Colorado College Students Experience a Model of Urban Conservation at Mesa Valley

In the heart of Colorado Springs, where quaint neighborhoods nestle up against open spaces, a group of ecology students from Colorado College recently discovered one of our community's hidden gems. Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve, a Palmer Land Conservancy-protected open space, served as an outdoor classroom for these future environmental stewards.

Led by Palmer's Land Stewardship Manager, Theron Verna, students in Professor Charlotte Gabrielson's ecology course spent four immersive hours exploring the preserve that sits adjacent to the Mesa Palmer urban trail. The session went beyond theoretical concepts, bringing ecological principles to life in a setting that exemplifies successful urban conservation.

"What makes Mesa Valley so special is how it functions as a multi-use property while maintaining its ecological integrity," explained Verna as he guided students through the preserve's history. The class learned about the legal protections in place—specifically the deed restrictions that ensure this land remains open space in perpetuity—and how these protections translate into practical management strategies.

Throughout the day, the preserve demonstrated its multiple roles in real-time. As students collected field data and discussed management goals, local residents could be seen walking dogs along the trails, birdwatchers stood quietly with binoculars raised, and wildlife moved through protected habitats. This living example of balanced land use provided students with a tangible model of how conservation can coexist with community needs.

For many participants, particularly those from the East Coast, this experience offered their first hands-on encounter with Colorado's unique ecology. Taking a break from their textbooks, students connected ecological concepts as they walked through the grassy valley.

This visit represents just one chapter in an ongoing academic partnership between Palmer Land Conservancy and Colorado College. Professor Gabrielson's landscape ecology courses have completed three major research projects on Palmer-protected lands in recent years, with another study planned for late this fall. These collaborations provide valuable data for conservation efforts while giving students real-world research experience.

As our community continues to grow, places like Mesa Valley Wildlife Preserve become increasingly vital as habitat for plants and wildlife, and as living laboratories where the next generation can learn the delicate art of balancing human needs with environmental protection.