ROCKY MOUNTAIN LAND LIBRARY’S Headwaters to Plains Network
The Rocky Mountain Land Library is developing a network of land-study centers stretching from the headwaters of South Park to the metro-Denver plains. Each site will be united by the common purpose of connecting people to nature and the land, and all three are located on the banks of the South Platte River. With all that in common, each site has something unique to offer:
—South Park’s Buffalo Peaks Ranch, the Land Library’s residential land study center. Set on the banks of the South Platte River, this historic ranch is an inspiring site for classes, workshops, and field studies, and a perfect retreat for artists, writers, scientists, and lifelong learners of all types.
“Buffalo Peaks Ranch is a beautiful spot of land, and the perfect home for a library dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the land.” —Los Angeles Times, August 13, 2010
—Waterton Canyon Kids and Educators Library. Now in its eight season, our 3,000 volume Waterton Canyon library is a fun and inspiring resource for kids, families, and teachers—and often used by many of our partners, such as Thorne Nature Experience, Denver Water, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
—Denver’s Inner-city Branch: Our new inner-city site is located in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood. With thousands of books as an inspiring resource our Globeville branch has hosted workshops, Kids events, classes, book clubs, neighborhood gatherings, and field classes along the South Platte trail.
Our Globeville resources and programs reflect two strong themes have emerged over the course of our first three years on Washington Street: nature in the city, and living lighter on the land.
“Bird, bee, bug, beast and botany books are abundant enough to populate their own sections. The Rocky Mountains are well represented, but then so is every range on the planet. “ I had to actually see the books to believe it, ‘ said John Calderazzo, a Colorado State University English professor and nature writer, “It’s the best nature library I know of
anywhere.”” —Denver Post, February 20, 2012
The remarkable learning landscapes of the American West will provide hope for generations to come. The need for places of quiet thought, creative pursuits, and active community involvement will
only grow as our population increases. Now is the time to build a network of place-based learning centers in service to land and community.
Rocky Mountain Land Library 