Friends of Browns Canyon (FOBC) protects and preserves the natural and cultural resources of Browns Canyon National Monument through advocacy, education, and collaboration. We unite conservation voices, engage the public, and work with agencies to ensure responsible stewardship and lasting impact.
FOBC successfully led the campaign to achieve Dark Sky Park Certification for Browns Canyon National Monument through DarkSky International (DSI) in 2024. This is the only DSI-certified locality in Chaffee County. FOBC presents free, public stargazing events in the Monument during the summer months. As light pollution grows exponentially, people are seeking out dark places to enjoy the night sky in record numbers.
Additionally, we inventory and study the ecological needs of the area and represent those needs to the local community, government agencies, and conservation organizations. We engage volunteers in these and other stewardship activities such as closing unauthorized trails, restoration of degraded wildlife habitat, and installing signage to direct and educate visitors.
Browns Canyon National Monument has always been understaffed relative to its size but the problem is more acute with the federal government withdrawing support for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. As the one volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Monument, we need your financial help now more than ever to continue our dark sky programming, our stewardship efforts, and our public education campaigns.
Friends of Browns Canyon works to preserve and support conservation of Browns Canyon National Monument and the surrounding areas. We work to provide and facilitate a unified voice for those concerned about protection and conservation of Browns Canyon and to provide educational opportunities for and to engage the public in conservation efforts. We are committed to working with federal and state agencies on management and development issues affecting the area and to actively seek those opportunities and means that will improve the abilities and effectiveness of the Friends of Browns Canyon.
Friends of Browns Canyon was formed in 2003 when local residents came together to advocate for protecting the Browns Canyon landscape.
Friends of Browns Canyon is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Browns Canyon area. Friends of Browns Canyon serves its members, the local community and national constituents by providing educational opportunities about the benefits of the diverse natural features and ecosystems of Browns Canyon.
Acting as the voice of the Browns Canyon area, including the national monument, we inventory and study the ecological needs of the area and represent those needs to local community members, government agencies and conservation organizations. We believe the Browns Canyon area holds treasures and values for ages to come. We believe providing education about these treasures and values to be a key element in the preservation of Browns Canyon.
Organization name
Friends of Browns Canyon
2003
Tax id (EIN)
26-0068761
Category
Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Education, Environment, Public & Societal Benefit
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 343Chaffee County, CO, US