Description
The Nature Conservancy established its first preserve on the San Miguel River in 1988. The South Fork Preserve, protected in the summer of 1989, was our most recent acquisition. Now, with three preserves and cooperative projects with the Bureau of Land Management and other partners, we have helped protect more than 30 miles of the San Miguel.
What to Expect
There is a handicap-accessible, 180-foot elevated boardwalk and viewing platform with interpretive signage. There is also a half-mile gravel hiking trail of moderate difficulty.
Fishing
Catch-and-release is allowed, but only with artificial flies and lures.
Why TNC Selected This Site
Because it contains one of the best-known examples of the globally rare narrowleaf cottonwood-Colorado blue spruce/black twinberry plant community. The Nature Conservancy’s foremost concern here is preservation of the riparian habitat. Staff and volunteers focus on:
- Non-native weed control
- Creating partnerships within the region to promote conservation
- Educating the local community about riparian plant and animal communities
