stand in their way. Twenty partner organizations aligned around a shared vision, with youth voices playing a central role in shaping priorities. Their insights revealed clear needs: accessible programs, culturally relevant experiences, and removal of practical barriers.

Palmer Land Conservancy serves as a key partner in this coalition, acting as the fiscal agent and program partner. The coalition's approach centers on meeting community needs through diverse programming. Free family outdoor events will introduce participants to local natural areas. Biking programs, including Palmer's signature Bike the Bessemer event, will connect youth to Pueblo's agricultural heritage. Family swim days, creek clean-ups, and farm-to-table experiences round out the offerings. The coalition addresses practical barriers through transportation assistance, equipment lending libraries, and bilingual programming. A youth advisory council ensures programs remain relevant and engaging, with young people helping design experiences that resonate with their peers.

This initiative will transform how Pueblo's youth experience the outdoors. Children who once had limited access to Colorado’s natural beauty will discover local trails, waterways, and open spaces. Teens will gain leadership skills through immersive programs and be introduced to possible career paths in conservation.

"We are thrilled to celebrate this investment in our community," said Taylor Driver, executive director of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center. "We are deeply grateful to all the partners, community members, and especially the youth whose voices and ideas shaped our planning and vision. Together, we are excited to open more doors for Pueblo's young people to get outside, explore, and connect with all that our region and beyond has to offer."

This local effort connects to a powerful statewide movement. Across Colorado, 15 Generation Wild coalitions have delivered 9,550 programs reaching 360,222 participants. Pueblo's youth now join this growing community of future conservation leaders.

As barriers fall and new pathways emerge, Pueblo's next generation will discover the wonder of Colorado—and their power to protect it. Through Palmer's leadership and the collective strength of the Generation Wild coalition, a new generation of conservation champions is rising. These young people will carry forward a legacy of stewardship, ensuring Pueblo's natural treasures thrive for generations to come. This vision is materializing, as doors open to adventures that will shape both landscapes and lives.