Connecting All People to Agriculture
Come Experience Agriculture at CALF's Lowell Ranch! Whether you are seeking to learn, get your hands dirty or reconnect with the land, CALF brings agriculture to life. Join us in helping our community understand the importance of agriculture in everyday life.
"CALF brings all of us closer to our rural roots, animals and food."
"CALF is not only valuable to young, thriving FFA and 4-H members as a a project location, CALF also provides education, builds confidence, encourages personal responsibility and discipline and provides a safe place to be yourself." Bailey Duckworth, CALF Kid and Intern
"CALF provides differentiated learning opportunities and makes life connections," Rachel Braverman, FFA Advisor and Douglas County HS Ag Teacher.
"CALF reflects the loving hands and hard-work of John and Bea Lowell and the hundreds of volunteers throughout the years. Now, CALF is maturing to the living educational ranch we see today with a growing influence for the future of Douglas County," Ardyce Karabatsos, Founding CALF Board member.
The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation is dedicated to connecting people of all ages and abilities to agriculture through authentic educational programs, community projects, and leadership opportunities.
HISTORY: Creating the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) was one of Bea and John Lowell's life passions. As ranchers and active community members, John and Bea loved helping kids, being involved in community activities, and promoting agriculture and the rural lifestyle.
The Lowells lived along Plum Creek, near Castle Rock, Colorado their entire married life. In the 1990s, the once sleepy town of Castle Rock suddenly began to grow up around them. This prompted John and Bea to start thinking about their legacy and the future of the agricultural way of life that meant so much to them. It didn't take long for John and Bea to set aside 133 acres of their historically designated "Centennial" ranch for the benefit of agricultural education.
In 2002, the Lowells, with the help of a handful of community leaders, established CALF as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Sadly, John and Bea passed away within weeks of each other in 2009. We remember them as lifelong champions for agriculture and youth education. In each of their endeavors, the Lowells worked to create opportunities for youth and adults, and to help cultivate a mindset within the community of cooperation, discipline, responsibility and personal excellence.
VALUES: We are committed to the Lowell's work ethic and rural values of cooperation, discipline, responsibility and personal excellence.
GOALS: We promote an appreciation and increased awareness of the importance of agriculture in everyday life by:
- Sustaining and maintaining the Lowell Ranch as a premier working agricultural education center
- Promoting participation in agricultural activities such as 4-H and FFA livestock and gardening projects
- Providing real life educational experiences that align with Douglas County School District and state standards of education
- Sharing the significance of our agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle
- Encouraging sound, scientific stewardship practices for agricultural lands and livestock
SERVICE AREA: CALF serves the entire state of Colorado by working cooperatively with schools, farmers and ranchers, agricultural organizations, businesses, community organizations and individuals to create opportunities for youth and the general public to connect with agriculture.
FACILITIES: CALF currently operates the 133-acre Lowell Ranch on Plum Creek located 3 miles south of Castle Rock in Douglas County. The Lowell Ranch is equipped with indoor and outdoor classroom facilities and a community meeting room with kitchen. We provide: 4-H and FFA members space to raise livestock projects, and land for food production, community gardens, and pumpkin patch which provides pumpkins for the community at our annual Harvest Day.
Organization name
Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation
other names
CALF
2002
Tax id (EIN)
02-0657688
Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
2330 S. I-25, East Frontage RoadMailing
P.O. Box 581Douglas County, CO, US