7,675 acres. One incredible wild place. Right in our backyard.
The Backcountry Wilderness Area is where elk roam, golden eagles nest, kids discover nature for the first time, and more than 250,000 adventures build connection between our community and nature.
But keeping this place wild doesn't happen on its own.
The Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund brings our community together to protect wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and make meaningful outdoor experiences accessible to all.
Your gift puts more wild into our community.
A donation can help restore wildlife habitat, support conservation projects, provide supplies for hands-on environmental education, and keep programs like Sunshine & Storytime, Discovery Days, Nature Walks, and Future Conservationists Initiative accessible to children, adults, and families. From Pre-K to grey, there is an adventure for everyone in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
Whether you're here for the elk, the trails, the adventures, the views—or simply because you believe wild places are worth protecting —there's a place for you in this work.
Protect what's wild. Inspire what's next. Give today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund?
The Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund is the nonprofit supporting the Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Our mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.
What does my donation support?
Your gift helps fund wildlife habitat improvement, conservation and restoration projects, environmental education, outdoor experiences, environmental program supplies, and no-cost community programs and events.
Simply put: your gift helps keep the Backcountry Wilderness Area wild and helps more people experience it.
Isn't the Backcountry Wilderness Area already funded by HRCA?
HRCA provides significant support for the Backcountry Wilderness Area, but charitable donations allow us to do more. The Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund helps expand conservation projects, environmental education, community access, and special initiatives beyond what traditional funding alone can provide.
Do I have to live in Highlands Ranch to enjoy the Backcountry Wilderness Area and/or donate?
Not at all. All Backcountry Wilderness Area programs are open to the public. As for donating, anyone who believes in protecting wildlife habitat, connecting kids with nature, and preserving wild places can support the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.
How does the Backcountry balance conservation and recreation?
Conservation comes first. Recreation and education are thoughtfully managed through tools including designated trails, seasonal closures, dedicated program areas, and responsible recreation practices to give people opportunities to experience the outdoors while protecting wildlife. We know firsthand that people who recreate and learn in nature, can't help but want to conserve and protect it.
How does the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund support kids?
We believe future conservationists are created through experience. Our 501c3 helps provide hands-on environmental education, camps, community programs, school partnerships, and opportunities for kids to explore and build their own relationship with nature.
Can I make a recurring gift?
Yes! Recurring gifts provide reliable support throughout the year and help us plan for long-term conservation, education, and community initiatives.
Can businesses get involved?
Absolutely. Businesses can support the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund through corporate partnerships, sponsorships, matching gifts, in-kind donations, and customized community partnerships. For more information, visit our Corporate Partnership page.
Can I help without making a donation?
Absolutely. Give your time. Volunteer. Participate in programs. Attend an event. Share our story. Introduce us to a potential partner. Time, talent, treasure and advocacy all make an impact.
Why give to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund?
Because having 7,675 acres of wild right in our backyard is extraordinary—and worth protecting.
Your support helps ensure wildlife have room to roam, our children have opportunities to experience nature, and this landscape remains a place our community can learn from, care for, and enjoy for generations.
It's your wild. It's our wild. And it's Worth Your Wild.
Mission
Our mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.