Open Space! Parks! Connecting Children to Nature! Trails! …and More!

SMLC’s mission is to increase understanding and appreciation of the profound importance of open spaces, natural areas, parks and trails in the lives of people of all ages. SMLC does this through advocacy, open space acquisition and educational projects.

Welcome!

South Metro Land Conservancy is 30 years old this year! To celebrate, every $30 donation will benefit local tree planting efforts and support our organization. Support creating a greener tomorrow. Donate today!

Throughout South Metro Land Conservancy’s 30-year history, the organization has focused on the acquisition and preservation of open space in the south metro area. As a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, SMLC has initiated or participated in conservation and land preservation projects totaling over 10,300 acres of protected open space. Click here to see what we've accomplished! We believe that SMLC’s efforts have been key to the quality of life that we enjoy. There is no question that open space, parks, trails and natural areas are integral to what we are as a community.

The Latest News

SMLC invites qualified and interested members of the community to consider being part of the SMLC Board of Directors.

Click to view the applications.

SMLC's recently provided comments on South Suburban's Draft Master Plan. Our letter to SSPR can be seen here.

Click to view the letter.

Powers Park: Both the City of Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation have committed funding in 2023 toward the first phase of design!

Click to read more information

Getting from Here to There: Improving Trails and Connectivity

SMLC supports additional opportunities to expand connectivity of parks, trails and places people need to travel in order to meet the needs of their everyday lives. Facilitating travel via walking or biking has proven health benefits for people of all ages and contributes to better air quality. For example, SMLC advocates for a trail connection between Progress and Cornerstone Parks; a perimeter trail in Powers Park; and is an active participant with the South Platte Working Group.

Children are Made to Have Fun Outdoors: Connect Children with Nature

SMLC wants children to get outside and explore! SMLC partners with Great Outdoors Colorado’s “Generation Wild”, sponsors ranger programs for children and has provided high quality nature-themed books for Bemis Library’s summer reading program and LPS’s Village Pre-School.

What's that "Mess" in My Neighborhood Park? Enhance Natural Areas

A lot of people wonder why portions of their neighborhood parks look messy: grass is uncut and unwatered; tree logs are left to rot. These parcels are often misunderstood, yet they provide habitat for birds, animals and native plants close to home. SMLC is helping people understand the importance of natural areas in their neighborhood parks. Not only do we want to see these areas become valued assets in existing parks, SMLC has funded the “reimagining” of Powers Park to become a showcase of native plantings and a place to connect with nature.

Check out further details on our Powers Park efforts within Our Projects section here.

We have MORE Exciting News! Powers Park receives funding!

Another major milestone in the "Reimagining of Powers Park" has been reached!! Both the City of Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation have committed funding in 2023 toward design development of Powers Park. This work will build on SMLC's Powers Park Vision Plan which it commissioned from Stream Landscape Architecture + Planning.

The Powers Park Vision Plan accomplishes the following:

Furthers SMLC’s mission to connect people with nature and enhance important habitat close to home in a neighborhood park
Provides better park amenities for current residents and the new residents of the SMHO housing project
Accomplishes the two above goals without negatively impacting the park’s stormwater detention function and operational needs

Next step is to work with the City of Littleton, South Suburban Park and Recreation District and Mile High Flood District to put funding in place for the renovation of Powers Park.

Click here to access the Vision Plan's drawings. For press inquiries, please reach out to info@smlc.land.

More information about Powers Park can be found on our Current Projects page.