#KeepItInMind

Colorado’s trails are seeing significant spikes in visitors as more people itch to get out of the house and head to the open space of the hills or the prairies. It's great to see people enjoying our beautiful, natural outdoors - but unfortunately, the extra traffic is taking a heavy toll on Colorado’s trails.

Open space agencies have seen trampling off-trail, which harms plant and animal habitat; garbage and dog waste; graffiti on rock faces and trail signs; and illegal parking. The damage could take years to repair; some damage is permanent. These challenges have put some open spaces at risk of shutting down.

To spread awareness about these issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Summer 2020, Keep It Colorado launched the #KeepItInMind social media campaign. It urged people to "keep a few things in mind" as they head outside. See our collection of tips below - including a few educational “take-over” posts from our land trusts.

“Across eight “count sites” in Colorado’s Front Range region, from mid-March to mid-April 2020, there was a 122% increase in trails traffic on weekends and a 172% increase on weekdays compared to the same period in 2019. ”

— North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization

The need to protect and respect Colorado’s open spaces didn’t end with the campaign. We can all keep these things in mind as we enjoy Colorado’s outdoors! #KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Curious to learn what goes into creating and maintaining trails? Read “How Trails Happen.”

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Hey outdoor lovers, have you noticed any damage on your favorite backyard trails lately? Share your photos and let us know what you're seeing.

All of us need nature more than ever right now – but open space agencies are reporting some sad information. Graffiti on rock faces. Spray-painted trail signs. Trampling off-trail (harming plants and animal habitat). Fast-food garbage. Dog waste.

This month we'll be sharing some tips to keep in mind when heading out to the trails.

Photo provided by Larimer County Natural Resources.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

A little mud never hurt anybody. Go ahead, walk right through it!

Colorado's trails are being loved to death. Playing in our beautiful outdoor landscapes is great – but the trails are feeling the extra attention (and in not-so-good ways). Can you help spread the word to help protect our open spaces? Here are 5 things to keep in mind.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Planning a camping trip for the holiday weekend? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you head out to the campgrounds. ⛺

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Did you know that a "social trail" is an informal, user-created trail that can damage habitat and lead to trail closures? To avoid trampling on vegetation and keep our trails open, please avoid creating social trails. (In other words, stay on the marked trail and you'll be good!)

This "before" photo was taken in March before the vegetation turned green. In the "after" photo, taken more recently of nearly the same spot, you can see that a social trail was created next to the authorized one. Trampling killed what vegetation would have grown there.

"After" photo provided by Larimer County Natural Resources.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Our open space trails are often designated for specific types of uses - for example, biking or hiking, or both. These photos show a section of the Dedisse Trail in Evergreen. The trail on the left, designated for hiking, had to be closed because bikers got to it. Please stay on the trail and follow trail usage guidelines. This will keep our trails protected, so that we may continue using them.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Curious what's going on here? This trail looks messy - and it's intentional.

The before-picture shows a "social trail" that was created by users who hiked off the authorized trail. The after-picture shows where Denver Parks and Recreation had to put down logs and rocks to cover that trail and discourage its use and continued deterioration. Hiking off trail damages surrounding plant and wildlife habitat, and a lot of work goes into maintaining those areas so that we can enjoy using them.

Help keep our trails protected. Stay on marked trails.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hey nature lovers, we're not out of the woods yet with coronavirus! Some open spaces are at risk of shutting down due to over-crowding, illegal parking and excessive trail damage. Here a few things to keep in mind to stay safe on the trails – and keep them open. Help us spread the word and not the germs.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

😷Stay close to home. Minimize travel.

😷Keep the "space" in open space. Maintain 6 feet of physical distance from people not in your household.

😷Wear face coverings. This includes hikers, trail runners and bikers.

😷Arrive early and avoid places of high use.

😷Plan ahead by bringing water, food, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket and proper footwear—this helps avoid putting yourself and others in unwanted danger.

😷Keep an eye on your local county's guidance and regulations.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

TIP: Check out the app COTREX from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It has the latest COVID-19 related closures and can help you find nearby alternatives if your favorite trailhead is busy.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

We're hearing from more people around the state who are noticing the wear and tear on local trails and open spaces. These examples show "social trails," which are created when hikers go off trail. With so many folks outdoors enjoying nature right now, it's important to stay on trail to avoid damaging habitats and vegetation, creating erosion and facing possible trail closures.

Colorado Parks & Recreation Association, thanks for sharing these photos from a community member in Erie.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hey nature lovers! You've probably noticed that parking at open spaces and trails is a bit of a problem.... Overcrowding can lead to damaged plant and animal habitat as well as unsafe health conditions for people in this time of COVID. Also, parking in non-designated areas is not helpful - it could result in certain public areas being shut down. If you see too many people and any illegal parking, please consider finding another trail to explore.

Look for the @COTREXapp from @coparkswildlife to explore more trail options near you.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hi everyone, and greetings from the Western Slope! It's @Colorado West Land Trust here, taking over Keep It Colorado's feed for the next couple of days. If you're not familiar with us, we protect and conserve agricultural land, along with its rural heritage, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and scenic lands in western Colorado.

Alongside our wonderful group of partners, we just finished construction on the Monument Trail in Grand Junction. We are so happy to see that this new paved trail is getting lots of love from the community! To ensure everyone remains safe and healthy on the trail, keep in mind that we recommend staying at least 6 feet away from other trail users. Thank you!!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

We're currently restoring native habitat where land was disturbed during construction of the Monument Trail in Grand Junction. Our friends at Western Colorado Conservation Corps have helped speed up the process by clearing invasive plant species and building a fence to protect a revegetation site.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

If you plan to visit the Lunch Loop area, help us protect the fragile transplants by staying on the paved trail and admiring from afar. If you are in the area and would like to volunteer as we continue our restoration work, you can message us at @Colorado West Land Trust to learn how. Thanks!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Greetings from the Western Slope! It's @Colorado West Land Trust here, on our second day of taking over Keep It Colorado's feed. Our land trust protects and conserves agricultural land, along with its rural heritage, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and scenic lands in western Colorado.

If you're a mountain biker, we'd like to share this helpful list of guidelines for mountain biking etiquette from one of our local partners, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association:

1. Ride on open trails only

2. Leave no trace

3. Control your bicycle

4. Always yield trail (let others know you are coming)

5. Never scare animals

6. Plan ahead!

If you'd like to learn more about setting a good example while on the trails, visit Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association's website! www.copmoba.org

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

@Colorado West Land Trust here for our final post. Thanks for joining us this week as we took over Keep It Colorado's feed! We hope you head over to our page and follow along to learn more about our work protecting and conserving land on the Western Slope.

Remember, protect the landscapes where you recreate - including where you go camping! Know the vegetation and understand the fire risk. If you plan to go camping, keep in mind that local fire restrictions may be in effect and check out BLM's Know Before You Go website (www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping). Thank you for playing a part in keeping us all safe by acting responsibly!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Greetings from the @Colorado Headwaters Land Trust! We are excited to take over Keep It Colorado's feed for a few days. Let us introduce ourselves... Since 1995, we've worked in Grand County, Colorado to preserve and steward open lands within the headwaters of the Colorado River for agriculture, water, wildlife and vistas, in partnership with landowners and for the benefit of all.

We are so grateful to live in a community that values wild open spaces. Every day, we strive to help folks keep in mind that conservation can be a landowner's greatest legacy.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hi there! It's @Colorado Headwaters Land Trust here, happily taking over Keep It Colorado's feed for a few days. We're based in Grand County, Colorado and we work to protect open lands within the headwaters of the Colorado River for agriculture, water, wildlife and vistas.

We’re celebrating summer with a BioBlitz on iNaturalist.org this month. Take a look at our Colorado Headwaters Nature Project 2020 – our local community is helping to survey and record as many living species as possible within Grand County during the month of July.

This Wood's Rose (Rosa woodsii) is just one of the many wild wonders we've recorded. Nature is everywhere! Let’s protect it.

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/colorado-headwaters-nature-project

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

"Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries." - Jimmy Carter

Hello from @Colorado Headwaters Land Trust on day #2 of taking over Keep It Colorado’s feed. We here in Grand County are fortunate to live in a biologically diverse region of the Rocky Mountains! Join us for the rest of the month to receive a daily dose of nature with Colorado Headwaters Nature Project 2020 on iNaturalist.org: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/colorado-headwaters-nature-project

So far, we have received over 230 observations from our community members, who have spotted many species right in their own backyards! We hope it inspires you to get outside. You can enjoy nature wherever you live.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

"In the end, our society will be defined not by what we create but by what we refuse to destroy." - John Sawhill

@Colorado Headwaters Land Trust here with our final “takeover” post. We're grateful for the chance to share our work with you on Keep It Colorado's feed these last few days.

We know that protecting Colorado’s rivers and water is an investment in our future. Without a doubt, the rivers and streams of the Colorado River define Grand County and the work we do as a conservation organization. Please head on over to the @Coheadwaterslt feed and follow along as we continue to protect lands along the headwaters of the Colorado River!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hi everyone! It’s @Eagle Valley Land Trust here, taking over Keep It Colorado’s feed for a couple of days. In case you’re new to our land trust, we work in Eagle County, and our mission is to protect forever the lands we love; preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats; and build a permanent legacy for future generations.

Over the next few days we’re going to show folks that, contrary to popular belief, land trust work is much more exciting than sifting through legal jargon! Nancy Glass, our stewardship and projects manager, is pictured here on a monitoring visit to the East Vail Waterfall - one of EVLT’s 36 conservation easements in Eagle County.

A popular ice climbing destination in the winter, East Vail Waterfall is a delightful short hike with plenty of technical options for thrill seekers. As the pandemic pushes more and more folks outside, avoid the crowds by checking out that tucked-away conserved space that you’ve heard about but never gotten around to visiting. We guarantee there’s one out there!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hi! It’s @Eagle Valley Land Trust here, with a friendly take-over of Keep It Colorado’s feed for a couple of days. Up here in Eagle County, our mission is to protect forever the lands we love; preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats; and build a permanent legacy for future generations.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Do you know how to safely access all the conserved land and open spaces near where you live? Conserved land is for everyone, and your local land trust is here to help. Whether you want to hike, camp, or simply enjoy time in nature, local open spaces are protected for you!

The Eagle River Preserve in Edwards, Colorado, is a permanently conserved property - and a great place to relax just steps away from town.

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Hi everyone! It’s @Eagle Valley Land Trust here, on day #2 of taking over Keep It Colorado’s feed. We work in Eagle County, and our mission is to protect forever the lands we love; preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats; and build a permanent legacy for future generations.

With a couple of wardrobe adjustments, hiking with a group is possible too! Maintaining 6 feet on a trail and masking up for the requisite group photo is hardly a burden. Plus, it makes your subsequent Instagram post look more like an album cover.

This photo is from Horn Ranch Open Space, a property conserved for its scenic views and rich history. This hike, part of EVLT’s Community Land Connection Series, is led by Eagle County Historical Society. With a few adjustments, the series lives on! Visit evlt.org/community-land-connection to learn more.

Photo Credit: Raj Manickam

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

@Eagle Valley Land Trust here again - and it’s day #2 of doing a friendly take-over of Keep It Colorado’s feed. We work in Eagle County, and our mission is to protect forever the lands we love; preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats; and build a permanent legacy for future generations.

Familiar with West Avon Preserve? Did you know that you can ride it, too?! Mountain biking here is a local favorite for breakfast pedals, lunch loops and supper group rides. EVLT conserved West Avon Preserve in 2013 via a large scale land-exchange, involving the @U.S. Forest Service, the @TownofAvon and many other organizations. Learn more about the project at www.evlt.org.

Don’t forget to stay on trail, respect closures (both wildlife and conditional), ride smart, and most importantly, find your local trail organization and help out!

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

@Eagle Valley Land Trust here again - and it’s our final day taking over Keep It Colorado’s feed. Thanks for tuning in this week as we highlight some of our work in Eagle County!

Today we’ll send off with a sweet message about the campaign to save Sweetwater Lake. This has been a massive community effort, and for good reason. The Sweetwater Lake property is a hotspot for hikers, boaters, horsepackers, birdwatchers and anyone else who enjoys vast natural lakes and open spaces. A primary entry point to the Flat Tops Wilderness, Sweetwater Lake has been a community gem for generations.

Photo Credit: Tom Lotshaw

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

Our community has been at risk of losing Sweetwater Lake to development. The Eagle Valley Land Trust, @TheConservationFund, and a volunteer team of local advocates are leading a campaign to protect this important place for our community, our wildlife and all of Colorado, forever. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.evlt.org/savethelake.

As our open spaces increase in popularity, the conservation of vulnerable community assets, like Sweetwater Lake, is even more critical.

If you ever find yourself in the Eagle Valley, get in touch – we’d love to share more about what we’re doing to protect the things that make this place special!

Credit: Barn Owl Photography

#KeepItInMind #EnjoyResponsibly

How Do Trails Happen?

Our #KeepItInMind campaign prompted our followers to raise some questions via social media, such as, Who decides where a trail goes? What if the trail doesn’t go where I want it to go? What happens when people go off trail?

These are great questions! To help us answer these and more, one of our members, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department, shared a few insights. Whether a trail is located on private or public property, these are things people can keep in mind about trails - and what it will take to keep them beautiful, accessible and open.

Read "How Trails Happen"