From Vision to Trail: Hiking with Landowners and Parks Planner at Santa Fe Open Space

The first day of November dawned crisp and cool in the shadow of Ben Lomand Mountain that watches over Palmer Lake. As the sun began to crest the mountain, a group of Palmer Land Conservancy members and those interested in learning more about Santa Fe Open Space gathered, drawn together by a shared love of the land and the promise of a morning spent connecting with the landscape of the Open Space in a new way.

The aroma of freshly roasted coffee from Serranos Coffee Company mingled with the sweet scent of pastries from Calvert’s Mini Market, a beloved local shop just minutes from the trailhead. Energized by these local treats and warmed by the strengthening sun, the hikers set off along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail towards the entrance of the Open Space.

The Santa Fe Open Space is a newcomer to El Paso County’s park system. Purchased just a few years ago from the McGuire/Close family, this 63-acre parcel is a precious remnant of pristine upland ranchland. The property, protected by a conservation easement held by the Palmer, rolls gently down from the base of Ben Lomand Mountain. Stands of mature Ponderosa Pine and thickets of Gambel Oak dot the landscape, interspersed with open meadows of golden grasses. A few patches of snow lingered in the shade from the season’s first snowfall, a foreshadowing of the winter storms that will scrap over the Palmer Divide as winter settles in to stay. 

As the group walked the trail, they paused to listen to members of the Close and McGuire families share stories of their family’s history on the land. Their pioneering family, drawn to the area in the early 1900s, helped shape the fledgling community of Palmer Lake. 

“My sister, Catherine, and I were just lucky enough to inherit the land, and we’re so grateful to Palmer because they helped preserve this place,” shared Tom Close. “The last thing we wanted to do was see it developed, which would have been heartbreaking for us. So, we appreciate our partnership with Palmer.”

To hear them speak of their deep connection to the property was to understand the true meaning of stewardship. Their decision to partner with the Palmer Land Conservancy to protect this land in perpetuity was a testament to their love for the land and their desire to share its beauty with generations to come.

Ross Williams, the El Paso County Park Planner responsible for the Open Space’s master plan, spoke with infectious enthusiasm about how the county made plans for the property and the ongoing efforts to protect the land and share its story with visitors. 

“It has just been an absolute pleasure to work out here. It’s one of my favorite small spaces. It’s the little space that really seems big. So, I hope you all enjoy it,” Ross said, revealing his deep appreciation for the project. 

Ross pointed out to the attentive group the carefully planned trails designed to guide visitors through the landscape while minimizing the impact on the natural resources and neighboring properties. He spoke of a planned overlook, which will offer breathtaking vistas of Mount Herman and Rampart Range, along with interpretive signs to help visitors connect with the land's rich natural and human history. The group appreciated seeing such a thoughtful trail design to balance access and enjoyment with conserving and stewarding the land and respecting the surrounding landowners. 

Steve Harris, Land Stewardship Director for Palmer, provided helpful insights about the importance of conservation easements and the crucial role that land trusts play in protecting key parcels of land. “We have 138,000 acres of land over ten counties and 148 properties currently…more coming on board all the time,” Steve explained, illustrating the scale and impact of the Palmer Land Conservancy’s work across the region.

Conservation easements, he stressed, provide a vital tool to ensure the long-term protection of land, which offers a powerful way for landowners to voluntarily protect their land's natural values from encroaching development while retaining ownership.

As the walk came to an end, many of the hikers were filled with a sense of gratitude for the foresight and generosity of those who work tirelessly to preserve this special place. The Santa Fe Open Space, the group realized, is more than just a beautiful landscape. It is a testament to the power of community, the enduring legacy of those who came before us, and the responsibility we all share to care for the land for the benefit of generations yet to come.