DEL NORTE — The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is an organization working to preserve the way of life in the San Luis Valley. Established in 1999, this non-profit land trust protects working farms and ranches as well as river systems and wildlife habitat through conservation easements that keep the land and water intact for future generations. It is the only land grant that services all the counties in San Luis Valley.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust partners with private landowners to create a conservation easement, which is a voluntary legal agreement that protects the land forever.

The purpose of a conservation easement is to support and keep working ranches and farms intact and wildlife habitat protected. The conservation easement states that a landowner cannot subdivide the land or sell the water rights.

Both need to be protected to preserve the whole ecosystem, beneficial to wildlife and agriculture. The landowner retains 100% ownership and is ensured that the property will continue to be used for agriculture for future generations.

Each conservation easement is different, in a way that would be most beneficial to the landowner. The easements are paid for by grants. An example of their work is Crowther Meadows Ranch outside of Manassa. This 160-acre ranch is a haven for birds and other wildlife because of its marshes. The ranch is also used for hay production and grazing.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is focusing on protecting the Conejos and Rio Grande rivers’ (riparian) systems.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is for and about the community. They offer workshops for landowners and business owners to learn more about conservation easements and other conservation issues, like water and sustainable farming. The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust realizes the importance of getting children involved.

Board member Steve Russell says, "We provide hands-on activities for children, like planting willows, to get children involved. They don't know about the land. Being involved, the children learn more about their land and Valley."

The hope is by teaching and engaging children in real-life activities, they gain an appreciation and sense of ownership of their way of life. Children go to sheep farms to learn about wool. They collect water samples and learn about water systems.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust has events throughout the year to connect with the community. The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust held its annual Hoedown and Cornhole Tournament Throwdown on Oct. 1 at the Colorado Farm Brewery outside Alamosa.

The brewery are big supporters of the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust and has a large outdoor venue to hold the event.

The Colorado Farm Brewery is unique. The brewery does every process of brewing onsite, from growing the hops on the land settled 80 years earlier to selling the beer at their restaurant onsite.

There was fun for all-cornhole tournament, rousing music by Wood Belly, delicious beers, and sausage, loaded fries, and a scavenger treasure hunt for the children.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust has its headquarters in Del Norte but serves and welcomes board members from all counties and all walks of life. The trust continues to work to protect working ranches, farms, water, and wildlife in the San Luis Valley.

To become a board member, volunteer, give donations, or more information about the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, call 719-657-0800 or go to the website, riograndelandtrust.org.