Events | Wild Connections

Events

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Wild Connections and Friends of Browns Canyon!
This hike will consist of a four mile loop and approximately 500 feet elevation gain on historic ranch trails and the BCNM Hefley's Saddle Trail in the northeast section of the Monument, beginning from Aspen Ridge.  
On this hike, we will monitor for unauthorized motorized use into the monument, you will learn about the history of Browns Canyon, why it ranks as one of the best areas in the region for climate resiliency and why now is more important than ever to stand up for our public lands.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of National Public Lands Day, our nation's largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands!
For more information and to register, contact John Sztukowski at (817) 939-4239 or john@wildconnections.org.

Building on the success of our July volunteer project, Wild Connections is excited to return to Chubb Park for a second phase of fence removal to eliminate the remaining obsolete fencing from this important wildlife habitat.
Join us the first weekend of October for a rewarding weekend of conservation as we work together to improve habitat connectivity for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and countless other wildlife species that move through the area.
In partnership with the Colorado State Land Board, local ranchers, and dedicated volunteers, we'll remove approximately 2.25 miles of old barbed-wire fence that no longer serves a purpose. Clearing these barriers will help wildlife travel more safely while restoring the open character of this remarkable public landscape.
Everyone is welcome, whether you're an experienced volunteer or trying a stewardship project for the first time. We'll provide the tools, gloves, refreshments, and on-site guidance—you just need to bring sturdy clothing, a willingness to lend a hand, and enthusiasm for conserving Colorado's wild places.

Join us for one or both days, and take advantage of reserved camping on Saturday night if you'd like to make a weekend of it.
Every section of fence removed creates a safer, more connected landscape for wildlife. We hope you'll join us this October and be part of another meaningful weekend of conservation in Chubb Park!

For more info and to register, please contact John Sztukowski at john@wildconnections.org or (817) 939-4239.

Join Wild Connections for a monitoring hike into Wildcat Canyon, a remote and scenic stretch of the South Platte River upstream of Cheeseman Reservoir. This remarkable area largely escaped the impacts of the 2002 Hayman Fire and is managed by the South Platte Enhancement Board to protect its wild and scenic river values. Today, however, the canyon faces ongoing threats from illegal motorized use.
The South Platte River is recognized by the U.S. Forest Service for its Outstandingly Remarkable Values, including its historic and cultural resources, fisheries, geology, recreation opportunities, scenic beauty, and wildlife habitat.
This monitoring hike will cover approximately 7 miles with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain and loss. Due to the distance and elevation change, the hike is rated strenuous. 

Participants will have the opportunity to experience a unique and ecologically important landscape while helping Wild Connections monitor and document conditions in the canyon.

For more info and to register, please contact Claude Neumann at 720-231-3039 or claudeneumann@earthlink.net.

We were honored to co-host a presentation recently with our friends at the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council on 'Meeting Public Land Challenges in 2026' at the La Veta Library in Huerfano County!
The La Veta Library recorded the presentation and the 90 minute video is now available  on their YouTube channel here.

Stay tuned for another Wild Connections public lands video, recently presented by WC board members Alison Gallensky and Claude Neumann to the Friends of Mountain Evans and Lost Creek Wildernesses.