South Metro Land Conservancy

South Metro Land Conservancy: Advocates for the Voice of Nature

For most of SMLC’s history we led the charge for open space acquisition and advocacy.   During those years our efforts – holding easements, advocacy or financial participation -- resulted in 10,300 acres of protected open space being added to the community.  SMLC was key, for example, to adding important parcels and holding easements in S. Platte Park, saving the Chambers Farm (now Wynetka Ponds Park), holding the easement for the Marjorie Perry Preserve on the High Line Canal and saving the Marrs Ranch in eastern Arapahoe County.

With diminishing remaining land opportunities for acquiring open space, the SMLC mission has transitioned to that of connection and relevancy -- connecting people to nature and making existing spaces and parks relevant to communities and families TODAY.

SMLC does this by being the voice for nature in the community. That voice is amplified each time we participate in public planning processes; provide letters of support for grants; and testify before elected bodies.  

As we look forward to 2026, you can expect that SMLC will continue this important conservation work as we explore and prioritize projects  that will increase access to nature in existing parks and land holdings.  The need is great and the time is urgent.  Many of the funding streams are no longer accessible that were previously available to our public partners and private non-profit organizations who come together to bring nature-based solutions to our communities.  It’s more important than ever that South Metro Land Conservancy be a part of and provide vital funding to ensure the advancement of projects that most benefit and preserve access to nature in our communities.