Colorado has only 2 to 4% of its land in a riparian environment. Much of Colorado's growth has put this environment at risk. Areas of THF have been designed to simulate some of the characteristics of a riparian environment. Although we are not lucky enough to be located beside the Colorado River, with extensive, computer controled irrigation system, we have created several niches that approximate a riparian environment. We hope to provide an environment that will support the riparian flora and fauna. We have made the Cottonwood tree a pillar of our reconstruction. Area Ecosystems.

As of May 2008, we have now removed all of the Tamarisk trees from our property. At one time one third of the property was covered with these non-native, thirsty, invasive plants. We have removed most of the Russian Olive trees. These fast growing, non-native, dangerously thorned trees are fast growing and spread easily. The only ones remaining are the ones that we purchased from the BLM. We actually purchased a different species. But, after planting the trees we notice a note in their box stating that the trees we had purchased were unavailable and another species had been substituted - when the trees grew we realized how lucky we were to receive from the BLM this wonderful gift.

 

Wildlife Nature Path

We have almost a half mile of nature paths with native birds and animals. Ground squirrels, rabbits, mice and snakes live in the fields and meadows. In springtime, several species of birds make their nests in our trees in the many bird houses. Hummingbirds come to the feeders and Mother and Father Gambel's quail are frequently seen with a row of young trailing behind. A rare pair of Lewis' Woodpeckers were regular visitors, but construction near their Cottonwood tree on a nearby property seems to have frighten them. Even a wild peacock paid us a visit. We have resident American Kestrels too. Our owl boxes finally were occupied in the winters of 2003/2004/2005/2006/2007 but only briefly.

Nearby are Connected Lakes State Park, the Audubon Trail and the Lucy Ferril Ela Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Colorado National Monument is seen just across the valley.