{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community","title":"The Local Protector of Land and Water in Colorado Springs","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1154,"description":"Did you know nearly 150,000 acres around Colorado Springs are permanently protected, and one organization has been leading that effort since 1977? In this episode, Carly sits down with Astrid Monar from the Palmer Land Conservancy to uncover the incredible scope of work happening right in our backyard. From saving the backdrop behind Garden of the Gods to building the Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor, Palmer Land Conservancy has quietly shaped the landscape we all love. Plus: they discuss a local food guide, a brand-new open space coming to Woodland Park, and upcoming events where you can get involved.In This EpisodeHow a small group of volunteers in 1977 launched what would become Palmer Land Conservancy, and why the name has changed twice since thenThe story behind the Garden of the Gods backdrop protection and what that view might look like today without itPalmer's ambitious five-year plan to protect 60,000 additional acres (that's four Manhattans!) and 25 miles of waterwaysWhy conservation easements are permanent, and what that means for landowners and communitiesThe local food guide connecting Colorado Springs residents to farms and ranches south of the cityThe Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor: a legacy project protecting sweeping views along Highway 24Avenger Open Space in Woodland Park: a new trail-connected open space in the worksHow you can support local conservation through events, donations, and community advocacyKey TakeawaysConservation is invisible by design. When it's done right, the mountains, meadows, and open spaces just look like they've always been there. They haven't, it takes communities of people to keep them that way.Palmer's impact is massive. Nearly 150,000 acres protected. 20 public parks and open spaces. Projects spanning from Garden of the Gods to the Paint Mines.Local food is a conservation priority. Palmer created a local food guide highlighting farms and ranches in the Pueblo and Rocky Ford area, Colorado's \"bread basket.\" Grab a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/1R7Yk2BRj3AQ18ACrejZHCFhmF74uh4im7Mif77HaM8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81YTM4/MjRmYjM5NGEyMjI5/OWQ5YzI5NWUxN2Zm/ZDBjZS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}