Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Executive Summary & , , , , , , , , | i

Plains Conservation Center

Master Plan

August 2019

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department

Plains Conservation Center

Master Plan

August 2019

Prepared for:

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department

Prepared by:

Mundus Bishop

with

Anderson Hallas Architects, BBC Research & Consulting, and Philosophy Communication

Acknowledgments City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Brooke Bell, Interim Director Pat Schuler, Open Space & Natural Resources Manager Tracy Young, Planning, Design & Construction Manager Ed Shalkey, Senior Landscape Architect Michelle Teller, Planner II

Consultant Team

Stakeholder Group

Mundus Bishop

Tom Isaacson, Open Space Advisory Board

Tina Bishop, PLA, Principal

Wayne Gallagher, Open Space Advisory Board

Kelly Ream, AICP, Senior Planner

Josh Tenneson, Arapahoe County Open Space

Josh Spinner, Landscape Designer

Mathew Cole, Denver Botanic Gardens

Anderson Hallas Architects Nan Anderson, FAIA, Principal Rebecca Silva, AIA, Architect

Brian Green, Open Space & Natural Resources Superintendent Joy Thompson, Senior Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist Eric Watts, Open Space Superintendent Fendi Despres, Natural Resource Technician

Julie Blue, Denver Botanic Gardens Tasha Chevarria, West Arapahoe Conservation District Hillary Merritt, Trust for Public Land

BBC Research & Consulting

Janie Brady, Buckley Air Force Base

Kevin Williams, Managing Director

Audrey Maydew, The Grange Museum

Michael Verdone, Ph.D., Senior Associate Rebecca Garvoille, Ph.D., Associate

Philosophy Communication Jennifer Lester Jennifer Malchiodi

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary.......................................................... 1 2 Introduction..................................................................... 9 3 Foundation for Planning....................................................19 4 A Vision for Plains Conservation Center...............................45 5 Master Plan Framework....................................................51 6 Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance ................63 7 Program and Marketing Recommendations and Guidance......77 8 Fiscal Resiliency..............................................................83 9 Implementation...............................................................85

Appendices A Bibliography B Acronyms C Image Credits D PCC Current Facilities E PCC Current Programming F PCC Marketing G PCC Revenue Model

How to Use this Master Plan This master plan informs and guides the

3. Foundation for Planning establishes a

6. Site and Facility Recommendations

work of the City of Aurora and its partners

basis for understanding PCC. This section

and Guidance establishes a framework to

in the management and improvement of

describes site history, natural resources,

implement the vision for PCC. This section

Plains Conservation Center (PCC). This

cultural features, facilities, connective

presents overarching guidance and detailed

master plan documents the development and

infrastructure, visitation and programming,

recommendations to design and evaluate

existing condition of PCC and establishes a

finances, and marketing.

compatible improvements and modifications.

vision and recommendations to guide public use, management and marketing of PCC,

4. A Vision for Plains Conservation Center

and continue its tradition of educational

distills findings from the Foundation for

programming and conservation.

Planning into a mission statement, six

This master plan is divided into nine chapters described below.

1. Executive Summary describes the vision for what PCC will be in the future and framework to implement the vision for PCC. 2. Introduction provides an overview of

goals, and guiding vision for PCC. The vision describes what the essential qualities of PCC will be in the future and is a starting point for the implementation of this master plan.

5. Master Plan Framework establishes a shared vision to guide public use, management, marketing, programming,

7. Program and Marketing Recommendations and Guidance provides PROS and its partners with a framework for programming, interpretation, and marketing of PCC. 8. Fiscal Resiliency outlines strategies to ensure the continuation of high quality programming at PCC and implementation of the master plan vision.

9. Implementation identifies a phased

PCC, purpose of the master plan, planning

and conservation. This section identifies

implementation strategy for master plan

process and engagement, and planning

the audience, program, and use zones to

recommendations. This section suggests

context/related initiatives.

support the vision.

priorities and includes cost estimates.

Executive Summary & , , , , , , , , | 1

CHAPTER 1

Executive Summary

2 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

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Executive Summary & , , , , , , , , | 3

Vision for Plains Conservation Center Set aside in the 1950s to conserve the

education. PCC’s legacy of conserving its 1,100

in harmony with the natural prairie setting

remnant shortgrass prairie and educate the

acres as nationally significant North American

includes indoor and outdoor spaces, trails,

agricultural community on soil conservation,

remnant shortgrass prairie continues. Inspiring

exhibits, research opportunities, overlooks and

Plains Conservation Center (PCC) evolved

and sensitively sited new visitor and educational

waysides to inspire an appreciation and lifelong

into a popular destination for school groups,

facilities establish PCC as a preeminent center

connection to the high plains.

young families and nature enthusiasts. PCC’s

for natural and cultural history education,

facilities are now outdated and lack modern

public gathering, community engagement, and

educational exhibit and visitor spaces. Most are

research. Engaging programming and strong

within the restrictive Buckley Air Force Base

partnerships attract established and new

accident potential zone district (APZ) limiting

audiences through memorable experiences and

new construction and visitor gatherings. Urban

increase support for PCC through a sustained

development near PCC and within Colorado’s

constituency.

greater high plains has elevated the importance

The City of Aurora’s vision for PCC is ambitious and will be implemented through city resources, partnerships, and a dedicated constituency. The city’s strong partnerships with Denver Botanic Gardens, West Arapahoe Conservation District, Arapahoe County Open Space, Trust for Public Lands, Buckley Air Force Base, and Colorado

The City of Aurora’s commitment to long-

State Grange, and with potential partners in

term conservation ensures these 1,100 acres

conservation, education, agriculture, history,

remain protected remnant shortgrass prairie

research, school districts, community-based

and a prized environmental asset for the city

organizations, and volunteers are essential to

and community. This healthy ecosystem of

implementing the ambitious vision for PCC’s

diverse plants, prairie uplands and lowlands,

continued legacy of lifelong learning and

Today PCC seeks to be the City of Aurora’s

unfragmented habitat, and diverse birds and

resource conservation.

premier destination for conservation and

wildlife is the backbone of PCC. New welcoming

education. The site’s diverse remnant prairie

visitor and educational facilities prominently re-

ecosystem, abundant wildlife, representation

establish PCC as the place for all ages to explore

of Cheyenne and Arapaho use, homesteading

the outdoors, engage with history, gather, find

and military history, and tradition of education

solitude, and connect with the natural world

makes it the ideal location for conservation and

of the high plains. New facilities designed

of conserving this tract of shortgrass prairie for its natural and cultural qualities and habitat value. Under the stewardship of the City of Aurora and its partners the need to revitalize PCC has become increasingly important.

4 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

The Master Plan Framework The mission of PCC is to conserve the high plains shortgrass prairie and its natural and cultural resources for public access,

Six goals guide the long-term management and improvement of PCC. Developed collaboratively by the City of Aurora and

education, and enjoyment by all.

PCC stakeholders, these goals assert the importance of balancing visitor use with

This master plan establishes a shared vision to

This master plan guides the improvement of

guide public use, management and marketing of

PCC to become an essential center of education

PCC’s natural grassland ecosystem, and continue

and conservation for schools, independent

its tradition of educational programming and

learners of all ages, families, neighbors, and day

conservation. This master plan provides the

visitors and a key destination for partners and

City of Aurora and its partners with a long-term

researchers. PCC will offer visitor experiences

framework for improvement, management,

and programming to curriculum- and

operation, and programming.

community-based audiences from the Aurora

PCC’s vision and master plan were developed over a six-month process through the engagement of city staff, partners including Denver Botanic Gardens, stakeholders

community, Denver metropolitan region and beyond. PCC programming will engage visitors of all ages fostering an increased appreciation of the prairie and inspiring lifelong connections to

conservation.

Learning and Conservation Provide Experiences to Support Lifelong Learning and Resource Conservation

Constituency Build and Maintain a PCC Constituency

Land Protection Ensure Long-term Open Space Land Protection

the high plains and PCC.

Healthy Ecosystem

discussions and work sessions with partners

PCC’s shortgrass prairie, lowland riparian, and

Cultural, and Social Ecosystem

and stakeholders along with public surveys and

wetland ecosystems support a broad diversity

on-site community events and community open

of plants and wildlife. These ecosystems will

Facilities and Visitor Experiences

houses informed the plan. Nearly 900 people

continue to be managed as the site’s most

Establish Facilities and

participated in the planning effort.

important resource.

Infrastructure to Support Visitor

and community involvement. Roundtable

Provide a Healthy, Natural,

and Educational Experiences

Fiscal Responsibility Create a Framework for Fiscal Responsibility for PCC

Executive Summary & , , , , , , , , | 5 Great Plains Park Controlled Pedestrian Access

Plains Conservation Center Master Plan PCC Entry Road Prairie Tour Trail Resource-based Point of Interest Riparian Lowlands

th

Sou

Con

ay yW

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

tor

va ser

Tower Foundation

Shortgrass Prairie Prairie Restoration

Accident Potential Zone (APZ)

Target Foundation Prairie Ravine

Adelia Wells Homestead

Controlled Pedestrian Access

Lowlands

Buckley Air Force Base

The Overlook To Prairie Wetland Lab 1.35 miles

Sandstone Outcropping To Grand Central Station .50 miles

The Grove To Knoll .25 miles

Controlled Main Entrance

Cheyenne Village

Raptor Overlook

APZ

Prairie Meander

Grand Central Station

The Knoll To Overlook .75 miles To Wells .25 miles

Tower Foundation

Raptor Nest

Ranch Structures

East Jewell Avenue

East Hampden Avenue

Wells Crossing

Controlled Access Restricted to Operations, Programs, and Pedestrians High

Plains

Trail

E470 N 0

400 ft

800 ft

6 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

To ensure the continued legacy of conservation and education, PCC’s landscape is organized into two use zones. The majority of the 1,100-

The Conservation Hub will offer a premier setting for curriculum- and communitybased programming, interpretation, and research.

acre site is within the Prairie/High Plains Zone where protection of resources, habitat, natural topography and native vegetation will be maximized. Management activities will protect and enhance soils, vegetation and habitat as well as geological and cultural features. Trails, overlooks, and education and interpretation nodes will offer low impact visitor experiences.

Primary visitor, education, and administrative uses will be within the Manicured Prairie Zone on PCC’s west edge where the prairie/high plains unfold to the east and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains is the backdrop to the west.

New facilities will ensure PCC’s status as a premier destination for conservation, education, and programming. Dedicated space for visitor contact, education/learning, administration/ operations, circulation, and exhibits/ interpretation will ensure PCC delivers high quality experiences within settings designed to engage visitors with the prairie.

The Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll will provide visitor contact, orientation, and interpretation.

Executive Summary & , , , , , , , , | 7

The Prairie Wetland Laboratory outdoor classroom will offer hands-on exploration of the landscape.

Visitor use areas will provide opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and connect to the natural and cultural heritage of the high plains.

The Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll will be the primary point of visitor contact and orientation and offer areas for interpretation, exhibits, and small gatherings. The Event Pavilion and Conservation Hub at The Overlook will be located outside the APZ district and will be the center for education, research, interpretation, and visitor gatherings. Prairie Meander will provide a distinct outdoor gathering space and linear connection between The Knoll and The Overlook. The Prairie Tour and trails will support low impact visitor experiences and connections

The Prairie/High Plains zone will support diverse plant and wildlife while offering visitor experiences of low environmental impact.

to interpretive and educational points of interest.

The design of new features and an integrated approach to management of natural and cultural systems will support conservation, healthy ecosystems, and the resiliency of PCC’s built and natural environment.

8 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

PCC’s ambitious vision will be implemented through a commitment to fiscal resiliency.

The City of Aurora’s implementation strategy

The Prairie/High Plains zone will offer small scale visitor amenities, i.e., seating, interpretation, and viewing platforms at select points of interest.

includes facilities planning augmented by supplemental investments from outside sources and creating opportunities to generate revenue.

Funding sources may include capital funds, partnerships, and county, state and federal grant funding.

This master plan is supported by the City of Aurora, partners including Denver Botanic Gardens, West Arapahoe Conservation District, Arapahoe County Open Space, Trust for Public Lands, Buckley Air Force Base, and the community. These strong partnerships along with those that exist between the city and other cultural institutions, state and federal agencies, school districts, community-based organizations, and volunteers are essential to implementing the vision for PCC’s continued legacy of lifelong learning and resource conservation.

Prairie Meander native plantings, exhibits, interpretive displays, and human-scale shade structures will provide a safe and inviting experience.

Introduction & & , , , , , , , | 9

CHAPTER 2

Introduction

10 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

About Plains Conservation Center Plains Conservation Center (PCC) in the City of Aurora, Colorado is a popular destination for

Figure 1. 2018 City of Aurora Nature Center Visitation

school field trips, families with young children,

12,768 Visitors

Through the 1950s and 1960s PCC offered outreach services to the agricultural community and started to provide curriculum- and

and nature enthusiasts. Located on the western

Plains Conservation Center

community-based programming. In the 1970s

edge of the high plains, PCC’s landscape is

4,645 Visitors Morrison Nature Center

school visitation increased and became the site’s

3,727 Visitors Senac Creek Nature Center

largest PCC user group today.

nationally significant and representative of North America’s remnant shortgrass prairie.

The site’s significance is attributed to visionary founders and several generations of dedicated leaders. These individuals worked for nearly seven decades to conserve a considerable tract of remnant shortgrass prairie and provide the community with an understanding of shortgrass prairie conservation and heritage. Management and program operations have changed various

Source: City of Aurora PCC’s documented history dates to enactment of the Homestead Act of 1862. Four homestead patents comprise the current PCC site. These include the Adelia Wells homestead, documented by archaeological surveys.

times, yet throughout, conservation and

From the 1930s to 1940s the U.S. Army

education remained at the core of PCC’s mission.

operated the Lowry Bombing and Gunnery

PCC is the most visited nature center in the City of Aurora, providing significant programming to local schools. Programming aligns to school curricula and is highly regarded throughout the metropolitan region. Soddies, tipis, and other replica structures are not historic to PCC. These replica structures and PCC’s landscape are representative of pre-settlement high plains and provide an authentic setting to learn about homesteading, Native Americans, and the shortgrass prairie ecosystem.

Range of which a portion occurred on PCC lands.

They tested the accuracy of bombing runs by dropping sacks of flour on the shortgrass prairie.

Western Arapahoe Soil Conservation District (WASCD) formed during this time to assist the local agricultural community in implementing soil conservation practices. The U.S. Army granted land to WASCD for the creation of PCC, which opened in 1952.

largest visitor group. School children remain the

Site development occurred incrementally from the construction of the education structure in 1968 to the addition of the yurt in 2007.

Facilities include over 11 miles of shared use roads, 14 structures, and several outdoor gathering spaces.

Today, indoor and outdoor facilities are in varying condition and there is extensive need to address deferred maintenance, code compliance, universal access, and conflicting uses. Programming and visitation capacity is limited by dedicated indoor gathering spaces.

Although limited by facility capacity, nearly 13,000 children and adults visit the site annually. Annual visitation numbers, PCC’s enduring reputation for high quality programming, and the vision identified through this master plan process support program expansion and site improvement at PCC.

Introduction & & , , , , , , , | 11

About this Master Plan In 1996 the City of Aurora assumed ownership of the 1,100-acre Plains Conservation Center (PCC). The City of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department (PROS) manages the site and resources. PROS cooperatively provides curriculum- and community-based programming with Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG).

The purpose of the 2019 master plan initiative is to:

Create a shared vision to guide public use, management and marketing of PCC’s natural grassland ecosystem, and tradition of educational programming and conservation.

This master plan provides the City of Aurora and its partners with a long-term framework for improvement, management, operation, and programming. This plan documents the planning process and foundations for the plan.

It provides recommendations and design and implementation guidance to guide the future of PCC.

PCC provides a setting to learn about shortgrass prairie ecology and heritage

12 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Planning Process and Engagement • Concept alternatives addressed issues and opportunities identified in previous stages. Facilitated discussions with city staff, partners, stakeholders, and the community identified a preferred program, concept plan, and vision for further development.

This master plan for PCC was prepared through an open and transparent planning process including extensive engagement with city staff, partners, stakeholders, PCC visitors, and local and regional community members.

• Discovery included outreach and documentation of site history, related planning initiatives, and existing condition, use, and operations.

• Master Plan and Design Guidelines documented the future vision for PCC. This document establishes recommendations and guidance to implement the vision and guidance to design and evaluate compatible improvements and modifications to PCC.

• Programming built upon outreach and existing condition assessment to identify needs and desires, a shared vision, and future opportunities.

Figure 2. Plains Conservation Center Master Plan Process and Engagement PROJECT LAUNCH

JANUARY

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

REVIEW AND PROVIDE INPUT

MAY

JUNE

PROJECT COMPLETION

JULY

DISCOVERY AND PROGRAMMING

CONCEPTS

MASTER PLAN AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

ONSITE EVENTS STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

ONSITE EVENTS OPEN HOUSE #1 AND #2 STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

OPEN HOUSE #3, STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS BOARD MEETINGS

AUGUST

Introduction & & , , , , , , , | 13

Stakeholder outreach at key milestones engaged

Community members, partners, stakeholders,

a wide spectrum of PCC staff and current and

and city staff described PCC using the following

potential partners and users. These included

words.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Arapahoe County Open Space, Trust for Public Land, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado State Grange, West Arapahoe Conservation District, and PROS planning, operations, and environmental education and PCC Open House #1

outreach.

Several community forums engaged the public throughout the planning process. These included three open houses, three on-site pop up events, and web-based outreach. Web-based surveys solicited input through the City of Aurora website dedicated to the master plan. The website provided information on the planning process and opportunities for input.

PCC Open House #2

Nearly 900 community members, partners, stakeholders, and city staff provided input through the planning process.

250

attendees at pop-up events

200

attendees at community open houses

400+

survey responses

Homestead

Mountain Views

Prairie ildlife W n o ti a c Ag Edu

Authentic

ion t a v r onse

C

Schools

Heritage

Memorable

ric ult ure

Westw ard

Native American Interpretation

Community members, partners, stakeholders, and city staff identified the following priorities for the master plan to address.

• Resource conservation and protection; • Visitor amenities - self-guided interpretation, viewing/observation areas, shade; • Facility improvements/upgrades; • Dedicated education/visitor contact facilities; • Concentrated use outside APZ district; • Circulation; • Authentic programming and facilities.

14 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Planning Context The land encompassing PCC’s 1,100 acres is in the center of the City of Aurora, on the

Â?

western edge of the high plains. PCC is 20 miles from Denver International Airport and

Â?Â?

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downtown Denver. Remnant shortgrass prairie characterizes PCC’s landscape. Views to the

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foothills of the Rocky Mountains provide a

Â

backdrop and regional identity.

Major roadways provide access and visibility

Â

70

Â

225

470

Â?

to PCC. E-470 parallels PCC on the east. East Jewell Avenue bounds PCC on the north and

470

Â? Â?

East Hampden Avenue bounds PCC on the

south. PCC is at the center of several regional

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Â?

trail networks and wildlife corridors connecting

­­

the site to destinations throughout the region.

Adjacent land uses are single family residential,

Buckley Air Force Base, light industrial, and undeveloped open space.

Â

470

The City of Aurora is evolving from a mid-sized

community to a large city. PCC’s location on what was once considered the eastern edge

Â

of the city is now closer to its growing center.

Population growth projections and associated development increase the importance of open space conservation for the health of the environment and community.

N

REGIONAL CONTEXT

Plains Conservation Center

0

.5

1 Mile

NOVEMBER 6 2018

Introduction & & , , , , , , , | 15

Urban development near PCC and within Plains Conservation Center Context

N

Shortgrass Prairie Open Space Park 0

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

5

10

20 mi

Colorado’s greater high plains has elevated the importance of conserving this tract of shortgrass prairie for its natural and cultural qualities and habitat value. PCC represents one of the few protected, large tracts of remnant shortgrass prairie in the Denver metropolitan region.

Protected tracts of shortgrass prairie within the

metropolitan region include the following.

ACRE

Â?

Â?

• Bijou Basin Open Space, Arapahoe County Open Space • Mule Gulch Open Space, Arapahoe County Open Space

Â

• Pronghorn Natural Area, City of Aurora

Cherry Creek State Park

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• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • West Bijou Ranch, Savory Institute

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Â? Â?

These lands form a regional network of wildlife patches and corridors contributing to the overall health of the metropolitan region’s ecosystems.

16 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Buckley Air Force Base

Buckley Air Force Base Accident Potential Zone District (APZ)

PCC is owned by the City of Aurora. The Open

A large portion of PCC is within the Accident

Space and Natural Resource Division (OSNR) of

Potential Zone District (APZ). This City of

the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department

Aurora zoning district ensures compliance

(PROS) manages the site. The following

with regulations of the Federal Aviation

describes legally binding requirements related to

Administration and the U.S. Department of

site management and improvement.

Defense regarding land use, building height,

• Services Agreement between the City of Aurora and Denver Botanic Gardens, Inc., dated January 1, 2018 • Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR), dated February 10, 2003 • Special Warranty Deed – Parcel II, dated September 2, 1999 • Special Warranty Deed – Parcel I, dated March 20, 1997 • Special Warranty Deed – Water Rights dated March 20th, 1997 • Land Purchase Agreement Transferring Title of the Site From the West Arapahoe Soil Conservation District to the City of Aurora, dated November 25, 1996

CZ-S EAST JEWELL AVENUE

RV Storage Lot RV Vault at Pioneer E470

Management and Legal Requirements

APZ I-S

470 Storage

Plains Conservation Center

and other factors. Regulations protect the public from noise, vibration, and hazard impacts.

The Conservatory

The APZ district is subject to high aviation

APZ II-S

APZ II-S

noise levels and possible crash hazards. The district requires city review and approval of any

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

modifications to PCC, including the following

East Quincy Highlands Rezone

(City of Aurora 2018b).

East Quincy Highlands

• Erection or establishment of a new building or use.

• Addition or expansion to an existing structure, when greater than 1,000 square feet.

• Moving or relocation of any building or structure to a new site or new location.

EAST QUINCY AVENUE

Planning Context Accident Potential Zone District (APZ) Existing and Planned Developements Existing Proposed 2018 Aurora Comprehensive Plan Placetypes

• Change from one use to another of any building, structure, or land, or the reestablishment of a nonconforming use after its discontinuance for a period of one year.

Innovation District

• Limits of any land use that concentrates people or activities where people gather.

Special Use

Buckley Air Force Base Urban Green Space Established Neighborhood Emerging Neighborhood Commercial Hub

0

4800 ft

N 9600 ft

Introduction & & , , , , , , , | 17

Related Studies and Ongoing Initiatives

»» Aurora Places—The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Aurora—2018

“Aurora is a welcoming and safe community and a

Related studies and ongoing initiatives informed

The plan establishes a foundation for

this master plan and will continue to influence

decision-making to guide growth and

PCC as master plan recommendations are

development in Aurora. The plan provides

implemented. Related studies and ongoing

a vision for the future with long-range

can prosper. Aurora is

initiatives include the following.

goals and recommended actions to guide

known for its unique places,

growth and development. ‘Placetypes’

strong economy, community

are emphasized as a tool to cultivate

involvement, quality and

»» Aurora Plains Conservation Center Land Management Plan—2009

and improve the variety and types of

The management plan establishes a

places throughout the city. Recommended

framework for preservation, protection, and

‘placetypes’ adjacent to PCC include

conservation of PCC. The plan includes a

established neighborhoods to the west,

baseline inventory of assets and establishes

Buckley Air Force Base to the north,

a point from which to maintain, improve, or

innovation to the northeast, urban

make significant changes.

greenspace and special use to the east, and urban greenspace and established

»» High Plains Trail—Ongoing The regional trail begins at I-25 (the terminus of the C-470 Trail) and continues east to Cherry Creek Trail. Future trail construction will include a connection along E-470 from East Quincy Avenue to the county line between Arapahoe and Douglas counties. Future phases include a trail segment within the multi-use easement along E-470/the eastern boundary of PCC.

neighborhood to the south.

city of opportunities where people of all backgrounds

attainable housing, integrated and healthy neighborhoods, smart ways to get around and a thriving natural and cultural environment.”

2018 Aurora Places Community Vision

18 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

»» Triple Creek Greenway—Ongoing

»» First Creek Trail—Ongoing

The greenway will add 14 miles of

First Creek Trail spans from Rocky Mountain

interconnected open space between

Arsenal to E-470. First Creek Trail is planned

the Sand Creek Regional Greenway and

to extend southeast of E-470. Future High

the thousands of acres of public land

Plains Trail construction will establish a

surrounding the Aurora Reservoir. The

connection between First Creek Trail and

greenway will include pedestrian, bicycle,

PCC.

and equestrian trails.

»» Derby Lateral Trail—Ongoing »» Northeast Area Transportation Study (NEATS) Update—2018

The proposed Derby Line Lateral Trail will

The plan identifies multimodal transportation

Mountain Arsenal Perimeter Trail and will

improvements to serve the City of Aurora’s

extend to the High Line Canal Trail.

begin at the southeast corner of the Rocky

rapidly developing northeast area. East Jewell Avenue is identified as a future

»» Murphy Creek Trail—Ongoing

high frequency transit route connecting to

Murphy Creek Trail spans from Arapahoe

planned development areas east of E-470.

County Fairgrounds to Appaloosa Park. A

NEATS recommends widening East Jewell

proposed connection from Appaloosa Park

Avenue, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian

will connect to Aurora Reservoir.

facilities, and upgrading the E-470 and East Jewell Avenue interchange to support increased traffic volumes.

»» Box Elder Creek Trail—Ongoing This proposed trail will parallel Box Elder Creek from the Adams/Weld County line to Strasburg.

»» 56th Avenue Trail—Ongoing The planned trail will extend 7 miles between Tower Road and Coyote Run Trail, and connect to E-470 Trail, High Line Canal Trail, and Second East Creek Trail.

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 19

CHAPTER 3

Foundation for Planning

20 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction Foundation for Planning establishes a basis for understanding Plains Conservation Center its existing condition, uses, facilities,

Site History Site history provides an overview of PCC’s

Through the 1950s and 1960s PCC offered

historical development through a chronology

outreach services to the agricultural

of development organized by nine periods of

community and started to provide educational

development.

programming. In the 1970s school visitation increased and became the site’s largest visitor

Historical Overview

group. Site development occurred incrementally

Native American people inhabited the high plains

from the initial 1968 construction of an

and challenges. This section

area as early as the Archaic Period. Cheyenne

education structure to the yurt in 2007.

describes site history,

and Arapaho people primarily occupied the area

natural resources, cultural

of PCC before European-American settlement.

features, facilities, connective

PCC’s documented history dates to enactment

included land encompassing PCC’s current

infrastructure, visitation and

of the Homestead Act of 1862. Four homestead

extents, Great Plains Park, and land for East

programming, finances, and

patents comprise the current PCC site.

Jewell Avenue right-of-way. In 2017 PROS

marketing.

These include they Adelia Wells homestead,

assumed PCC management and programming.

and potential opportunities

documented by archaeological surveys.

From the 1930s to 1940s the U.S. Army operated the Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range of which a portion occurred on PCC lands.

Bombing accuracy was tested by dropping sacks of flour on the shortgrass prairie. Western Arapahoe Soil Conservation District (WASCD) formed during this time to assist the local agricultural community in implementing soil conservation practices. The U.S. Army granted land to WASCD for the creation of PCC, which opened in 1952.

WASCD sold 1,100 acres to the City of Aurora for open space in 1996. This transaction

Chronological Development The following summarizes the development of PCC, from the earliest use of the site to present day. History is documented as nine periods of development.

1. Prehistory Native American people inhabited the high plains area as early as the Archaic Period.

Around A.D. 1700 the Apache occupied the eastern plains of what would become Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. In the

2017 5. EXPANDING CAPACITY 8. EXPANDING BEYOND PCC

9. DEVELOPING A VISION FOR PCC Yurt opened to public.

2007

New sod house, pavilion and solar restroom were added to Wells Crossing.

1995

1985

1968

Friends of the Plains Conservation Center formed.

7. REBUILDING PCC

PCCA entered an agreement with the Aurora Public School District to manage PCC educational activities. Aurora School District became largest PCC user group.

City of Aurora purchased PCC and committed to continue the mission-protection of and education about the remnant prairie ecosystem and its cultural history.

1996

1970 - 1974

PCC opened as part of the WASCD. WASCD, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and Colorado State Extension Service worked with farmers and ranchers to implement soil conservation practices.

Practices addressed erosion control and soil and water conservation.

Plains Conservation Center Association (PCCA) formed as a non-profit.

1963

Adelia Wells granted a patent for the SW quadrant of Section 26 and developed homestead.

First structure completed on site.

1952

Late 1800s

1. PREHISTORY

6.DECLINING VISITATION & RESOURCES

Homestead Act of 1862 granted patents to Wickham, Jackson, Wells, and Lebert to homestead four quadrants of current Plains Conservation Center site.

1991

1970 4. ENGAGING THE PUBLIC

First replica Tipi brought to PCC initiating Cheyenne Village.

3. ESTABLISHING A FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION

1898

The non-profit PCC left site. The City of Aurora manages site resources and programs on a daily basis. DBG provides programming cooperatively with the City of Aurora through both curriculumand community-based interpretation.

Sod house, school and blacksmith shop were completed. Annual visitation reached 4,000.

1930s

Dust Bowl

2. HOMESTEADING

European-Americans traveled westward in the 1830s.

1983

PCC purchased and relocated two story residence allowing a caretaker to reside on site.

PCC sold 16.76 acres to Buckley Air Force Base.

Cheyenne and Arapaho people occupied the plains surrounding PCC.

1830s

Prehistory

US Army Corps granted WASCD land for PCC. Provisions of the agreement mandated WASCD continue soil conservation practices.

1949

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 21

22 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

early 1800s Cheyenne and Arapaho people primarily occupied the area of PCC. The

2. Homesteading 1862 Homestead Act of 1862 enacted. The

1938. Three (3) depressions in the landscape indicate the presence of

semi-nomadic tribes lived in decentralized

act granted 160 acres of free land to

a home or structure. Archaeological

villages on the eastern plains.

claimants.

findings confirm homestead

By the 1830s, and into the mid-1850s,

1876 The United States granted the State

European-American explorers, trappers, and

of Colorado a patent for Section 26

hunters traveled westward. They established

(current PCC site) on August 1, 1876.

trading posts along South Platte River and settled Denver in 1858.

1893 Nicholas Wickham granted a patent

development. The Wells homestead is significant as single women comprised only 18% of homestead entrants in northeastern Colorado.

Archaeological investigations indicate

for the SE quadrant of Section 26.

Wells establish and maintained a

Ownership changed at least six

successful homestead.

times until property seizure in 1938.

Homestead development never occurred.

1894 Harry Jackson granted a patent

1899 Christian Lebert granted a patent for the NE quadrant of Section 26. The Lebert family retained ownership until property seizure in 1938. Three (3)

for the NW quadrant of Section

depressions, two (2) wall segments,

26. Ownership changed four times

and archaeological findings indicate

until property seizure in 1938. Site

site occupancy. Site development

is north of East Jewell Avenue.

occurred north of East Jewell Avenue.

Archaeological findings indicate extended site occupancy.

1898 Adelia Wells granted a patent for

1930s Severe drought and failure to implement dryland farming practices caused the “Dust Bowl�. Storms and

the SW quadrant of Section 26.

drought damaged the ecology and

Ownership changed at least ten

agriculture of the high plains.

times until property seizure in

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 23

3. Establishing a Foundation for Education 1930s to 1940s U.S. Army operated the Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range.

The range included the area of the current PCC.

1945 Western Arapahoe County landowners petitioned to form a soil conservation district.

1945 Alfred Bownell elected as WASCD’s first president.

1949 WASCD petitioned U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for three sections of surplus land. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted WASCD surplus

Lower Tower Foundations, 2019

public.

1963 Plains Conservation Center Association (PCCA) formed as a non-profit organization and charged admission to generate revenue.

1964 National Audubon Society completed

area of the current PCC. Agreement

provided recommendations for PCC

provisions mandated WASCD

development. Recommendations

continue soil conservation practices.

included an attractive interpretive/

1952 PCC opened as part of WASCD. Service, and Colorado State Extension Service provided outreach

current PCC site.

services to farmers and ranchers.

momentum.

programming to engage the general

a study of flora and fauna and

1,920 acres of land including the

1940s Soil conservation movement gained

1960 PCC expanded educational

land. Surplus land included the

WASCD, U.S. Soil Conservation 1938 City and County of Denver purchased

4. Engaging the Public

educational structure, shortgrass prairie homestead, modern dry land farm, and well-organized education program. WASCD established an Education Committee to implement recommendations.

24 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

1965 WASCD granted PCCA Education Committee a 99-year lease

5. Expanding Capacity

east of Denver. Proposals included a

1960s Maude Franson, a local teacher,

prairie park large enough to convey

to implement Audubon

funded construction of a rock

pre-settlement prairie landscape and

recommendations.

gateway. The later realignment of

serve as PCC headquarters.

1967 705 Denver Public School students visited PCC.

East Hampden Avenue removed the gateway.

1970 PCC annual visitation reached 4,000.

1960s PCC visitation and engagement shifted from farmers and ranchers to local school students and scout troops. This shift prompted a petition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add conservation education as a permitted land use. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted the petition and the National Audubon Society developed tours for adults and children. Tours conducted on a flatbed trailer introduced visitors to conservation practices and flora and fauna identification. A lack

PCC rock gateway

1968 Dr. John Johnson and Eugene

Prairie wagon ride

1970 to 1974 PCCA entered an agreement

Herrington assumed PCCA leadership

with the Aurora Public School

and spearheaded construction of

District (APS) to manage educational

PCCA’s first structure. The education

programming. APS appointed Edward

structure included restrooms, a

Butterfield, a biology teacher, to

kitchen, and a meeting room for 50

direct programming. Butterfield

people.

developed and implemented pre-

of restrooms and sheltered space

1968 PCCA members authored “An Outdoor

limited educational programming.

Recreation Prospectus on Plains Center-Bombing Range Complex”.

The plan proposed a framework for open space and park development

kindergarten through college curriculum. PCCA provided programming and instruction to school districts, universities, and educational groups at no cost. The agreement terminated in 1974.

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 25

1970 Sod house, sod school, sod blacksmith shop, and sod shed

6. Declining Visitation and Resources 1974 PCCA leadership changed and the

7. Rebuilding PCC 1985 Friends of the Plains Conservation

construction completed. PCCA began

PCCA/WASCD relationship dissolved.

Center established to recruit

planning and fundraising campaigns

WASCD assumed control of PCC

volunteers, fund raise, collect

for a larger education structure.

operations. Decreased funding and

membership dues, and accept gifts.

staffing limited PCC programming.

Annual visitation decreased.

1970s (mid to late) PCCA became inactive.

Sod School, 2019

1974 The museum and educational center,

1985 Fire destroyed the 1968 education structure. The reconstructed Prairie View Picnic Shelter included a kitchen

Volunteers facilitated programming,

and expanded meeting space and

and WASCD managed operations.

restrooms.

The COA annexed land surrounding PCC. Residential development expanded towards PCC, Buckley Air

Front Range Building, construction

National Guard Base continued to

completed.

grow, and Lowry Landfill expanded.

1986 WASCD approved the Raptor Education Foundation’s proposal to rent administrative office space and construct a raptor barn.

1983 Buckley Air National Guard purchased 16.76 acres of PCC property to establish a crash zone. The funds enabled WASCD to build a steel storage structure and purchase a two-bedroom house. WASCD Front Range Building, 2019

relocated the house to PCC to accommodate a resident manager.

1984 State Grange relocated museum structure to PCC. 1984 Colorado Secretary of State’s Office declared PCCA dissolved.

Raptor barn activities

26 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

1986 PCC staff commissioned a study

1993 Centennial Pavilion completed.

of flora and fauna at PCC. The

WASCD received funds to strengthen

study guided revegetation of Rocky

PCC educational programming.

Mountain Arsenal.

1990s WASCD purchased eastern half of

1987 Summer day camp program started.

1987 Inaugural High Plains Day held.

1987 Antique Power Machinery Show and

Section 36 to create a land barrier between PCC and the polluted section of Lowry Landfill. Deed restricted land use to open space or a transportation

Open House held at PCC. The group

corridor. This land includes portions

created and donated current PCC

of the current E-470 corridor.

farm equipment display.

1991 First replica Indian tipi brought to

1995 New sod house, pavilion, and solar restroom added to Wells Crossing.

PCC, marking the beginning of

8. Expanding Beyond PCC 1997 WASCD sold 1,100 acres to the City of Aurora for open space.

This transaction included land encompassing PCC’s current extents, Great Plains Park, and land for East Jewell Avenue realignment. WASCD leased 1000 acres of open space for 15 years and 100 acres for 49 years from the COA. 1997 WASCD purchased 5,741-acre West Bijou Site. K-T Boundary discovered at West Bijou Site.

1999 State Legislature removed the word

Cheyenne Village and associated

“soil” from WASCD. WASCD became

programming.

WACD (West Arapahoe Conservation District).

Pavilion and solar restroom, 2019

2000 Buckley Field became an official U.S. Air Force Base.

2000 Maintenance barn built.

2000 The City of Aurora PROS formed the Open Space and Natural Resource Division (OSNR) to manage wildlife

Tipi construction

and public use of natural areas.

Sod house (Johnson soddie), 2019

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 27

2001 OSNR began environmental education

2007 WACD and Friends of the PCC split

9. Developing a Shared Vision for PCC

programming within the City of

into two separate organizations and

Aurora.

adopted a management agreement.

merged with Savory Institute, an

WACD controlled finances. Friends

international nonprofit dedicated to

of the PCC changed their name to

holistic land management to restore

Plains Conservation Center, Inc.

desertified grasslands.

2002 Original sod house, MacLean Soddy, replaced.

and kept tax-exempt status. PCC, Inc. established annual budgets and managed programming and staffing.

2007 Yurt opened for public use.

2014 Plains Conservation Center, Inc.

2017 PROS assumed PCC management and programming.

2018 COA and DBG entered a partnership agreement to share programming.

DBG agreed to develop and deliver programs specific to PCC for schools

MacLean Soddy, 2019

requesting on-site program and for community or activity-specific based

2003 PCC annual visitation reached

programming mutually agreed upon

19,400.

with COA. The COA agreed to develop Yurt and surrounding deck, 2019

2003 OSNR opened Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch.

2005 PROS purchased 132 acres—the Hoffman Crippen property—to the NE of PCC. 2006 WACD purchased 2,240-acre West Bijou Site.

2006 OSNR opened the AWQUA Lounge Learning Center at the Aurora Reservoir.

and deliver programs specific to PCC for any community or activity-specific

2008 35 bison introduced to West Bijou Site.

2012 6,701 acres of West Bijou Site

based programming mutually agreed upon with DBG. 2018 OSNR awarded a Great Outdoors

transferred to PCC, Inc. 1,280 acres

Colorado (GOCO) planning grant to

transferred to WACD.

create a master plan for PCC. 2019 Plains Conservation Center Master Plan adopted.

28 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Natural Resources PCC’s landscape represents much of the region’s remnant shortgrass prairie. The landscape

Soils

»» Not Prime

Soils are composed of eroded bedrock material

PCC soils classified as not prime include the

provides critical habitat. Natural resource

and minerals (quartz or sand), silt, clay,

following PCC soils.

documentation and analysis establishes an

and organic matter. Erosion is generally low.

understanding of PCC’s existing condition

Uplands areas are classified as prime farmland

and important resources. Natural resources

if irrigated. Lowland areas are largely not prime

inventoried include soils, geology, surface water,

farmland. The following describes farmlands

landscape character, scenic resources, landscape

classifications and associated soils (NRCS 2003).

communities, and wildlife.

Geology

»» Prime Farmland if Irrigated

»»BxD - Buick loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes »»Lv - Loamy alluvial land »»RdD - Renohill loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes »»RtE - Renohill-Litle-Thedalund complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes

The United States Department of Agriculture

Surface Water

PCC is in the Colorado Piedmont section of the

classifies prime farmland as land areas

Surface water at PCC includes East Toll Gate

Great Plains physiographic province. The single

with the best combination of physical and

Creek, East Toll Gate Creek floodplain, and

bedrock formed at PCC’s surface is the Denver

chemical characteristics for producing

a stock pond. East Toll Gate Creek is an

Dawson Formation of the Upper Cretaceous

forage, feed, food, fiber, and oil seed crops.

intermittent stream flowing through the site

and Paleocene geologic age. The most notable

PCC soils classified as prime farmland if

from south to north. The creek is a tributary of

outcrop is on the west side of East Toll Gate

irrigated include the following.

Sand Creek which flows to South Platte River.

Creek. The outcrop is crossbedded sandstone and contains conglomeric layers and petrified wood. Other geologic deposits present at the surface include alluvial deposits of silty and sandy clays along tributaries and drainageways and loess deposits of silt on the northeastern side of the ridges (Elkin 1981).

»»BxC - Buick loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes »»FdB - Fondis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes »»FdC - Fondis silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes »»FoC - Fondis-Colby silt loams, 3 to 5 percent slopes »»NlB - Nunn loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

Short segments of erosion occurs intermittently in scour holes and along channel banks (Elkin 1981). East Toll Gate Creek is officially a water of the U.S. and all actions within the stream corridor require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 permit.

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 29 Geology, Soils, and Surface Water Geology

*

Great Plains Park

Sandstone Outcropping

Switchgrass Park

Soils - Farmland Classifications Prime if Irrigated RY TO VA

Not Prime Surface Water

H

UT

SO

East Toll Gate Creek

FoC

R SE ON

C

Pond

0

RhD

AY PARKW

FoC 1200 ft

BxD

N

2400 ft

RtE

RhD

Aurora Open Space

FdB EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

BxD

Buckley Air Force Base

NlB

RhD

ee

st

To ll

k

RhD

FoC

*

BxD

FoC

Ea

BxC

te Ga

Cr

FdB FoC RtE

AY EW

RhD

RhD

FoC

FoC

ROM

RtE

FdB E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

Lv

30 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Landscape Character

Scenic Resources

PCC’s landscape character is expressed by two

Vista points are topographic high points

distinct landscape types—upland shortgrass

providing panoramic views of the shortgrass

prairie and lowland riparian corridor.

prairie, mountains, and PCC. Vista points connect to or are accessible from the trail and

»» Upland Shortgrass Prairie Areas of upland shortgrass prairie are characterized by generally low topographic relief and gently rolling hills.

»» Lowland Riparian Corridor

roadway network.

Drop-in visitors often attribute views into the site as their reason for visiting. East Hampden Avenue offers views to the Cheyenne Village,

Views to the lowland riparian corridor

Wells Crossing, grazing sheep, and wildlife.

Lowland riparian corridors are the lowest topographic features. Lowlands parallel East Toll Gate Creek and bisect PCC’s upland shortgrass prairie. The narrow riparian corridor transitions rapidly to dry uplands.

Vegetation includes sedges, rushes, and small plains cottonwoods.

Views across the prairie to the foothills

Views from East Hampden Avenue

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 31 Landscape Character and Scenic Resources Views

Great Plains Park

Switchgrass Park

Landscape Character

RY TO VA

Shortgrass Prairie Uplands Riparian Corridor Lowlands

H

UT

SO

Elevation

5690

AY PARKW

R SE ON

C

5730

High Elevation Low Elevation 0

1200 ft

2400 ft

Aurora Open Space

N

Low Point 5625 PCC Views EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

Prairie Views

Mountain Vista

5780

e re

5670

te Ga

C

5695

st

To ll

k

Prairie Views

Buckley Air Force Base

Mountain Vista

Ea

High Point 5788

Mountain Vista

5740

AY EW

ROM

5740 Rome Entrance

PCC Views 5773

E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

PCC Views

32 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Landscape Communities

»» Lowland Riparian

PCC is evocative of Colorado’s high plains

Lowland riparian areas parallel East Toll

landscape before pioneer settlement and

Gate Creek and bisect PCC’s shortgrass

crop cultivation. Remnant shortgrass prairie

prairie uplands. The narrow riparian corridor

dominates the landscape and areas of restored

transitions rapidly to dry uplands. Lowland

shortgrass prairie, lowland riparian, and

riparian vegetation includes sedges,

freshwater aquatic wetland ecosystems occur

rushes, and bulrushes. Mature and sapling

throughout the site.

cottonwoods occur throughout the lowland riparian corridor and provide critical habitat

»» Shortgrass Prairie Shortgrasses define this ecosystem and are extremely drought and grazing tolerant.

Shortgrass prairie is dominated by blue grama and buffalograss. Other species include needle-and-thread grass, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and sand dropseed. Noxious weeds threaten PCC’s shortgrass prairie ecosystem (City of Aurora 2009).

for raptors and migratory birds.

Threats to the lowland riparian ecosystem include urban stormwater runoff, erosion, and noxious weeds (City of Aurora 2009).

»» Freshwater Aquatic Wetland Freshwater aquatic wetlands exist along the lowland riparian corridor. Threats to the landscape include sedimentation, erosion, increased off-site stormwater, and noxious weeds (City of Aurora 2009).

Shortgrass prairie and lowland riparian dominate the landscape

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 33

Plant Communities CONSERVATORY WEST TRAIL

Remnant Shortgrass Prairie

* 0

Lowland Riparian

Switchgrass Park

Freshwater Wetland Restored Shortgrass Prairie Pond

1200 ft

2400 ft

Great Plains Park

N

TH

U SO

AY PARKW RY TO A RV

E NS

CO

Aurora Open Space

*

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

Buckley Air Force Base

* ee

te Ga

Cr

st

To ll

k

Education Area

Ea

AY EW

ROM

E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

*

Wells Crossing

34 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Wildlife PCC contributes to a regional network of patches and corridors supporting species health and diversity. Patches support wildlife habitat and corridors support the free movement of wildlife between them and to adjacent wildlife corridors.

Shortgrass prairie provides habitat to the majority of Colorado’s declining animal species.

Species of concern include burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, mountain plover, McCown’s longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, and longbilled curlew (LandScope America 2019).

PCC’s lowland riparian ecosystem provides critical habitat, wildlife corridors, and migratory routes in an otherwise treeless terrain. The ecosystem provides shelter, nesting and foraging resources for mammals, birds, and herptiles.

Wetlands provide habitat for muskrats, migratory and resident birds, snakes, salamanders, frogs, and a variety of insect larvae.

Bald eagles use mature cottonwood trees as hunting, nesting, and roosting perches. The raptor seasonal restriction zone prohibits human access to the center of PCC from November 15th to July 31st.

The following represents a small cross-section of the many species found at PCC. • Burrowing Owls* (Athene cunicularia) occupy prairie dog colonies from March through October.

• Ferruginous Hawks* (Buteo regalis) use cottonwood trees, cattle chute, and the windmill in Well’s Crossing as a hunting, resting, and preening perch year-round.

• Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) use the mature cottonwood trees as a hunting and roosting perch from November through February.

• Black-Tailed Prairie Dog* (Cynomys ludovicianus) function as a keystone species and their burrows support

burrowing owls, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects.

• Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) • Northern Lined snakes (Tropidoclonion lineatum) • White faced Ibis are locally rare in Colorado. This species uses flooded wetland areas as a rest stop in May and June.

30+

mammal species

102+

bird species

• Badger (Taxidea taxus) • American Pronghorn (Antilocapra Americana) *Colorado Species of Concern

19+

reptile species

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 35 Wildlife Prairie Dog Colony1

CONSERVATORY WEST TRAIL

Great Plains Park

Burrowing Owls Nest

2

Pronghorn Habitat Raptor Nest3 Raptor Seasonal Restriction Zone (enacted with active eagle nesting from Nov. 15 to Jul. 31)4

TH

U SO

White-Faced Ibis Forage Area5

Switchgrass Park

AY PARKW RY TO A RV

E NS

CO

Wildlife Perimeter Fence 1

City of Aurora 2012-2013 Survey.

2

City of Aurora 2009 Aurora Plains Conservation Center Land Management Plan. Compilation of areas where burrowing owls have or are nesting.

3

City of Aurora 2019 survey of known or previous nests.

4

City of Aurora 2019 seasonal restriction zone.

5

City of Aurora 2009 Aurora Plains Conservation Center Land Management Plan.

1200 ft

2400 ft

N

Buckley Air Force Base

ee

k

To ll

Education Area

te Ga

Cr

st

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

0

Aurora Open Space

Ea

AY EW

ROM

E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

Wells Crossing

36 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Cultural Features PCC includes modern features constructed

Harry Jackson and Christian Liebert

onsite to create a model homestead and

Homestead Sites. UCD conducted

Cheyenne Village. Cultural features “native”

archaeological surveys in the late 1990s and

to the site include observation towers, roads,

confirmed homestead development. Both

archaeological sites, and ranch structures. These

homestead sites occurred north of East Jewell

features contribute to a sense of authenticity

Avenue.

and cultural context for visitor understanding.

PCC’s cultural features are categorized into three

Military

themes—homestead, military, and agriculture.

Features from PCC’s history as part of Lowry

Homestead

Bombing and Gunnery Range remain visible in the landscape. Features include two observation

Adelia Wells Homestead Site. University

tower foundation footings, one target

of Colorado at Denver (UCD) conducted an

foundation, and roads. The U.S. Army Corps of

archaeological survey in the late 1990s.

Engineers cleared the site for hazards in the late

Approximately 25,986 artifacts were recovered

1990s.

from the Wells site—the single homestead development within the current PCC boundary.

Excavations and subsequent academic investigations conclude Adelia Wells established and maintained a successful, middle class

Agriculture Ranch stock management structures include cattle guards, cattle chutes, windmills and stock tanks.

homestead. This is of notable significance

Further scientific and archaeological surveys are

as single women comprised only 18% of

needed to identify additional features important

homestead entrants in northeastern Colorado

to the cultural history of PCC.

(Stone 2000).

Agriculture structures include a windmill

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 37 Cultural Features CONSERVATORY WEST TRAIL

Cultural Feature

Great Plains Park

Cultural Interpretation Site

Switchgrass Park

Homestead Act Patent Boundary AY PARKW RY TO A RV

Lowry Field Bombing and Gunnery Range Features Lowry Bombing Range Observation Tower Foundation

TH

U SO

Lowry Bombing Range Target Foundation

E NS

CO

ta

n rg on et -e fo xta un n da t tio n

Lowry Road Alignment 1200 ft

2400 ft

N

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

Adelia Wells Patent 1898

Aurora Open Space

Henry Jackson Patent 1894

Buckley Air Force Base

Wells Homestead Site Windmill

To ll

1837 Cheyenne Camp

te Ga

Cr

Ea

Christian Lebert Patent 1899 AY EW

ROM

Ranch Structures

E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

Nicholas Wickham Patent 1894

Wells Crossing

ee

k

Education Area

st

0

to

38 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Connective Infrastructure PCC connective infrastructure includes utilities and circulation features. Connective

Circulation and Access Over 11 miles of natural surface roads provide

infrastructure supports visitor use and site

access to the visitor center and associated

operations. Infrastructure condition varies,

structures, Wells Crossing, Cheyenne Village,

and upgrades are needed to address deferred

and through the shortgrass prairie. Roads

maintenance and support site use.

are typically ten feet wide and accommodate

Utilities

non-motorized and restricted vehicular travel.

Vehicular access beyond the developed core is

Onsite utilities include above ground electric

limited to PROS operations and shuttles. Bicycle

lines, above ground telephone lines, and a

use is prohibited at PCC.

wastewater line. The wastewater line does not serve PCC. PCC facilities operate on septic systems. Two onsite wells in the Denver Formation provide PCC with water. Well water is non-potable and may contain excessive saline for livestock and gardens. A municipal water main is within the East Hampden Avenue rightof-way.

Upgrades to provide water and internet are needed to support administrative, operational, and visitor uses.

Fencing restricts public access to two entrance points. The signalized intersection at East Hampden Avenue serves as the primary entrance point. Sight distances may not be of sufficient lengths in all directions and warrant further study. The Rome Way trailhead provides secondary access.

Plains Trail, a ten-foot crusher fines trail, on City of Aurora land, parallels the site’s western boundary and connects to adjacent trail networks. The trail terminates at Great Plains Park to the north and East Hampden Avenue to the south. Currently, there are no dedicated pedestrian or bicycle facilities along East Hampden Avenue to connect trail users to PCC’s main entrance.

Plains Trail parallels PCC’s western boundary

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 39 Connective Infrastructure Circulation

Waste Water Main

CONSERVATORY WEST TRAIL

Waste Water Manhole

Switchgrass Park

Trailhead

Electric Line

Parking

Shuttle Route

TORY PAR CONSERVA K

WA Y

Homestead

SOUTH

Shared Use Road

Prairie Tour

Non-Motorized Trail

Prairie Tour (closed Nov 15-Jul 31)

Trail Beginning/End

Wells Crossing Tour

Fence

Connecting Trail Network

Ra tt

Plains Trail (outside PCC)

les

Off-Street Route 1200 ft

2400 ft

na

ke Trail

Aurora Open Space

N

Fr

0

Great Plains Park

PCC Entrance

Trail

Utilities

on

t

Admin Bld 10 parking spaces

Trail PCC Welcome

ar Rip

2 bus spaces 2 wagon spaces

ian

rk Trail e Fo

Tra il

g Ran

30 parking spaces 30 overflow spaces

Tollgate Fork Tra il

Ga

k

Badger Trail

To ll

ee Cr te

E ast

AY EW

ROM

Rome Trailhead 10 parking spaces E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

Loop

l rai Soddie T

Lone Tree Trail

Soddie

p

Loo

Cheyenne Trai l

ie odd hS

ut So

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

Wells Crossing

rth No

Education Area

East Hampden Entrance

Buckley Air Force Base

40 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Facilities The City of Aurora owns and operates all facilities. Site development occurred incrementally from the construction of the

Visitor and administrative facilities include: • Arapahoe Building - 1,271 SF

education structure in 1968 to the addition of

• Front Range Building - 2,457 SF

the yurt in 2007. Facilities are now outdated,

• Grange Museum - 3,244 SF

lack modern educational exhibit and visitor spaces, and are within the restrictive accident

• Maintenance Barn - 1,443 SF

potential zone district (APZ) limiting new

• Prairie View Shelter - 1,415 SF

construction and visitor gatherings.

• Yurt - 722 SF

Facilities are in fair condition and deterioration, decline, and damage is noticeable. Further deferring maintenance will increase the need for reactionary measures to address poor facility condition. The immediate need to address deferred maintenance, code compliance, and universal access is common to all facilities.

PCC visitor contact, education, and operational uses are concentrated in one core area and do not offer adequate amenities or space necessary to support current use. PCC lacks dedicated gathering spaces to accommodate current programming and spaces often serve multiple uses—i.e. exhibit, meeting space, visitor

Arapahoe Building

Wells Crossing includes several facilities used primarily for curriculum-based programming.

Facilities include: • Pronghorn Pavilion - 402 SF • Solar Restroom - 268 SF • Sod Shed - 443 SF • Johnson Homestead - 715 SF • Blacksmith Shop - 417 SF

Front Range Building

• MacLean Soddie - 880 SF • Loafing Sheds - 458 SF • Schoolhouse - 598 SF

contact, and classroom.

Appendix D summarizes current PCC facilities

Colorado State Grange

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 41

Maintenance Barn

Pronghorn Pavilion and Solar Restroom

Blacksmith Shop

Prairie View Shelter

Sod Shed

MacLean Soddie

Yurt

Johnson Homestead

Schoolhouse

42 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Visitation and Programming PCC is the most visited nature center in the

Figure 3. 2018 PCC Visitation

43% 5522 Participants

City of Aurora. PCC offers a variety of programs for school groups, families with small children,

DBG Programs (school children)

naturalists, and day visitors. Programming aligns with school curricula and is highly regarded throughout the larger metropolitan region. Although soddies, tipis and other replica structures are not historic to PCC, these features are evocative of pre-settlement high plains.

The landscape and features of PCC provide a

40% 5056 Participants Day Visitors

12% 1567 Participants SCFD Free Days

5% 623 Participants

COA Programs

12,768 total participants

unique setting to learn about homesteading, Native Americans, and the shortgrass prairie

Source: City of Aurora

ecosystem.

spaces not properly equipped to facilitate high quality programming or meet basic user needs— i.e., heat, air conditioning, restrooms. Current programming is limited by the lack of dedicated gathering space.

Opportunities to increase current levels of service include expanding current programming to the summer and winter, expanding new programming in summer and winter, and increasing capacity of current popular programs year-round. Program expansion is limited by PCC’s lack of dedicated indoor gathering spaces.

PROS is responsible for managing programming,

PROS and DBG staff plan and facilitate

special events, and supporting facilities. PROS

programming year-round. Programming is

and DBG entered into a Memorandum of

mutually agreed upon by PROS and DBG. PROS

Understanding in 2018. Under the agreement,

develops and delivers programs specific to PCC

DBG provides programming cooperatively with

for any community or activity-specific audience.

the City of Aurora through both curriculum- and

DBG develops and delivers programs specific to

community-based interpretation. DBG facilitated

PCC for schools requesting on-site program and

more than 40 unique programs between January

for community or activity-specific audiences.

1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2018. Attendance

DBG programming largely occurs in the spring

included 19,743 participants at 573 program

and fall.

sessions.

space capacity and programming occurs in

Programming is limited throughout the year by

In 2018 visitation reached 12,768 and PROS

dedicated indoor meeting space. The demand

and DBG facilitated 191 program sessions. DBG

for curriculum-based programming exceeds

programs and day visits account for more than

PCC’s capacity. During inclement weather

80 percent of annual visitation.

attendance often exceeds indoor gathering

Appendix E summarizes current programming

Foundation for Planning & & & , , , , , , | 43

Finances Visitation numbers confirm PCC is a valuable asset to the City of Aurora and the metropolitan Denver region. Documenting PCC finances

revenue to PROS, and then 50 percent of any profit to PROS. In 2018 PROS gained $946 from program revenues at PCC.

provides an understanding of the current

Financial assessment of 2017-2018 revenues

financial situation and establishes a basis to

and expenses indicate PCC incurs budget

inform master plan recommendations.

deficits. PROS is not mandated to recover full

PCC’s finances are described in terms of

costs of services provided.

expenses and revenues. In 2018, PROS

PCC’s finances over the last two years are not

budgeted approximately $411,000 for PCC

necessarily representative of future financial

expenses. In 2019, PROS estimated that the

conditions for the following reasons:

sites’ budget will grow to $478,000. Expenses include staff salaries, which account for about 30 percent of the sites’ budget, and operational and capital expenses, which account for the remaining 70 percent.

PCC generates modest revenue relative to its expenses. Revenue is generated by two unique streams—grants and programs.

• Grants represent the largest source of revenue and include the Conservation Trust Fund, SCFD, and Arapahoe County Open Space.

• Programs generate modest revenues.

Under PROS and DBG’s program agreement, DBG manages registration and fee collection for all programs. DBG distributes PROS-generated program

• PROS allocated substantial funds to address deferred maintenance since acquiring the site. Recent capital expenditures are one-off investments rather than reoccurring expenses.

• PROS does not anticipate recovering, in part or in total, investments it has made in deferred maintenance projects.

On-going operational and capital expenses— including investments in infrastructure—are funded by the city and grants. The current financial model is adequate for sustaining the sites’ current level of service. Expanding PCC’s level of service and implementing needed infrastructure improvements will require additional sources of revenue.

44 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Marketing Figure 4. Current PCC Marketing

families with small children, naturalists, and day

Platform

visitors. PROS and DBG market PCC’s facilities,

Content

newsletters (print and digital) and web pages

Marketing Initiative

Author

dedicated to PCC. PROS and DBG program and

Print

PROS and DBG marketing platforms include

Web

programming, and special events.

Purpose

general site information is consistent but lacks unified messaging and branding.

PROS and DBG web pages compete with an

PROS

City of Aurora

• •

Provides general information on programming at center and program scheduling and enrollment.

Denver Botanic Gardens

DBG

• •

Provides mission statement, sign-up for PCC programs, and general site visit information.

Plains Conservation Center Website (Defunct)

PCC non-profit

•

Provides mission statement, general information, and information volunteering and events. (Website remains live.

Last updated 2012.)

TripAdvisor Plains Conservation Center Listing

TripAdvisor and User Based

•

Provides a list of top things to do in Aurora. PCC ranks as #7 thing to do in Aurora.

Visit Aurora Plains City of Aurora Conservation information Center Listing posted to Visit Aurora website.

•

Yelp

•

outdated website developed by the defunct PCC non-profit. Programming and operational information is inaccurate and last updated in 2012. The site remains a top search result and may create confusion for potential PCC visitors.

Yelp and User Based

Mission Statement Site Location Hours of Operation Contact Info Event Calendar Program Information News Link to PCC/DBG Image Gallery Educational Information Visitor Reviews

PCC target audiences include school groups,

• ••••• • •••••••••• ••• ••

•

••

•• •

Provides a list of things to do in Aurora.

• •

•

Provides feedback from visitors at PCC.

•••

•• •

A Vision For Plains Conservation Center & & & & , , , , , | 45

CHAPTER 4

A Vision for Plains Conservation Center

46 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction This section distills findings and input from the Foundation for Planning into a mission statement, six goals, and guiding vision for PCC. The vision describes what the essential qualities of PCC will be in the future and is a starting point for the implementation of this master plan.

PCC was established in 1952 to conserve remnant shortgrass prairie and provide the agricultural community with opportunities to learn about and implement soil conservation practices. Ownership, management, and operations have changed several times since PCC’s inception.

Despite shifts in leadership, conservation and education endure as guiding principles. PCC’s legacy as a premier education facility remains and previous initiatives serve as a strong foundation for next steps.

This master plan leverages the strengths of previous initiatives, strong partnerships, and a collective desire to establish a shared vision for PCC’s future.

This master plan proposes a new mission, goals, and vision for serving existing visitors and attracting and engaging new and expanded audiences.

Wagon Outside Johnson Soddie

A Vision For Plains Conservation Center & & & & , , , , , | 47

Mission

Goals Six goals guide the long-term management and

The mission of PCC is to conserve the high plains shortgrass prairie and its natural and cultural resources for public access, education, and enjoyment by all.

improvement of PCC. Developed collaboratively by the City of Aurora and PCC stakeholders, these goals assert the importance of balancing visitor use with conservation.

Learning and Conservation Provide Experiences to Support Lifelong Learning and Resource Conservation

Constituency Build and Maintain a PCC Constituency

Land Protection Ensure Long-term Open Space Land Protection

Healthy Ecosystem Provide a Healthy, Natural, Cultural, and Social Ecosystem

Facilities and Visitor Experiences Establish Facilities and Infrastructure to Support Visitor and Educational Experiences

Fiscal Responsibility Create a Framework for Fiscal Responsibility for PCC

48 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

A Vision for Plains Conservation Center Set aside in the 1950s to conserve the

shortgrass prairie continues. Inspiring and

The City of Aurora’s vision for PCC is ambitious

remnant shortgrass prairie and educate the

sensitively sited new visitor and educational

and will be implemented through city resources,

agricultural community on soil conservation,

facilities establish PCC as a preeminent center

partnerships, and a dedicated constituency. The

Plains Conservation Center (PCC) evolved

for natural and cultural history education,

city’s strong partnerships with Denver Botanic

into a popular destination for school groups,

public gathering, community engagement, and

Gardens, West Arapahoe Conservation District,

young families and nature enthusiasts. PCC’s

research. Engaging programming and strong

Arapahoe County Open Space, Trust for Public

facilities are now outdated and lack modern

partnerships attract established and new

Lands, Buckley Air Force Base, and Colorado

educational exhibit and visitor spaces. Most are

audiences through memorable experiences and

State Grange, and with potential partners in

within the restrictive Buckley Air Force Base

increase support for PCC through a sustained

conservation, education, agriculture, history,

accident potential zone district (APZ) limiting

constituency.

research, school districts, community-based

new construction and visitor gatherings. Urban development near PCC and within Colorado’s greater high plains has elevated the importance of conserving this tract of shortgrass prairie for its natural and cultural qualities and habitat value. Under the stewardship of the City of Aurora and its partners the need to revitalize PCC has become increasingly important.

The City of Aurora’s commitment to long-term conservation ensures these 1,100 acres remain protected remnant shortgrass prairie and a prized environmental asset for the city and community. This healthy ecosystem of diverse plants, shortgrass prairie uplands and lowlands, unfragmented habitat, and diverse birds and wildlife is the backbone of PCC. New welcoming

Today PCC seeks to be the City of Aurora’s

visitor and educational facilities prominently re-

premier destination for conservation and

establish PCC as the place for all ages to explore

education. The site’s diverse remnant

the outdoors, engage with history, gather, find

shortgrass prairie ecosystem, abundant wildlife,

solitude, and connect with the natural world

representation of Cheyenne and Arapaho use,

of the high plains. New facilities designed in

homesteading, Lowry bombing and gunnery

harmony with the natural shortgrass prairie

range, and tradition of education makes it the

setting includes indoor and outdoor spaces,

ideal location for conservation and education.

trails, exhibits, research opportunities, overlooks

PCC’s legacy of conserving its 1,100 acres as

and waysides to inspire an appreciation and

nationally significant North American remnant

lifelong connection to the high plains.

organizations, and volunteers are essential to implementing the ambitious vision for PCC’s continued legacy of lifelong learning and resource conservation.

A Vision For Plains Conservation Center & & & & , , , , , | 49 Great Plains Park Controlled Pedestrian Access

Plains Conservation Center Master Plan PCC Entry Road Prairie Tour Trail

ry

Resource-based Point of Interest Riparian Lowlands

th

Sou

ato erv

y Wa

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

s

Con

Tower Foundation

Shortgrass Prairie Prairie Restoration

Accident Potential Zone (APZ)

Target Foundation Prairie Ravine

Adelia Wells Homestead

Controlled Pedestrian Access

Lowlands

Buckley Air Force Base

The Overlook To Prairie Wetland Lab 1.35 miles

Sandstone Outcropping To Grand Central Station .50 miles

The Grove To Knoll .25 miles

Controlled Main Entrance

Cheyenne Village

Raptor Overlook

APZ

Prairie Meander

Grand Central Station

The Knoll To Overlook .75 miles To Wells .25 miles

Tower Foundation

Raptor Nest

Ranch Structures

East Jewell Avenue

East Hampden Avenue

Wells Crossing

Controlled Access Restricted to Operations, Programs, and Pedestrians High

Plains

Trail

E470 N 0

400 ft

800 ft

50 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

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Master Plan Framework & & & & & , , , , | 51

CHAPTER 5

Master Plan Framework

52 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction This master plan establishes a shared vision to guide public use, management and marketing of PCC’s natural grassland ecosystem, and continue its tradition of educational programming and conservation. This master plan provides the City of Aurora and its partners with a long-term framework for improvement, management, operation, and programming. This section identifies the audience, program, and use zones to support the vision.

View to the front range

Master Plan Framework & & & & & , , , , | 53

Audience and Programming Engaging programming will support PCC’s mission of lifelong learning and conservation.

stories associated with PCC and inspire lifelong

and new audiences from the local community,

connections to the high plains. PCC will continue

metropolitan region, and beyond. Meaningful

to be an essential resource for schools, students

stories will appeal to a broad audience,

of all ages, daily visitors, and a key destination

increase support for PCC, create a sustained

for partners and researchers. Programming will

constituency, and ensure memorable

continue to align with state educational goals

experiences.

and PCC will be the leading field trip destination

PCC will feature an array of visitor experiences and programming appealing to the following audiences. Within these audiences, visitors will be from the local community (the City of Aurora), metropolitan Denver region and beyond.

• Organized school groups and children of all ages • Families, neighbors, and day visitors • Independent learners of all ages (youth, adults, and children) • Scientists and researchers

SCFD Free Day astronomy programming

Programs will link PCC’s resources to meaningful

Expanded programming will attract established

Audience Rattlesnake research conducted at PCC in 2019

Programming

• Partners: Existing partners include Denver Botanic Gardens, Trust for Public Land, and Colorado State Grange. Potential partners include conservation, education, agriculture, history, and research entities.

for first to eighth grade students to learn about the high plains. Programs will engage visitors of all ages and increase appreciation of PCC.

54 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Facility Program

Plains Conservation Center VISITOR PAVILION SPACE DIAGRAM

New and improved facilities will ensure PCC is a

needs within an intuitive orchestrated visitor

premier destination for conservation, education,

experience. The facility program is based on

and programming. The facility program identifies

projected increased daily visitation and staffing to

infrastructure needed to support this master plan

accommodate 275 visitors and 20 programming,

vision for visitor contact, education/learning,

operations, and administrative staff.

administration/operations, circulation, and exhibits/interpretation. Dedicated space will ensure PCC provides high quality programming and visitor services in settings designed to immerse visitors with the high plains remnant shortgrass prairie.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

ADMIN

COMMUNITY/ READING ROOM

EXHIBIT SPACE

ENTRY

The Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll will provide primary visitor contact, orientation, interpretation, and small gathering areas. The

RESTROOMS

Conservation Hub at The Overlook will provide primary educational, research, and interpretive space within PCC. The Event Pavilion at The

These diagrams illustrate the master plan

Overlook will accommodate special events and

facility program. Space requirements and use

overflow gathering space for curriculum- and

Plains Conservation Center adjacencies along withSPACE sequencing will meet EVENT CENTER DIAGRAM

FRONT EXHIBIT DESK STORAGE

PRAIRIE VIEWS

Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll Anderson Hallas Architects, PC 7.9.2019

Plains Conservation Center CONSERVATION HUB SPACE DIAGRAM

community-based programs.

ACCESS TO EXTERIOR EVENT SPACE/ AMPHITHEATER

PARTNER/ RESEARCH

EXHIBIT STORAGE

ADMIN

EXHIBIT SPACES

ARRIVAL/ CIRCULATION

EVENT SPACE 50-60 OCCUPANTS TABLE/ CHAIR STORAGE VIEWS TO PRAIRIE

CATERING KITCHEN

CLASSROOM

CLASSROOM

ENTRY

VIEWS TO PRAIRIE

RESTROOMS

RESTROOMS

PROGRAM STORAGE

Event Pavilion at

Conservation Hub at

The Overlook

The Overlook

Anderson Hallas Architects, PC 5.07.2019

VIEWS/ ACCESS TO PRAIRIE

CENTRAL SHARED CORE

VIEWS/ ACCESS TO PRAIRIE

Master Plan Framework & & & & & , , , , | 55

The Grove

The Knoll

The Lowlands

The Overlook

Prairie Meander

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

High Plains

Prairie Wetland

Lowlands

Neighborhood Access, Stormwater/ Water Quality, Habitat

Prairie Meander

Trail, Shade, Outdoor Exhibits Admin/ Ops

High Plains Parking

Neighborhood Connection

ADA/Staff

w

The Grove

M Pra

irie

View

n

ai

nt

ou

Long View Entrance

Prairie Wetland Laboratory Outdoor Classroom, Research, Bird Blind, Shade, Restoration

e Vi

VC

Arrival

Outdoor Gather/Exhibit Prairie Garden/ Setting

Vie

w

Event Pavilion

Arrival

Visitor Parking

Trail Head

Visitor Pavilion

Prairie Tour

Transition Conservation Hub Outdoor Gather/ Classroom/ Play/Exhibit

Orient to Prairie Prairie Tour

Orient to Prairie

The Knoll

Interpretation/ Exhibits

Thoughtful siting, orientation, and site design will ensure facilities and outdoor spaces create an orchestrated experience and capitalize on complementary adjacencies.

The Overlook

Interpretation/ Exhibits

56 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Use Zones PCC’s landscape is organized into two use zones to ensure its continued legacy of conservation

Prairie/High Plains Zone

The following describes key recommendations

PCC is a rich ecosystem of shortgrass prairie,

for the Prairie/High Plains Zone. Detailed

and education. The zones will assist in long-

lowland riparian, and wetlands supporting

guidance is provided in Chapter 6.

term land protection and will provide for a

a broad diversity of plants and wildlife. The

healthy ecosystem. Use zones will manage

zone will be managed to conserve the native

PCC’s landscape for high quality interpretive

landscape through protection and enhancement

and educational experiences and for long-term

of soils, vegetation and habitat, and preservation

conservation of the native landscape.

of geological and cultural features. Low impact

Primary visitor and administrative uses are within the Manicured Prairie Zone on PCC’s western edge. The remainder of the site is within the Prairie/High Plains Zone where protection of resources, habitat, natural topography and native vegetation is maximized.

visitor experiences including trails, overlooks and education and interpretation will be allowed.

Natural and cultural features will provide opportunities for interpretation. Lowry Target

»» Manage the shortgrass prairie and riparian lowlands as the primary resources of PCC. Shortgrass prairie and riparian lowlands will be conserved as PCC’s primary resources. The native landscape will be actively managed to ensure ecosystem health. Use will be limited to pedestrian and essential operational functions to enhance

Foundation, Prairie Ravine, Raptor Overlook, and

conservation and increase habitat and

Grand Central Station will be within the Prairie/

landscape value.

High Plain Zone.

The Prairie/High Plains zone will support diverse plant and wildlife while offering low impact visitor experiences.

The Grove The Grove

The Knoll The Knoll

Master Plan Framework Prairie & & & Wetland & & , , , , | 57

The Overlook The Overlook

Lowlands The Lowlands

Prairie Meander Prairie Meander

Laboratory Prairie Wetland Laboratory Great

Plains Park Prairie Wetland Prairie Wetland

High Plains High Plains

Great Plains Park

Use Zones

Controlled Pedestrian Access

Prairie/High Plains Zone Manicured Prairie Zone

Riparian Restoration

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

Resource-Based Point of Interest Controlled Site Access

Y WA RY TO A RV

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

Tower Outdoor Classroom, Research, Foundation Bird Blind, Shade, Restoration

E NS

PCC Public Entry Road

O HC

UT

Prairie Tour

SO

Trail

Prairie Resoration

Accident Potential Zone (APZ)

Aurora Open Space Aurora Open Space

Potential Raptor Seasonal Restriction Zone1 Restriction zone is enacted with active eagle nests. Future nesting sites are unknown and could occur in trees along East Toll Gate Creek.

This plan identifies a 1/4 mile buffer from East Toll Gate Creek as a potential restriction zone.

The Grove The Grove Controlled Main Entrance

Cheyenne Village

Target Foundation Prairie Ravine

Controlled Pedestrian Access, Neighborhood Access, Stormwater/ Lowlands Water Quality, Habitat

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

1

Lowlands

Adelia Wells Homestead

Buckley Air Force Base Buckley Air Force Base

The Overlook The Overlook Education Pavilion, Classroom, Exhibits, Partner

Sandstone Outcropping

Prairie Meander The Knoll The Knoll Visitor Pavilion Cheyenne Village Operations Wells Crossing Wells Crossing

Prairie Meander Trail, Shade, Outdoor Exhibits

Wildlife Corridor

Grand Central Station k ee r e Cek t a e Raptor l G Cr To l e Nest East Gat l To l East

Raptor Overlook

Tower Foundation

Ranch Structures Wildlife Corridor

Controlled Access Restricted to Operations, Programs,and Pedestrians

lains igh P 0H

AVENUE EAST JEWELL EAST JEWELL AVENUE

Cultivated Dryland Fields

AY EW ROM Y A EW ROM

E470

Trail

E470

1200 ft

2400 ft

N

58 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

»» Maximize resource protection.

Known cultural, geological and natural features will be preserved. Many will be interpreted as important components of PCC’s landscape and its heritage. These include Adelia Wells Homestead, Lowry Tower Foundations, Sandstone Outcropping, and Ranch Structures. Future scientific and archaeological surveys may identify additional features important to the natural and cultural history of PCC.

»» Improve existing resource-based points of educational interest to enhance visitor experiences, provide interpretation, and protect resources.

Small scale visitor amenities at select points of interest will provide defined locations for visitor engagement. These include Lowry Target Foundation, Prairie Ravine, Raptor Overlook, and Grand Central Station. Visitor amenities will include small gathering spaces, seating, interpretation, trails, bird blinds, small shade shelters, and viewing

»» Manage vehicular access within the Prairie/High Plains Zone.

The remnant shortgrass prairie and riparian lowlands will be conserved as critical habitat. Vehicular access will be limited to shuttles and operational activities to reduce fragmentation and human disturbance in habitat areas critical for shelter, nesting, and foraging. Vehicular routes between Wells Crossing and the East Toll Gate Creek turnaround will be converted to pedestrian routes.

platforms.

The Prairie/High Plains zone will offer small scale visitor amenities, i.e., seating, interpretation, and viewing platforms at select points of interest.

Master Plan Framework & & & & & , , , , | 59

Manicured Prairie Zone

The Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll will provide visitor contact, orientation,

Visitors will enter PCC on its southwestern

and interpretation.

edge from East Hampden Avenue where the shortgrass prairie/high plains unfold to the east with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop to the west. This edge will be developed and managed as the Manicured Prairie Zone. Visitor contact, education, interpretation, administration, and operations will be located in this zone. This zone will provide diverse experiences for all visitors and will minimize impacts to resources.

The Knoll, Prairie Meander, The Overlook, and Prairie Wetland Laboratory will be within the Manicured Prairie Zone.

The following describes key recommendations for the Manicured Prairie Zone. Detailed guidance is provided in Chapter 6.

»» Establish The Knoll as the primary orientation to PCC for all visitors.

Facilities will include visitor and bus parking,

PCC’s administration and operations will be

small shade shelters, a trailhead and a

on the southwest edge of The Knoll, visually

A portion of PCC’s existing visitor/education

visitor pavilion. Outdoor gathering areas will

and physically separated from visitor area.

site will be re-purposed as The Knoll.

include lawns, terraces, and classrooms.

The Knoll will provide visitor amenities, orientation, interpretation, exhibits, and small gathering areas including those for curriculum- and community-based groups.

From The Knoll, visitors will connect to PCC’s native landscape and experiences via trails, PCC shuttle, and the Prairie Meander.

60 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Prairie Meander native plantings, exhibits, interpretive displays, and human-scale shade structures will provide a safe and inviting experience.

»» Provide primary visitor contact, orientation, and interpretation for PCC at the Visitor Pavilion at The Knoll.

»» Provide a new outdoor space— Prairie Meander—with trail, interpretive exhibits, and shade

»» Provide controlled pedestrian access and improve the prairie wetlands at the Lowlands.

A long linear prairie-scale landscape will

The Lowlands will provide a controlled

The Visitor Pavilion will overlook the

serve as a distinct outdoor gathering space

pedestrian gateway to PCC from the

shortgrass prairie ecosystem. The Visitor

and connect The Knoll to The Overlook.

adjacent community. An improved prairie

Pavilion and its setting will be set into the

Prairie Meander will include a pedestrian

wetland will provide water quality and

prairie landscape for sweeping views across

trail and outdoor spaces set within prairie-

habitat.

PCC’s shortgrass prairie, and to the soddies

scale landforms framing views and providing

and tipis. Indoor and outdoor exhibits will

a backdrop for program spaces. Native

interpret the setting and PCC’s story. The

plantings, art installations, exhibits,

Visitor Pavilion trailhead will orient visitors to

interpretive displays, and human-scale

the site and will serve as a shuttle pick-up/

shade shelters will provide a safe and

drop-off area.

inviting experience.

Master Plan Framework & & & & & , , , , | 61

The Conservation Hub will offer a premier setting for curriculum- and community-based programming, interpretation, and research.

»» Establish a new facility and setting as The Overlook for education, exhibits/interpretation, partners, and research.

Facilities will include a conservation facility,

The primary educational, research, and

events. Outdoor gathering areas will include

The Conservation Hub will house PCC’s

interpretive space within PCC will be located

lawns, terraces, and classrooms.

curriculum- and community-based

special event pavilion, shuttle parking, and limited access parking for operations/ administration, accessibility, and special

at The Overlook. The Overlook will be centrally located within the site outside the APZ district. The site and facilities will be set into the sloping prairie hillside with

»» Establish The Conservation Hub as the primary location for programming, interpretation, and research.

programming, interpretation, and

»» Provide indoor and outdoor space for special events at The Overlook.

research. Facilities will include indoor and outdoor classrooms, nature play, exhibits,

Indoor and outdoor spaces will provide

interpretation, and partner/research space.

views oriented towards PCC’s shortgrass

facilities for special events and overflow

All will focus on the shortgrass prairie.

prairie landscape to the east. The Overlook

gathering space for curriculum- and

will provide amenities for curriculum- and

community-based groups.

community-based education, exhibits/ interpretation, partners, and research.

62 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

»» Establish Prairie Wetland Laboratory as an outdoor classroom.

An outdoor classroom for hands-on

The setting and features of Cheyenne Village

»» Relocate Wells Crossing closer to Cheyenne Village as a primary exhibit.

exploration of the prairie wetland landscape

will continue to be an inspirational space for

The story of homesteading, agriculture, and the

will be located on the northeastern edge

interpretation and educational programming.

high plains prairie will continue through living

of PCC. The Prairie Wetland Laboratory will

Cheyenne Village will continue to be a place

history and curriculum- and community-based

provide a gathering space, human-scale

to share cultural stories of the Cheyenne

shade shelters, vault toilet restrooms, and

Indians on the high plains.

programming at Wells Crossing. This exhibit

a bird blind for curriculum- and communitybased programming, wildlife viewing, citizen science (i.e., seed collection, plant identification, bird counts), and partner research.

»» Maintain Cheyenne Village as a primary exhibit.

will be relocated to be closer to The Knoll to improve walkability. As improvements are made, Wells Crossing will become a more authentic and finely crafted setting for interpretation and education.

The Prairie Wetland Laboratory outdoor classroom will offer hands-on exploration of the landscape.

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 63

CHAPTER 6

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance

64 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction This master plan establishes a framework to implement the vision for PCC. This section presents overarching guidance and detailed recommendations to design and evaluate compatible improvements and modifications to PCC.

Curriculum-based programming

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 65

Site Design Site design guidance establishes a framework to achieve the master plan vision for The Knoll, Prairie Meander, The Overlook, Prairie Wetland Laboratory and Prairie/High Plains Zone.

Thoughtful consideration of orientation, siting of facilities and features, and integration of these within the natural setting of Plains Conservation Center (PCC) will ensure protection of the shortgrass prairie and create distinctive settings for a range of visitor experiences.

General Guidance General guidance for site and facility design provides basic principles to be followed when defining uses, repairing existing sites and structures, and designing new facilities and amenities. Adhering to this general guidance will ensure the shortgrass prairie remains the focal point of PCC as new improvements are designed in response to the natural environment.

• Re-purpose a portion of PCC’s existing visitor/ education site as The Knoll—new visitor pavilion, orientation, and administration/ operations area. »»Visually and physically separate operational uses from visitor uses through site design, topography, screen plantings, and separated circulation.

• Respect and preserve the natural character of PCC by subordinating new improvements to the native setting and site’s features.

• Integrate parking and circulation routes with landscape and topography to minimize visibility.

»»Design new features to be subordinate and placed in context to the natural environment, native vegetation, topography/landforms, and views.

• Locate site features to minimize impacts to habitat and natural features.

• Orient and site structures and features to blend with the shortgrass prairie landscape.

Set new facilities into PCC’s sloping prairie topography and maintain undeveloped ridges and highpoints. »»Ensure features express a consistent aesthetic complementing the shortgrass prairie’s character in materials, size, and color.

• Allow topographic/landform modifications of a prairie-scale to create backdrops or assist in defining outdoor spaces or to screen parking and operations areas.

• Design facilities and amenities holistically, ensuring features are integrated with one another and with the larger context of PCC. • Capitalize on primary views to the shortgrass prairie and secondary views to the mountains. Site and orient new facilities to primarily focus on the prairie/high plains. »»Frame views through structure placement, road and trail alignments, vegetation, and topography.

»»Minimize improvements and concentration of visitor uses within habitat patches and raptor seasonal restriction zones. »»Focus site improvements to the Manicured Prairie Zone to maximize habitat conservation and maintain buffers between visitor use and wildlife.

• Locate visitor gathering spaces exceeding a capacity of fifty (50) persons outside the Buckley Air Force Base Accident Potential Zone District (APZ).

• Ensure features are compatible with PCC’s prairie character in materials, size, scale, and color.

• Consider physical and visual separation between PCC and adjacent development—i.e., Buckley Air Force Base and Lowry Landfill. »»Consider noise pollution from adjacent roadways and development when locating visitor amenities. »»Consider adding topographic and vegetative buffers as backdrops to screen adjacent development from visitor areas.

66 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Site Design Orchestrated Experience

Outdoor Gathering Areas

Visitor Amenities

Orchestrated experiences cultivate a sense

Outdoor gathering areas provide flexible

Basic visitor amenities support necessary visitor

of arrival, enhance wayfinding, and create

spaces for curriculum- and community-based

uses while protecting resources. Amenities will

moments of discovery beginning at PCC’s

programming, and special events. Thoughtful

include shade, seating, trash and recycling

entrance and continuing throughout the site.

placement of new amenities and facilities within

receptacles, restrooms, and wayfinding and

Establishing orchestrated experiences through

the shortgrass prairie will provide engaging

interpretive signage.

vegetation, views, and beacons will ensure

settings to gather, view wildlife, and learn.

varied and memorable experiences for first time and repeat visitors.

• Establish clear visitor arrival spaces.

• Maintain and improve Prairie Tour as a memorable PCC experience via trail and shuttles with visitor protection from inclement weather.

• Capitalize on views to the prairie, mountains, natural features, and iconic site features.

• Create “beacons” drawing visitors through the shortgrass prairie landscape.

• Allow landform modifications of a prairiescale providing a backdrop or assisting in defining outdoor spaces and visitor uses or screen parking and operations areas.

• Establish outdoor gathering areas at The Knoll, The Overlook, Prairie Wetland Laboratory, Cheyenne Village, and Wells Crossing to facilitate curriculum- and community-based programming.

• Improve existing resource-based points of interest at the Target Foundation, Prairie Ravine, and Raptor Overlook to enhance visitor experience, provide interpretation, and protect resources.

• Locate outdoor gathering areas to complement indoor uses, for interpretation of natural and cultural features, and to capitalize on views.

• Ensure gathering areas are subordinate to and placed in context to the natural environment, respecting features such as vegetation, habitat, and views.

• Locate amenities in areas where they do not detract from the visitor experience, impact views, or diminish the character of PCC. • Establish site amenities to express a consistent aesthetic, complementing the shortgrass prairie’s character in materials, size, scale, and color. »»Design features to be simple and timeless. »»Ensure features are low profile and of a human-scale. »»Ensure features are designed with the highest level of craftmanship and quality materials. »»Ensure materials and colors are subdued with an even tone. Compatible materials include wood, painted steel, and stone.

• Provide shade, viewing platforms or bird blinds at The Knoll, Prairie Meander, The Overlook, and Prairie Wetland Laboratory.

• Provide vault toilet restrooms at Wells Crossing and Prairie Wetland Laboratory.

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 67 The Grove

The Knoll

The Lowlands

The Overlook

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

Prairie Meander

High Plains

Prairie Wetland Great Plains Park

Site Design Primary View Y WA RY TO A RV

Secondary View

Manicured Prairie Zone

E

NS

Prairie/High Plains Zone

Prairie Wetland Laboratory Tower Outdoor Classroom, Research, Foundation Bird Blind, Shade, Restoration

O HC

T OU

S

Resource-based Point of Interest PCC Public Entry Road Prairie Tour

Aurora Open Space

Trail Accident Potential Zone (APZ)

Target Foundation Prairie Ravine Adelia Wells Homestead

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

The Overlook Lowlands Education Pavilion, Classroom, Exhibits, Partner

Prairie Meander

The Knoll The Grove

Cheyenne Village

Visitor Pavilion Operations Wells Crossing

Buckley Air Force Base Sandstone Outcropping

Raptor Overlook

Grand Central Station

Trail, Shade, Outdoor Exhibits

To East

ll

ek re eC t Ga

Raptor Nest

Tower Foundation

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

AY EW

ROM

Ranch Structures

To Lowry Landfill

High

il s Tra

Plain

E470

68 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Circulation and Access Circulation routes provide access to visitor facilities and features. Routes will capitalize on primary views to the shortgrass prairie and secondary views to the mountains. Circulation,

»»Complete a traffic study prior to design of PCC entrance improvements to ensure sight distances of sufficient lengths in all directions.

visitor use, and natural area protection will be

»» Prairie Tour

balanced to minimize conflicts, support visitor

Maintain and improve the Prairie Tour as the

use, and promote a healthy ecosystem.

primary pedestrian and shuttle route through

Circulation Routes Provide circulation routes for a range of experiences and to accommodate visitor use and operational needs. Design circulation alignments to be integrated with the natural setting and to capitalize on views.

»» Access and Entry Provide primary vehicular and pedestrian access from East Hampden Avenue.

• Establish a detached multiple use sidewalk along East Hampden Avenue to connect with adjacent neighborhoods and the future High Plains Trail to PCC’s main entrance.

• Provide vehicular access from East Hampden Avenue to the visitor center parking lot. »»Use a narrow road width. »»Capture scenic views to the prairie, mountains, and site beacons (i.e., tipis, soddies, cottonwood trees).

the resource zone.

• Maintain the character of Prairie Tour including the narrow width and dusty gravel surfacing.

• Regrade and establish drainage structures to minimize erosion and surface deterioration.

• Restrict vehicular access between The Knoll and The Overlook to operations, shuttles, universally accessible parking and loading, and special event use.

• Restrict access between The Overlook and Raptor Overlook to operation activities and shuttle use. »»Consider alternative fuel vehicles providing a distinctly PCC experience with visitor protection from inclement weather.

• Convert existing shared-use (shuttle and trail) segments between Raptor Overlook and Wells Crossing to prairie hiking trails use only.

»» Manicured Prairie Zone Trails Design and locate trails within this zone for all visitors regardless of age or ability, to enjoy a prairie experience.

• Provide a universally accessible route.

»» Prairie Hiking Trails Provide soft surface hiking trails within the shortgrass prairie and lowland riparian corridor.

• Align trails in a stacked loop configuration to allow for trips of varying lengths.

• Reduce cross sections of existing shared-use (shuttle and trail) segments between Raptor Overlook and Wells Crossing for pedestrian use only.

• Integrate trail alignments with natural topography and vegetation.

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 69 Great Plains Park

Circulation PCC Entry Road Controlled Pedestrian Access

Prairie Tour (Shuttle and Trail) Manicued Praire Zone Trails Hiking Trails

Prairie Wetland Laboratory

Plains Trail

WAY RY TO VA R E

Trailhead NS

Parking S

Controlled Access / Entry 0

400 ft

800 ft

N Aurora Open Space

EAST HAMPDEN AVENUE

Controlled Pedestrian Access

Buckley Air Force Base

The Overlook

APZ

The Knoll PCC Entry

O HC

T OU

Controlled Main Entrance

Prairie Meander

To East

ll

ek re eC t Ga

Rome Trailhead Controlled Access Restricted to Operations, Programs, and Pedestrians

h

Hig

rail sT

in Pla

E470

EAST JEWELL AVENUE

AY EW

ROM

70 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Circulation and Access (continued) Vehicular Parking

Trailheads

Wayfinding

Provide parking for everyday visitation and

Provide trailheads with orientation and

Design circulation routes for intuitive navigation

operations at The Knoll and limited access/

information about PCC at The Knoll, Lowlands,

and reinforce with consistent signage.

special event parking at The Overlook and Rome

Prairie Meander, Great Plains Park, and the

Trailhead.

existing Rome trailhead.

• Establish a system of signs representing the character of PCC.

• Minimize the number of parking spaces provided to those needed to accommodate PCC’s program of uses.

• Provide standard amenities, i.e., signage (wayfinding, regulatory, and informational), trash and recycling receptacles, and seating.

• Ensure signs are subordinate to the landscape through orientation, placement and use of materials.

• Design parking areas to be safe and intuitive for vehicle and pedestrian travel.

• Establish controlled pedestrian access at The Lowlands, Prairie Wetland Laboratory, and Rome Trailhead. Consider a fob system or scheduled times of operation.

• Use materials compatible with the shortgrass prairie character of PCC, timeless, and durable.

• Integrate parking areas and circulation routes with the landscape’s sloping topography and vegetation to minimize visibility.

• Provide accessible parking and routes.

• Coordinate offsite parking and shuttle transportation for large special events.

Potential overflow parking sites may include Great Plains Park and the parking lot north of East Jewell Avenue.

• Restrict access at Rome Trailhead to operations, scheduled curriculum- or community-based programming, and controlled pedestrian access.

• Minimize sign clutter through careful consideration to the need for, and location of each sign.

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 71

Facilities Facilities provide authentic settings to gather, learn, research, reflect, and support functions essential to PCC’s mission and daily operations.

Thoughtful siting, orientation, and design will ensure facilities are subordinate to PCC’s natural setting and provide spaces immersing visitors in the shortgrass prairie.

Precedent: Washington Fruit Produce CO HQ

• Remove existing structures and allow for new buildings and structures to meet program needs at The Knoll and The Overlook.

• Design and locate new facilities to be subordinate to the prairie and its natural qualities. »»Design new facilities as low profiles and horizontal forms integrated with the natural prairie topography. »»Utilize low slope or flat roofs.

Precedent: Washington Fruit Produce CO HQ

• Ensure a flow between interior and exterior spaces with direct access to outdoor uses, i.e., classrooms, play, gathering, trails. »»Consider using transparent materials. »»Utilize operable wall/door systems.

• Provide a consistent architectural language for PCC of the highest craftmanship—form, scale, and materials.

Precedent: Dixon Water Foundation Pavilion

»»Use materials and colors that complement the prairie. Examples include earthen (rammed earth, distressed/colored concrete), wood, green roofs, muted earthen colors, and non-reflective glazing.

»»Maintain the human-scale consistent with prairie development.

• Orient new visitor and education facilities to capitalize on views. »»Maximize primary views towards the prairie and allow secondary views toward key mountain vistas. »»Consider select views to new facilities as beacons in the landscape. »»Orient facilities to minimize views to adjacent development—Buckley Air Force Base, and Lowry Landfill and noise from adjacent roadways and development.

• Orient utilitarian portions of facilities outside viewsheds and screen facilities with vegetation and landform where adjacent to other PCC uses and adjacent neighborhood.

• Provide exterior lighting only where needed for safety, security, programming, accessibility, or wayfinding to minimize light pollution.

• Meet or exceed applicable standards for sustainability. »»Orient facilities to capitalize on passive solar and daylighting. »»Consider renewable and energy efficient infrastructure where feasible. »»Consider environmentally conscious materials.

• Meet applicable standards for accessibility requirements.

72 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Exhibits Exhibits showcase PCC’s natural and cultural stories and systems through physical features.

These include tipis, soddies, visitor center displays, temporary features such as art installations, and best practices such as grazing sheep, farm animals, and plantings. Establishing authentic exhibits will inspire an appreciation and understanding of PCC and the shortgrass prairie.

• Ensure exhibits focus on the primary themes of PCC’s mission.

• Ensure exhibits express a character and human-scale compatible with the prairie setting.

• Ensure exhibits are authentic and designed with the highest level of craftmanship and quality materials. »»Utilize authentic materials and construction methods in design and repair of exhibits. »»Design exhibits to be contemporary and ensure they do not communicate a false sense of history. »»Maintain Cheyenne Village as a primary exhibit. Consult with representatives from the Cheyenne Tribe to ensure authenticity. »»Relocate Wells Crossing closer to Cheyenne Village as a primary exhibit.

Repair and build new Wells Crossing

structures utilizing authentic materials and contemporary construction methods.

• Consider views when placing exhibits. »»Respect and preserve views and vistas when placing exhibits to not diminish the character of PCC and visitor experience. »»Capitalize on views and consider exhibits as beacons to draw visitors to or through the site.

• Follow established curatorial standards and best practices for handling, displaying, storing, and caring for objects.

School group at tipis

• Collaborate with the City of Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services Department to develop exhibits and archive and store objects recovered from the site (i.e., archaeological artifacts, Colorado State Grange objects, botanical samples).

• Implement programming and best practices consistent with PCC’s primary interpretive themes.

MacLean Soddie

»»Implement PCC onsite best practices.

Examples include grazing, native seed collection, soil conservation, and water conservation. »»Identify opportunities to implement best practices on adjacent lands in collaboration with partners. Examples include dryland farming, grazing, and animal husbandry. »»Support onsite research initiatives.

Farm equipment display

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 73

Resource Protection Resource conservation and heritage are core to PCC’s mission. Protection and enhancement of shortgrass prairie, riparian lowlands, wetlands, and cultural features will contribute to healthy ecosystems and ensure PCC’s continued legacy of conservation and education.

Landscape and Habitat Coyote

Ensure long-term protection and enhancement of healthy wildlife habitats and functional ecosystems.

• Manage the shortgrass prairie as the primary resource of PCC. »»Create annual grazing management plans following a holistic approach.

Begin grazing in early spring to reduce seed production of invasive species, i.e., cheatgrass.

Bald Eagle

Pronghorn

»»Refine shortgrass prairie seed mixes to maximize effectiveness of repair and reseeding efforts.

• Implement best management practices to support onsite ecosystem health. »»Maintain limited, controlled visitor access to PCC and perimeter wildlife fencing. »»Maintain visitor use restrictions to minimize impacts to wildlife and habitat (i.e., dogs, bicycling, and motorized vehicles). »»Maintain raptor seasonal restriction zones. Minimize visitor use and infrastructure within ¼ mile of East Toll Gate Creek. »»Establish carrying capacities for prairie dog colonies and implement PROS Prairie Dog Management Plan. »»Monitor indicator species to gauge ecosystem health.

• Establish safe wildlife connections to the north and south of PCC to enable free movement of wildlife along East Toll Gate Creek.

74 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Resource Protection (continued) • Manage the lowland riparian corridor within East Toll Gate Creek to maintain and improve natural qualities and environmental qualities. »»Implement a management plan to address sediment and erosion. »»Monitor and manage mature cottonwood stands for longevity following appropriate horticultural practices. Plant lower growing native species such as Peachleaf willow in keeping with Buckley requirements in APZ district.

• Maintain, enhance, and enlarge wetland areas along Plains Drainage and East Toll Gate Creek.

• Implement integrated best management practices for soil, vegetation, and control of noxious weeds. Reference existing PROS management plans – Vegetation Management Plan, Other Target Vegetative Species Management Plan, Noxious and Invasive Weed Management Plan, Hazardous Tree Management Plan, and Natural Areas Management Plan.

• Consider designations such as a Colorado Natural Area as a mechanism to elevate protection, stewardship, and PCC’s recognition as a site of statewide significance.

Sand Verbena

• Use native prairie and hardy plant species and plant communities for new plantings and revegetation. Allow ornamental vegetation for exhibits.

Prickly Pear

Milkweed

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 75

Scenic Resources

Cultural Features

Protect and capitalize on significant views to the

Protect cultural features contributing to a sense

shortgrass prairie, natural and cultural features,

of authenticity and cultural context for visitor

high plains to the east, and Front Range of the

understanding. Features include archaeological

Rocky Mountains to the west.

sites associated with homesteads, military roads

• Frame scenic vistas and views through thoughtful placement of vegetation, facilities, roads and trails.

Views to the front range

• Ensure new features and vegetation or modifications to existing features or vegetation, respect and do not interfere with significant views.

• Create observation areas with viewing platforms or bird blinds at key views.

and foundations, and ranch stock management structures.

• Develop an inventory of cultural features.

• Partner with The Library and Cultural Services Department to expand understanding of features and the history of PCC. • Research and document the prehistory of PCC. • Initiate scientific and archaeological surveys to identify additional features important to the natural and cultural history of PCC.

Views across Wells Crossing to the front range

Views from the overlook across the prairie

• Collaborate with partners to identify archaeological resource protection issues and best practices.

76 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Resiliency Guidance

Policy Guidance

Resiliency will be promoted through PCC

Policy tools will be considered to ensure the

operations, management, and design of new

long-term protection of PCC.

features.

• Consider the use of renewable and energy efficient infrastructure, structure systems, and vehicles.

• Use environmentally conscious materials and products.

• Orient facilities to capitalize on passive solar and provide daylighting.

• Follow dark sky criteria with exterior lighting limited to safety, security, accessibility, and wayfinding.

• Plant and seed native low-water landscapes.

• Integrate stormwater infrastructure with landscape and facility improvements to intercept and infiltrate localized drainage areas, reduce sediment loading, and create habitat.

• Direct stormwater to vegetated areas throughout the site to filter and improve water quality.

• Target waste reduction, recycling, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy usage, reduced water consumption, and light pollution.

• Consider measures such as an amendment to covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) or a conservation easement to permanently limit use of PCC to protect its conservation value.

• Modify the zoning code and development review process for adjacent development to ensure protection of viewsheds and habitat through tools such as topographic and vegetative buffers, setbacks, and land use restrictions.

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 77

CHAPTER 7

Program, Interpretation and Marketing Recommendations and Guidance

78 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction PROS will collaborate with partners to implement a range of actions to accomplish PCC’s mission and vision for the conservation center. This section provides a framework for programming, interpretation, and marketing of Plains Conservation Center.

PCC Programming

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 79

Programming and Interpretation Engaging programming and interpretation contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the shortgrass prairie and associated stories.

Curriculum- and community-based programs will focus on the primary themes of PCC’s mission to inspire lifelong connections to the high plains.

• Identify primary interpretive themes based on PCC’s mission and subthemes linking PCC’s resources to meaningful stories.

Subthemes may include the following. »»Homesteading on the high plains »»Agriculture then and now »»The grange movement and politics of agriculture »»Climate change on the high plains »»Science of flight—birds of prey and modern aircraft »»Astronomy Curriculum-based Programming

»»Native American communities »»Dust Bowl years »»High plains and shortgrass prairie ecology

Curriculum-based Programming

• Develop and implement a long-term plan for curriculum-based programming considering goals, objectives, measurable outcomes, and key messages/audiences. »»Identify programming to meet state education goals and support PCC’s mission. »»Support programs that connect students and with PCC’s resources and stewardship needs. »»Collaborate with partners to facilitate programming. »»Evaluate program demand periodically and identify opportunities to adjust offerings and update curriculum.

80 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

• Develop and implement a long-range interpretive plan considering goals, objectives, measurable outcomes, and key messages/audiences. »»Offer mission-based programs focused on PCC target audiences (families, neighbors, and day visitors; independent learners of all ages; youth and adults; scientists and researchers). »»Promote programs and regularly scheduled events designed to attract and engage visitors of all ages (i.e., seniors, preschoolers). »»Monitor trends in programming to engage existing and new audiences. Consider niche markets such as summer camps. »»Support programs that connect community members with PCC’s resources and stewardship needs. »»Evaluate program demand periodically and identify opportunities to adjust offerings and update programs. »»Identify opportunities for volunteer training, partnerships building, and minority and immigrant population engagement.

• Provide interpretive materials and exhibits engaging visitors of all ages and assisting in the understanding of PCC’s significance and stories within the context of its interpretive themes. Ensure interpretation material and exhibits are focused on the primary themes. »»Orient visitors to PCC by providing previsit interpretive information. »»Develop maps, guides, and interpretive signage to help visitors understand PCC’s significance and major stories.

––Collaborate with partners (i.e., Colorado State Grange, Western Arapahoe Conservation District, and Cheyenne representatives) to develop authentic interpretive materials. »»Support special events focused on primary themes of PCC’s mission. Events could include landscape-based art installations, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and demonstrations or displays.

• Offer volunteer training for individuals interested in conducting tours, facilitating programming.

Community-based Programming

Site and Facility Recommendations and Guidance & & & & & & , , , | 81

Marketing Guidance Effective marketing elevates the status of PCC as one of the premier conservation and education centers of the high plains. Annual marketing plans will ensure coordination with partners and communication to target audiences.

• Establish a consistent high, quality brand for PCC. • Evaluate and enhance marketing to existing and expanded audiences. The potential for expanded audiences includes: »»Independent learners of all ages »»Organized tour groups/leisure travelers (from the metro region and beyond) »»Researchers »»Scientists »»Meeting and event planners • Monitor and evaluate trends in communication tools and platforms to increase public awareness and engage audiences.

• Offer special events and temporary exhibits (i.e., art installations at Prairie Meander, community events at the Conservation Hub and Event Lawn) to attract existing and new audiences and market PCC offerings.

• Capitalize on event space rentals to market and highlight PCC offerings.

• Improve communications and engagement to the adjacent community.

• Develop and implement annual marketing and communication plans addressing: »»upcoming communication opportunities »»audiences and messages/desired outcomes for each audience »»activities, including priorities, timing considerations, resources needed for the website, social media, evolving digital technologies, print media, promotions, events, annual reports, and materials to support PCC »»media and partner outreach and coordination »»regular communication with stakeholders and partners.

82 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

• Market PCC as a destination for the local and regional community using primary interpretive themes as the basis for marketing messages. »»Engage the PROS Marketing and Special Events Division, City of Aurora Communications & Marketing Department, Visit Aurora, and other regional tourism bureaus to promote PCC and its programs. »»Collaborate with partners to develop mutually beneficial strategies for cooperative advertising, ad placement, and other promotional tactics to gain recognition for PCC. »»Market PCC as a resource for schools, partners, researchers, and emerging initiatives. »»Utilize PCC’s network of partners to communicate availability of information on PCC’s website.

• Develop a communication strategy to guide PCC towards its mission and vision. »»Establish communication goals and objectives. »»Define key messages and audiences.

Fiscal Resiliency & & & & & & & & , | 83

CHAPTER 8

Fiscal Resiliency

84 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction PCC programming, operations, and management establishes a framework for fiscal resiliency.

New funding sources will supplement annual capital and operating budgets to ensure PCC provides high quality facilities and programming.

Fiscal Resiliency Fiscal resiliency ensures the continuation of high quality programming at PCC and

• Regularly update fees and charges based on a defined pricing philosophy.

implementation of the master plan vision. The

»»Continue to set cost recovery targets.

City of Aurora will plan for increased capital

»»Reevaluate fee structures periodically to ensure equity across demographic groups.

investment and facilities planning and seek to supplement investments with outside funding and opportunities to generate revenue.

• Secure funding to support improvement and maintenance of PCC. • Develop 5-year plans to allocate both operational and capital funds to address deferred maintenance and master plan development projects.

• Increase consideration of up-front and ongoing costs in maintenance and capital decisions. »»Collect and review data on replacement or renovation of facilities and amenities to ensure ongoing costs are appropriately budgeted.

• Implement a hybrid revenue model supporting a cost recovery of 60 to 80 percent of operating and maintenance costs.

• Identify and pursue funding sources to supplement annual funds, support capital improvements, operations, and programs. »»Create partnerships to support defined high quality projects and programs. »»Pursue applicable state and federal funds. »»Consider new funding sources to support cost recovery. Potential sources include rentals, special events, research and science, and concessions.

• Consider establishing a non-profit group to support fundraising, in-kind donations, advocacy and outreach, and volunteer activities.

Appendix G includes a revenue model for PCC

CHAPTER 9

Implementation

86 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Introduction This master plan provides a framework for management and improvement of Plains Conservation Center. This section suggests a phased

Phased Implementation Strategy This master plan vision is ambitious, and

The phased implementation strategy suggests

implementation will require collaboration

implementation priorities. Priorities may

between the City of Aurora and its partners.

shift to reflect site and visitor needs, safety

Master plan recommendations are described

and maintenance concerns, or opportunities

as discrete projects supporting the vision

to leverage partnerships and funding for

and expanded visitor use. Funding sources

implementation.

implementation strategy with

will include capital funds, partnerships, and

priorities and cost estimates.

county, state and federal grant funding. This

This master plan, based on city,

master plan provides a resource to leverage

partner, and community-based input, establishes a tool to

contributions from partners and pursue grant funds.

leverage annual funding, grants,

General costing for master plan

and contributions from partners

recommendations is estimated at approximately

for improvements.

$32 million to $37 million. Implementation of discrete projects may occur in phases over several years but the intent is to fully implement a discrete project before focusing resources to another discrete project. This approach ensures full realization of this master plan vision.

On-going maintenance and restoration projects are not identified in the prioritization framework but encompass the general categories of landscape, signage, fencing, trail and road repair.

Fiscal Resiliency & & & & & & & & , | 87

Project

Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate Low Range

High Range

Phasing Priority Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

The Knoll

4,477,000

5,839,000

•

PCC Entry Road

1,068,000

1,089,000

•

Prairie Tour

4,108,000

4,191,000

Prairie Meander

7,010,000

7,150,000

809,000

825,000

•

1,488,000

1,518,000

•

10,450,000

13,572,000

Wells Crossing

324,000

330,000

•

Cheyenne Village

243,000

247,000

•

2,481,000

2,531,000

Target Foundation Amenities

49,000

50,000

•

Prairie Ravine Amenities

49,000

50,000

•

Raptor Overlook Amenities

49,000

50,000

•

49,000

50,000

•

32,651,000

37,490,000

Lowlands Prairie Wetland Laboratory The Overlook

Utilities (full build out)

Grand Central Station Amenities TOTAL ESTIMATED OPINION OF COST: (based on 2019 market condition with contingencies, general conditions, design and engineering fees, and escalation)

• •

•

•

88 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

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Appendices | 89

Appendices

90 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Appendix A - Bibliography Bureau of Land Management 2019

Potential Wildlife Species List—

Natural Resources Conservation Service

“Land Patent Search.” Database and

Expected to be seen at Plains

2003

images. General Land Office Records.

Conservation Center.Aurora,

Fort Worth, TX: U.S. Department

http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/

Colorado: City of Aurora.

of Agriculture, Natural Resources

PatentSearch.

No date

No date

2018a

Aurora Places—The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Aurora. Aurora, Colorado: Houseal Lavigne.

2018b

2016

2015

1981 Colorado Historical Society, Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation 1996

Plains Conservation Center Geology.

Aurora, Colorado: Alex D. Elkin

Colorado Cultural Resource Survey Management Data Form—State Site

Plains Conservation Center, Inc.

Aurora, Colorado. Ordinance No.

Number 5AH916. Denver, Colorado:

2015

2017-55, enacted October 30th,

Tom Burger.

1997

Management Data Form—State Site

Study Update. Centennial, Colorado:

Number 5AH648. Denver, Colorado:

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig.

G.C. Tucker.

Plains Conservation Center—

LandScope America

Structural Condition Assessment.

2019

“Shortgrass Prairie.” http://www.

Lakewood, Colorado: Martin/Martin,

landscope.org/colorado/ecosystems/

Inc.

featured_ecosystems/iconic_

PCC Bird Survey. Aurora, Colorado:

Aurora Plains Conservation Center Land Management Plan. Aurora, Colorado: City of Aurora.

ecosystems/Shortgrass%20Prairie/

60 Years on the Short Grass Prairie: The Plains Conservation Center.

Aurora, Colorado: Daniel Parker.

Colorado Cultural Resource Survey

Northeast Area Transportation

City of Aurora.

2009

Plains Conservation Center Association

Building and Zoning Code City of

2017. (Supp. No. 41) 2018c

Conservation Service.

Vegetation Species List. Aurora, Colorado: City of Aurora.

City of Aurora

Soils_SSURGO_NRCS_CO005.shp.

No date

PCC History Program. Aurora, Colorado: Daniel Parker.

Tammy Stone 2000

The Adelia Wells Homestead: The Synthesis of Research. Denver, Colorado: Tammy Stone.

Appendices | 91

Appendix B - Acronyms ABAAS

Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards

SCFD

The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act

TPL

Trust for Public Land

APS

Aurora Public School District

UCD

University of Colorado at Denver

APZ

Accident Potential Zone

U.S.

United States of America

USACE

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

WACD

Western Arapahoe Conservation

(Buckley Air Force Base) COA

City of Aurora

DBG

Denver Botanic Gardens

OSNR

Open Space and Natural Resource Division

PCC

Plains Conservation Center

PCCA

Plains Conservation Center Association

PROS

Parks, Recreation and Open Space (City of Aurora)

District WASCD

Western Arapahoe Soil Conservation District

92 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Appendix C - Image Credits All images credited to Mundus Bishop unless

Page 46

Page 78

noted below.

City of Aurora

City of Aurora

Page 11

Page 44

Page 79

Denver Botanic Gardens

City of Aurora

Curriculum-base Programming, top - Denver

Page 21 Blacksmith - City of Aurora

Page 51

Prairie Field Trip - Denver Botanic Gardens Homestead Field Trip - City of Aurora Page 24 PCC Rock Gateway - City of Aurora Prairie Wagon Tour - City of Aurora Page 25 Raptor Barn - City of Aurora Page 26 Tipi Construction - City of Aurora Page 34 Pronghorn - Wayne Gallagher Hawk - Wayne Gallagher Rattlesnake - Fendi Despres Page 36 Windmill - Wayne Gallagher Page 45 Pronghorn - Wayne Gallagher

Botanic Gardens

City of Aurora

Curriculum-base Programming, bottom - City of

Page 52

Aurora

City of Aurora

Page 85

Page 53

Fendi Despres

Rattlesnake Research - Fendi Despres Page 72 School Group at Tipis - City of Aurora Farm Equipment Display - Wayne Gallagher Page 73 Coyote - Wayne Gallagher Bald Eagle - Wayne Gallagher Pronghorn - Wayne Gallagher Page 73 Sand Verbena - Fendi Despres Prickley Pear - Fendi Despres Milkweed - Fendi Despres

Appendices | 93

Appendix D - PCC Current Facilities »» Education Area Front Range Building (Educ/VC)(2,457 SF) •

Entryway is small and not welcoming for visitors.

•

Restrooms are in fair condition and not ADA compliant.

•

Windows and doors appear to be in good condition, although lack code compliant hardware.

•

Upper level consists of office area, break room, restrooms, and exhibit space. The finishes appear in good condition.

•

Stairs to the basement are not ADA compliant.

•

Entry to the building appears to be ADA compliant with the exception of the threshold, door hardware, and parking.

•

Lower level consists of storage, meeting space/ library, and office space. The finishes on the lower level are in fair condition.

Maintenance Barn (1,443 SF) •

•

Metal siding, roofing, gutters and downspouts appears to be in good condition. Although grade does not properly slope away from the building.

•

Shelter is in fair condition.

•

Roofing appears in good condition, however flashing around the chimneys has failed.

Gutters and downspouts are in good condition; however grade does not properly slope away from the building.

•

Restrooms are good sized and could potentially provide ADA accessibility with minor modifications.

•

Lavatories are located in a hallway and are shared between men and women. Current building codes require lavatories to be in the same room as the water closets.

•

Gathering space has a wood fireplace on one end and a wood stove on the other. Both present potential safety hazards for visitors.

•

Interior is comprised of a unique timber column and beam configuration, which appears in good condition.

Interior wood structure, and concrete floor appear to be in good condition.

Prairie View Shelter (1,415 SF)

•

•

Restroom fixtures are not ADA compliant, and are mineral stained, likely due to the well water.

Yurt (722 SF) •

Yurt itself appears in good condition.

•

A box fan secured to the ceiling presents a safety hazard.

•

Thresholds at the yurt doors are too high to provide ADA accessibility.

•

Deck surrounding the yurt is in very poor condition.

•

Deck boards, railings and handrails are warping and splintering, causing a safety hazard.

•

Ramp leading to the yurt does not comply with ADA due to its poor condition.

Arapahoe Building (1,271 SF) •

Downspouts drain next to building, grade surrounding the building lack sufficient slope away from the building

94 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

•

•

•

•

•

•

There are several cracks in the masonry over windows and doors, but the brick generally appears in good condition.

The chimney was reportedly rebuilt when the structure was moved, and brick does not match the rest of the structure.

Screen at the back of the chimney is damaged Lower portions of wood trim at the front door is rotted, and paint is peeling.

Electrical wires are routed on the exterior of the building.

Asphalt shingle roof appears in good condition. However, flashing at the chimneys and vents appear to be failing. Wood soffits and fascia appear in good condition.

•

Cover of crawl space access is rotting and in poor condition.

•

Interior layout is awkward and not efficient for current uses.

•

There is no ADA access to the building.

Grange Museum (3,244 SF) •

There is significant hail damage the vinyl siding.

•

Roof appears in fair condition.

•

Downspout at the west entry discharges adjacent to the building, and grade is not properly sloped away from the building.

•

Wood steps at the west entry are warping and in poor condition.

•

Metal handrails at the east entry stairs are in poor condition, and not code compliant.

•

There is no ADA access to the building.

Cheyenne Village

»» Wells Crossing Pronghorn Pavilion (402 SF) •

Roofing is in good condition.

•

Wood columns appear in good condition, but are in need of refinishing.

Solar Restroom (268 SF) •

Building appears to be in good condition.

•

Metal roofing is in good condition.

•

Exterior wood is in fair condition and in need of refinishing.

Sod Shed (443 SF) •

Roofing, flashing and fascias are in poor condition

•

Tipis are generally in good condition.

•

•

This entire area lacks ADA accessibility.

Use of modern sod is historically inaccurate.

•

Sod walls are in poor condition and could pose safety concerns.

Appendices | 95

Johnson Homestead (715 SF) •

Exterior wood is warping and in poor condition.

•

Asphalt shingle roofing appears to be in good condition.

•

Interior finishes appear to be in good condition.

•

Steps at entry door prevent ADA accessibility.

Blacksmith Shop (417 SF) •

Roofing, flashing and fascias are in poor condition

•

Use of modern sod is historically inaccurate.

•

Sod walls are in poor condition and could pose safety concerns.

•

Exposed wood on the windows and doors is in fair condition, but is still serviceable with proper maintenance.

•

Wood plank walkway at the entrance is in fair condition. The warping boards inhibit ADA access.

MacLean Soddie (880 SF)

Schoolhouse (598 SF)

•

Sod appears in poor condition.

•

Appears in good condition

•

Use of modern sod is historically inaccurate.

•

•

Sod walls are in poor condition and could pose safety concerns.

Maintenance is needed for the exposed wood, however, it is still in good condition.

•

Building is close to providing ADA accessibility. The doorway is slightly too small, and due to the desks inside, does not provide sufficient maneuvering space.

•

Windows are in fair condition and are in need of refinishing. The window screens are in poor condition.

•

Threshold at the door is too high to provide ADA accessibility.

Loafing Sheds (458 SF) •

Building is in fair condition.

•

Exposed wood walls are in need of maintenance, but in general are in good condition.

•

Wood roofing is warping and splintering and is in poor condition.

•

Windows are in poor condition, and are missing panes.

•

There is no ADA access to this building.

96 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Appendix E - PCC Current Programming Figure 1.

2019 PCC Programs offered by PROS and DBG

Program

Description PROS DBG

Astronomy Nights at Plains Conservation Center

The program offers an exciting night of stars, planets, solar systems and s’mores. Evenings begin with a presentation by retired astronomy professor, Dr. Win Pendleton and concludes outside with a campfire, s’mores and a chance to look at the planets and other objects through the telescope, weather permitting.

Cooking on the Wood Burning Stove

The event is an afternoon of tea and working together to bake yummy, period-appropriate treats on the wood burning stove in the McClean Soddy. Recipes and all supplies are provided.

Farm Animal Interaction Program

The program offers the opportunity to interact with farm animals, learn how farm animals were vital to life during pioneer times, and learn how farm animals remain important today.

Free Days at Plains Conservation Center

The event offers ecological and historical educational programing, wagon rides, family games and refreshments.

Hand Quilting

The event teaches participants to quilt by hand, making a log cabin quilt block using techniques and patterns from the 1860s. All materials provided.

Historical Uses of Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie Grasslands

The tour offers a hike to learn how prairie grasslands plants were once used by Native Americans and Western colonizers for medicinal purposes.

Source: City of Aurora, Denver Botanic Gardens

•

•

• • •

Target Cost Audience

General $8 Public

•

Adults, $20 DBG children Member 10 years $24 Nonand older member

$5 • • • General public, targets younger children

Free • • • • • General Public

• •

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Facilitation/ Season Operation

• •

Adults, $19 DBG children Member 10 years $24 Nonand older member General $10 Public

Schedule

2019: Mar. 8, Apr. 12, and May 10

2019: Apr. 13

12PM to 4:30PM Wed-Fri, 9AM to 4:30PM weekends Changes annually

2019: June 8

2019: July 21

Appendices | 97

Figure 2. 2019 PCC Programs offered by PROS and DBG

Program

Description PROS DBG

Homestead Quilting and Reusing Fabrics Craft Workshop

This event in the Sod Homestead teaches participants to make a quilt block, small pin cushion and/or braided rag piece using techniques and patterns from the 1860s. All materials provided.

Life in the High Plains Field Trip

The field trip engages students in field-science activities—bird surveys, prairie dog ethograms, and water quality testing.

Native Plant Master Course at Plains Conservation Center

This program teaches participants about native and alien plants at PCC. It includes three outdoor field sessions learning plant identification, ecological relationships and human uses. (Prerequisite: basic botany class).

One-Day Prairie Perspectives Immersion Plus Optional Overnight

The program offers 3-5 graders the opportunity to imagine themselves as a child growing up in the 1800s. Participants explore the ecosystem and participate in homestead activities. Overnight programming includes sleeping in the tipis (weather permitting).

Photography Expeditions at Plains Conservation Center

These events are photography expeditions which offer opportunities to capture the life and the seasonal characteristics of the prairie in the best light possible. Dates and times are set to coordinate with sunsets, sunrises, moonsets and moonrises. (Must bring own gear, open to all skill levels).

Photographing The event led by DBG Photographer Scott Dressel-Martin offers great the Not-Sophotographic tips and tricks while capturing places, spaces, plants, and Plain Plains people at PCC. (Must bring own gear, have basic photographic skills).

Source: City of Aurora, Denver Botanic Gardens

• •

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Facilitation/ Season Operation

•

Target Cost Audience

Adults, $25 DBG children Member 10 years $29 Nonand older member

• •

•

Grades $10 per 1-5 student SCFD/$12 non SCFD

$95 • General Public

•

• •

•

• •

•

•

Grades Day: $60 3-5 SCFD/$65 outside SCFD Day w/ overnight: $125 SCFD /$130 non SCFD General $26 DBG Public Member $28 Nonmember General $34 DBG public Member $39 Nonmember

Schedule

2019: May 4

Schedule in advance. Sept. to Nov. 18 and Apr. to May 2019: Sept. 5, 12, and 19

Schedule in advance. Day: Sept. to Oct. and Apr. to May. Overnight: May to Sept.

2019: May 18, Sept. 14

2019: June 13

98 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Figure 3.

2019 PCC Programs offered by PROS and DBG

Program

Description PROS DBG

Plants for the Plains

•

This course discusses native plants and how to use them effectively at home or in an HOA situation.

Prairie Birding The program offers the opportunity to spend the morning birding with City of Aurora naturalists.

Prairie Ecology

The program engages students in field-science and offers the opportunity to explore prairie flora and fauna. Field-science includes bird surveys, prairie dog ethograms and water quality testing.

Prairie Homestead Self-Guided Tour

The self-guided tour of the sod village and tipis offers participants the opportunity to imagine what an 1880s Native American tipi camp and prairie homestead village might have looked like.

Prairie Wagon Tour

The tour takes visitors across the plains to view wildlife, learn about the ecosystem, and visit prairie homestead.

Vegetable Gardening on the High Plains: Heirloom and Beyond

These events teach participants how to grow their own gardens including starting from seed, basic garden maintenance, and proper harvesting techniques.

Source: City of Aurora, Denver Botanic Gardens

•

•

Target Cost Audience

$12 DBG • • General Public Member

•••• •

•

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Facilitation/ Season Operation

• •

2019: Apr. 25

$14 Nonmember

Adults

$5

2019: Mar. 30, June 22, Sept.

22 and Dec. 7

Grades $10 per 6-8 student SCFD / $12 outside SCFD

Schedule in advance. Sept. to Nov. 18, Apr. to May, and summer for camp/school groups

$3 • • • • General Public

Free on • • • • • General Public school tours,

•

Schedule

$10 for day visitors

$29 DBG • • • General Public Member

$34 Nonmember per each session

winter hours: 9AM to 2PM weekdays, 9AM to 5PM weekends Tours on most Saturdays, weather permitting.

2019: Apr. 6, June 8, Aug. 3

Appendix F - PCC Marketing Figure 4. Current PCC Marketing

•

• • • • •

PROS

City of Aurora

• •

Provides general information on programming at center and program scheduling and enrollment.

Denver Botanic Gardens

DBG

• •

Provides mission statement, sign-up for PCC programs, program information, and general site visit information.

Plains Conservation Center PCC non-profit Website (Defunct)

•

Provides mission statement, general information, and information volunteering and events. (Website remains live. Last updated 2012.)

TripAdvisor Plains Conservation Center Listing

TripAdvisor and User Based

•

Provides a list of top things to do in Aurora. PCC ranks as #7 thing to do in Aurora.

Visit Aurora Plains Conservation Center Listing

City of Aurora information posted to Visit Aurora website.

•

Provides a list of things to do in Aurora.

•

Yelp

Yelp and User Based

•

Provides feedback from visitors at PCC.

• • •

Visitor Reviews

Educational Information

Image Gallery

Link to PCC/DBG

News

Program Information

Event Calendar

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Purpose

Site Location

Content Mission Statement

Author

Print

Marketing Initiative

Web

Platform

•

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

• •

• • •

•

•

• • •

•

100 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Appendix G - PCC Revenue Model I.

Introduction

The Plains Conservation Center (PCC) is a unique 1,100 acre conservation site and outdoor education facility owned by the City of Aurora (City) and

Figure 1.

Visitation to Plains Conservation Center, 2017 and 2018 Note: COA is the City of Aurora; DBG is the Denver Botanical Gardens; SCFD is the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.

Number of Programs

operated by the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department

Total Visitors

(PROS). The site hosts both natural and manmade amenities, including

Description

2017

2018

2017

2018

relatively large sections of native shortgrass prairie, plains wildlife, and

Day visitors

1

1

2,148

5,056

pioneer-era historic structures such as tipis, sod houses, and homesteads.

Paid COA programs

3

51

78

383

Unpaid COA programs

6

22

671

240

DBG programs

76

110

5,728

5,522

SCFD Free Days

-

8

-

1,567

Other programs

13

-

569

-

Total

99

192

9,194

12,768

PROS took over the site’s management in late 2017 from a local non-profit and incorporated the site into the City’s portfolio of nature centers.

The PCC serves a variety of audiences, including school groups, families with small children, naturalists, and day visitors. Since 2017, PCC’s amenities have attracted between 9,200 and 12,800 visitors each year (Figure 1). During that time, the largest share of visitors to the site have come from school programs operated by the Denver Botanical Gardens (DBG).1 In both 2017 and 2018 more than 5,300 students per year participated in DBG-led school programs at the site. Day visitors accounted for the second largest number of site visits. In 2017, the site hosted approximately 2,148 day visitors.

Source: Aurora PROS.

All of PROS’ nature centers experienced visitation growth between 2017 and 2018, but day visitation at PCC grew by 135 percent to 5,056 dayvisitors in 2018, making it PROS’ most-visited nature center for the year.

Together, DBG programs and day visits account for more than 80 percent of the sites’ annual visitations. The remaining visits are made by participants in City-led programs, other DBG programs, and Scientific and Cultural Facilities District 2 (SCFD) Free Days (Figure 1).

1 PROS and DBG entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on January 1st, 2018 regarding programming at the PCC. Under the agreement, DBG develops and delivers programs at the PCC and remits 50 percent of any net income generated from programming at the site.

BBC RESEARCH & CONSULTING

2 The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is a special regional tax district in Colorado that provides funding for art, music, theatre, dance, zoology, botany, natural history, and cultural history to organizations in the Denver Metro Area. The district comprises seven counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson.

Appendices | 101

The City currently earns revenue from the site through a combination of grants, program tuition, and donations that are equal to approximately 60 to 80 percent of the site’s annual operating expenses. The City’s General Fund revenues are used to cover the remaining 20 to 40 percent of operating expenses as well as any capital costs. In 2019, PROS began a master planning process to redevelop the PCC to enhance the site’s values. A financial plan, discussed below, was developed as part of the master planning process to estimate the revenue potential of the redeveloped site.

The objectives of the financial plan are threefold: 1) to provide a snapshot of the current status of the PCC’s finances; 2)to identify ways to use PCC’s unique natural, human, and capital resources to enhance existing earned revenues and develop new sources of earned revenues following the site’s redevelopment; and 3) to ensure earned revenues can cover 60 to 80 percent of the site’s ongoing and future operating expenses. Capital expenses were not included as part of the plan.

II.

Current Financial Snapshot

PROS operates the City of Aurora’s nature centers, including PCC, for the benefit of the community. As a result, the City only seeks to recover between 60 to 80 percent of each site’s annual operating expenses in order to keep the sites accessible to the community. This goal does not include capital expenses. The nature centers primarily receive their funding from a combination of grants, general donations, and program fees and admission fees. Any shortfall between these earned revenues and the nature centers’ expenses are covered by the City’s General Fund.

PCC’s annual operating expenses are combined and managed with the City’s two other nature centers.

Upon taking over management of PCC, PROS made several capital investments in the site to address deferred maintenance and update the sites’ vehicle fleet to meet City standards. The site also incurred normal operating expenses for staff, utilities, equipment, repairs, and supplies during this time. As a result of the capital investments, 2017 and 2018 represented unprecedented financial years for PCC. Even with the recent investments, PCC will require additional capital investment in the future to continue providing its core constituency with a high level of service.

Current financial values. Figure 2 shows the estimated revenues and operating expenses for PCC in 2018, the only year for which complete financial information was available. PCC spent a total of $208,355 on operating expenses in 2018. Labor was PCC’s largest single expense, accounting for approximately $164,700 (79 percent) of its total operating costs. These dollars funded four full-time and part-time staff at an average annual cost of $41,175. Financial statements from the City indicated that exhibits and programs, and general operating expenses accounted for approximately $30,000 (14 percent) of PCC’s operating costs. Travel;

BBC RESEARCH & CONSULTING

102 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

uniforms; marketing; and dues, fees, and supplies accounted for the site’s

are not considered earned revenues, the PCC currently generates earned

remaining operating expenses (7 percent) (Figure 2).

revenue from:

Figure 2.

Estimated Expenses and Operational Revenues of PCC in 2018

Expense

Amount 2018

Revenue

Labor

$164,723

Earned Revenues

Travel

$1,034

Exhibits and programs

$14,492

Uniforms Marketing and publications General operations

Arapahoe County

Note:



Donations.

In total, PCC generated approximately $170,874 in earned revenue in 2018, which includes all revenues except for those from the general fund.

$6,000

Program fees

$954

Grants - including funds received from SCFD, Arapahoe County, and

$5,951

Conservation Trust Fund** Earned Revenues Total

Total

$170,874 $37,480 $208,355

The City of Aurora shared aggregated revenue and expense data for all three of its nature centers with BBC. The City believes that about 40% of the nature centers labor costs and 60% of the remaining expenses should be allocated to the PCC. BBC assumed that revenues must equal expenses since the City’s policy has been to balance the nature centers’ revenues and expenses on an annual basis. In 2018, nature center revenues equaled $484,808.20 of which 43 percent was allocated to PCC to offset the site’s expenses for that year. *Approximate level. **Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) distributed approximately $529,465 in operational funding to the City’s Open Space and Natural Resources Division (OSNR) in 2018 and $431,353 in 2017, but there is no accounting for how much of the gross funds were apportioned to PCC. CTF distributed approximately $38,394 to PCC for capital projects in 2018 and $17,020 in 2017.

City of Aurora; BBC Research & Consulting.

Figure 2 also displays estimates of the earned and unearned revenues received by the PCC in 2018. Because the City combines expenses and revenues across all three of its nature centers, PCC’s share of expenses and revenues had to be estimated by assuming that revenues equaled expenses each year. Excluding the revenues from the general fund, which

BBC RESEARCH & CONSULTING

Program fees; and

$295

$208,355

Source:



Individual donations

Unearned Revenues General fund Total

$57,000 $112,626

Grants;

$1,559 $14,594

Dues, fees, and supplies

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District*

Amount 2018



Adams County Open Space - accounted for the largest share of PCC’s earned revenues in 2018 (an estimated $169,626). Earned revenues from program fees and individual donations accounted for the smallest proportion of the site’s earned revenues in 2018 (less than $1,300). In total, earned revenue in 2018 equated to approximately 82 percent of the site’s annual operating expenses, which is within the City’s 60 to 80 percent cost recovery target.

Appendices | 103

III. Future Operational Financial Requirements of PCC

Figure 3.

Projected Annual Operating Expenses of PCC Under Master Plan

PROS started the master planning process to guide the PCC’s

Current Year

Amount First Year

Second Year

management, future development, and use. As part of the Master Plan,

Expense

the site will develop additional facilities to accommodate more visitors,

Labor

$164,723

$294,031

$299,911

expand its existing programming, and develop additional site services and

Travel

$1,035

$1,847

$1,884

Exhibits and programs

$14,493

$25,870

$26,387

Developing new facilities, including parking; arrival space;

Uniforms

$1,560

$2,785

$2,840

exhibition space; a new visitor center; and education and learning

Marketing and publications

$6,000

$10,710

$10,924

facilities;

General operating

$14,594

$26,051

$26,572

Dues, fees, and supplies

$5,951

$10,623

$10,836

$208,356

$371,916

$379,354

events to engage new users. These changes include: 



Hiring three additional full-time staff to bring the total up to seven full-time staff; and



Leveraging new facilities and additional staff to expand programming and to offer new services and events to attract and engage new users.

From a financial perspective, developing new facilities and hiring additional staff will increase the site’s annual operating expenses while also creating new opportunities for revenue generation.

Future projected operational expenses. Under the changes proposed in the Master Plan, the site’s overall operating expenses are expected to increase in direct proportion to the number of additional full-time staff employed by the site as part of the implementation of the Master Plan.

This represents an increase in operating costs of approximately 75 percent per year. The anticipated changes in operating expenses are detailed in Figure 3.

BBC RESEARCH & CONSULTING

Total Note:

Current year operational expenses are based on 2018 totals. Estimates of future expense were developed in proportion to the growth in the number of staff employed at the site.

Source:

BBC Research & Consulting.

With the addition of three new staff to support the increased level of site programming and the operations and maintenance of PCC’s new facilities, staffing expenses will increase by 75 percent from their current level of approximately $164,700 per year to $294,000 per year. Costs for travel, exhibits and programs, marketing and publications, dues, fees, and supplies, and general operating expenses are projected to increase in direct proportion to labor costs under the site’s Master Plan. In total, the site’s projected operating expenses under the Master Plan are anticipated to be approximately $371,900 in the first year and $379,400 in the second year. In subsequent years, expenses for labor and other operating costs are projected to increase at a two percent annual rate of inflation.

104 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

Projected earned revenue from existing sources. The

Additional earned revenue requirements of PCC. In order to meet the

redevelopment of the site under the Master Plan is not expected to

City’s cost recovery targets under the Master Plan, PCC will need to

significantly affect the site’s existing sources of earned revenues;

generate new sources of earned revenue. Figure 5 shows the projected

however, there will be a need to develop new sources of earned

earned revenue requirements for the PCC under 60 percent and 80

revenues to meet the City’s cost recovery targets. Projected earned

percent cost recovery scenarios. For example, in the year following the

revenues from existing sources are shown in Figure 4.

redevelopment of the site and the hiring of additional site staff, PCC’s

Figure 4.

Projected Annual Earned Revenue from Existing Sources Amount Earned Revenue Source Scientific and Cultural Facilities District* Arapahoe County Conservation Trust Fund**

Current

Year 1

Year 2

$57,000

$58,140

$59,303

$112,626

$114,879

$117,176

-

$25,000

$30,000

Individual Donations

$295

$301

$307

Tuition and Admissions

$954

$973

$993

Total Note:

$170,875

$199,293

$207,778

Earned revenues for PCC were estimated by allocating approximately 43 percent of the earned revenue for all three of the City’s nature centers to the PCC. Current year earned revenues are based on 2018 totals. Projections of earned revenues from existing sources were developed by adjusting the values for a two percent rate of annual inflation. *Approximation based on information from the City. **Projections based on information from the City.

Source:

BBC Research & Consulting.

Current year earned revenues are based on 2018 data. During that time the site generated approximately $170,875 from grants, individual donations, and program tuition and admissions. The revenue from those sources is anticipated to increase each year to keep pace with a two percent rate of inflation. Additionally, there may be a possibility for increased grant funding from the SCFD in addition to reallocating funds from the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) to PCC following redevelopment.

operating expenses are projected to exceed earned revenues by approximately $172,600 (Figure 5). This difference is projected to remain steady in the second year following redevelopment.

Figure 5. Projected Earned Revenue Requirements for PCC Under Master Plan Current

Year 1

Year 2

Earned revenues from existing sources

$170,875

$199,293

$207,778

Operating expenses

$208,356

$371,916

$379,354

Operating expenses minus earned revenue from existing sources

$37,481

$172,624

$171,576

80% of expenses minus earned revenue from existing sources

-

$98,240

$95,705

60% of expenses minus earned revenue from existing sources

-

$23,857

$19,834

Source:

BBC Research & Consulting.

In order to recover 80 percent of PCC’s annual operating expenses in the first year following redevelopment, approximately $98,200 of additional earned revenue from new sources would be required to complement existing sources. In the second year of operations, approximately $95,700 of additional earned revenue would be needed to recover 80 percent of the site’s operating expenses. In order to recover 60 percent of the site’s operating expenses, approximately $23,900 of additional earned revenue would be required in the first year and approximately $19,800 of additional earned revenue would be required in the second year of site operations. The projections in Figure 4 assume current earned revenues remain at their current levels and that the City allocates additional funding from CTF to the site.

BBC RESEARCH & CONSULTING

Appendices | 105

IV.

Revenue Models of Similar Organizations

PCC’s revenue model, like the site itself, is a hybrid of the models used by

Figure 6.

Revenue Models of Open Space and Cultural Organizations Similar to PCC

open space programs and cultural and conservation organizations like DBG

Boulder County Open Space

Jefferson County Open Space

Arapahoe County Open Space

Denver Botanical Gardens

Denver Zoo

Sales and use taxes

X

X

X

Property taxes

X

State Lottery Fund

X

Open space programs primarily derive their operating revenues from sales

Grants

X

and use taxes, which offer relatively stable sources of long-term revenue.

Bonds

X

X

Member dues

X

X

Admissions

X

X

Facility rentals

X

Program tuition

X

Gift shop

X

X

and use taxes, Jefferson County Open Space also uses bonds to fund the

Concessions

X

X

acquisition of open space land.

Special events

X

X

Donations

X

X

and the Denver Zoo (Figure 6). Based on a review of operating plans and financial statements, Figure 8 provides a summary of the various funding mechanisms used to generate revenue for these organizations.

Boulder County, Jefferson County, and Arapahoe County open space programs all rely on sales and use taxes to fund their annual operating expenses. Boulder County Open Space also receives revenue from property taxes, the State Lottery Fund, 3 and grants. In addition to sales

Revenue Sources

X

Source: Boulder County; Jefferson County; Arapahoe County; Denver Botanical Gardens; Denver Zoo.

The revenue models for cultural and conservation organizations like DBG and the Denver Zoo are more diverse than their open space counterparts and they must be to provide stable and consistent revenues. Organizations like DBG and the Denver Zoo are not part of a taxing authority, so in order to generate a large, stable supply of revenue, these types of organizations must build broad funding bases that reduce the risk of relying on one or two primary sources. As a result, both DBG and the Denver Zoo collect revenues from a combination of sources including grants, member dues,

3 The state distributes all net lottery proceeds to local governments for parks, open space, and

wildlife habitat purposes. A portion of these proceeds is distributed to local governments and

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recreation districts based on population. The remainder is distributed competitively through Great Outdoors Colorado.

106 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

admissions, gift shops, concessions, special events, and donations. DBG

The projections shown in Figure 7 reflect local market conditions for

also receives revenues from facility rentals and program tuition.

revenue generating services PCC could offer following redevelopment.

V.

Earned Revenue Potential of Redeveloped PCC

The City currently aims to recover 60 to 80 percent of PCC’s operating expenses through earned revenues. This goal does not include capital costs and the City hopes to maintain this goal once the site has been redeveloped and additional staff have been hired. While there are few limits on the types of activities the PCC could host, revenue generating activities at PCC should be congruent with the site’s conservation, open space, and educational values and the City’s ability to provide services for events, including corporate gatherings and weddings. As a result, the primary revenue-earning activities at the redeveloped PCC are likely to be educational programs and site rentals, including weddings and other private events. Prioritizing earned revenues from these types of activities will offset some of the site’s operating costs while maintaining open space values by offering free access to walk-in visitors (Figure 7).

Revenue Activity

Average Revenue per Activity

between approximately $25,000 and $39,000 in additional earned revenue in addition to earned revenue from current sources. Under the low revenue scenario, PCC could host approximately 8 special events and/or facility rentals each year at an approximate revenue of $1,200 per event. In addition, the site could offer approximately 300 educational programs per year (approximately 150 led by COA and 150 led by DBG). In total, the redeveloped site could generate approximately $24,600 per year in additional earned revenue under the low revenue scenario given current market conditions. Under the high revenue scenario, the site could host approximately 16 events and 400 educational programs per year. The combination of site rentals and programs would generate approximately $39,200 of additional earned revenue per year under the high revenue scenario.

Marketplace considerations. The regional market for site rentals and educational programming is diverse. PCC’s ability to capitalize on the

Figure 7.

Additional Earned Revenue Model of PCC Based on Events and Rentals Number of Activities Per Year Low High

Based on prevailing conditions, it is reasonable to expect PCC to generate

Total Annual Revenue Low High

demand for these services depends on the City’s ability to market the site effectively and deliver a high level of service at a good value to constituents.

Event rental. Event venue rental prices vary substantially based on the setting of the location, services provided, and amenities. For example, a

8

16

$1,200

$9,600

$19,200

survey of event centers within 10 miles of the PCC found rental fees

City of Aurora programs

150

200

$50

$7,500

$10,000

ranging from about $900 to $4,500 to host a 60-person event. Three of

Denver Botanical Gardens programs

150

200

$50

$7,500

$10,000

the nearby event centers offer outdoor amenities similar to the PCC and

Total

395

505

-

$24,600

$39,200

charge between $40 to $80 per person. All three facilities offer bar,

Special events & facility rentals

Source:

BBC Research & Consulting.

catering, event planning, and audio/visual services. Based on the amenities PCC could offer following redevelopment, it is reasonable and

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Appendices | 107

conservative to assume PCC could charge approximately $30 per person to

per participant. This would increase the earned revenue of each program

host events without offering catering or event planning services.

by $50 assuming the historical average of 34 participants per program.

The redeveloped site could accommodate a maximum of 60 guests, but accommodating 40 guests per event is a more reasonable expectation. The event season for PCC is shorter than those of other event centers in the area due to the outdoor nature of the site. As a result, the event season at PCC should be assumed to run from approximately May through September. During that time, the site could host approximately 1.5 to 3 events per month. The exact number of events the site could hold and the precise amount the site could charge will depend on the investment the City makes in marketing the site as well as the types of services (e.g. planning and catering services) and amenities (e.g. tables and chairs) the site offers following redevelopment.

Educational programming. The market for educational and community programming at PCC has been redeveloped by PROS and DBG over the last two years, but it is currently limited by the site’s facilities and limited staffing. Still, in 2018 PROS and DBG facilitated 191 individual program sessions. Between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2018, DBG ran a total of 573 versions of their programs at PCC, enrolling more than 19,743 participants, for an average of 34 participants per program. In total, program tuitions and admissions contributed approximately $954 in earned revenue in 2018.

Based on the historical rates of program participation, the site has the ability to generate additional earned revenue from on-site programs. The redeveloped site will be able to offer a higher standard of programs to a larger number of participants. The additional value created for participants as a result of the redevelopment could be captured by the site through a modest increase in program tuition fees amounting to an average of $1.50

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The new facilities and additional staff would also allow the PCC to host approximately 300-400 hundred programs per year compared to the 191 programs the site hosted in 2018. Expanding the level of programming by 50 to 100 percent would be ambitious, but within possibility following the site’s redevelopment.

VI.

Other Potential Revenue Sources

Grants. The City currently receives revenue for its nature centers from three granting agencies as described above. Grant funding can constitute a valuable source of revenue for public organizations, but it can also be unreliable as a long-term source of revenue. Still, there are opportunities for the City to increase the amount of revenue it receives from granting agencies, particularly from the SCFD. The SCFD classifies organization into three tiers, which generally reflect the size and cash flow of an organization. The City of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource Division, which receives SCFD funding for the City’s nature centers, is currently a Tier III SCFD organization. The SCFD distributes 14 percent of its available funds to Tier III organizations in grants ranging in size from several hundred dollars to more than $100,000. Twenty-two percent of the SCFD’s funds are distributed to Tier II organizations and the remaining 64 percent of SCFD-funds are distributed to Tier I organizations.

In 2018, the City’s Open Space and Natural Resource Division received $50,876 from SCFD. The Open Space and Natural Resource Division could increase its funding from SCFD in one of two ways. The first option would be to transform the Open Space and Natural Resource Division from a Tier III organization to a Tier II organization. An organization must generate more than $1,695,039 per year and meet paid attendance thresholds to be classified as a Tier II organization. A more immediate pathway to increase

108 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan

earned revenues is to ask SCFD for additional funds under the current Tier

Friends groups. As an open space with high conservation and community

III designation once PCC has been developed according to the Master Plan.

value, PCC could consider forming a friends group. A friends group is a

While other nature centers, such as Bluff Lake Nature Center, another Tier III SCFD-organization, received about the same level of funding as the City’s Open Space and Natural Resource Division, several other organization’s with similar missions received substantially more funding.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, a non-profit committed to

non-profit organization created by group of dedicated local people with the goal of benefiting a particular open space or natural area. Friends groups are often structured as volunteer groups working to accomplish specific tasks on behalf of a site such as: 

Fundraising and in-kind donations;



Advocacy and outreach on behalf of the site;



Volunteering for tasks such as keeping the site clean, greeting

preserving the natural environment, enhancing cultural life in Colorado, and providing educational opportunities devoted to western heritage, received $130,000 in funds from SCFD in 2017. Other similar Tier III organizations like Denver Urban Gardens, Environmental Learning for Kids,

visitors, or other tasks that are suitable for volunteers; and

and Friends of Dinosaur Ridge also received larger grant distributions than the City of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource Division, suggesting there is potential to increase SCFD funding under the current Tier III designation.

Research and science. The unique nature of the PCC makes the site a strong candidate as a location to conduct primary research on plains ecology, biology, climate change, fire, and other plains phenomenon.

PROS would likely have to develop the market for research and sciencebased activities at the site by developing partnerships with universities, other research institutions, and science-based non-profits. By entering into such partnerships, PROS could enhance the site’s value as a location for primary research by publishing the results of studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals in addition to communicating the results to the public through general media. PROS could also develop educational programs around the research being conducted at the site, further enhancing its value.



Other as-needed tasks.

In its most basic form, a friends group is simply engaged community members working together to benefit a public agency. More organized friends groups may have a board of directors to oversee the organization, and manage and distribute revenues. No matter what organizational structure a friends group chooses, the goal is to use the power and reach of the nonprofit sector to fundraise and establish a group of dedicated volunteers that can further the mission of PCC. Friends groups can work well with large municipal entities when there is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the friends group and the site they are working to benefit. The MOU should include the group’s mission and strategic plan in addition to describing how the group will work with the site’s staff and management to accomplish shared goals. As an example, the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, a 501-(c)(3) non-profit and an SCFD Tier III organization, was established in 1989 and has been

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successfully operating Dinosaur Ridge in the south Denver Metro area in partnership with Jefferson County Open Space since that time.

Concessions. Concession stands are one of the best methods to generate earned revenue in a programmatic and educational environment without limiting access to the site and services. Concession stands are a common site at most city park facilities as well as schools, and can be used to sell a variety of items. Food is a traditional service provided by concession stands, but drinks, cotton candy and ice cream are also popular choices.

Concession stands are generally operated by an independent vendor that agrees to pay a flat fee for the concession or share a certain percent of net revenues with the site. This type of structure requires finding a balance between the amount that the concessionaire will earn and the amount that will be shared with the site. Charging a flat fee for the granting of a concession license is a commonly used tool because it offers an easy way to charge a concessionaire without having to audit income and profit statements.

In other situations, a flat fee is established at the beginning of a concession contract. The risk with flat fees, however, is that they must be paid by the concessionaire whether a profit is made or not. On the other hand, a flat fee limits the revenue potential of the site when the concessionaire is steadily increasing its business while the flat fee remains fixed. As a result, the best model for both parties may be a model where the concessionaire pays a portion of their net revenues to the site rather than a flat fee to decrease some of the risk involved for both parties.

VII. Discussion and Recommendations The Master Plan for the PCC offers an opportunity for the site to serve a broader segment of the community by offering additional services and generating additional earned revenues to sustain the site’s operations.

Based on the financial projections reported above, the redevelopment of the site will increase its annual financial requirements by approximately $24,000 to $98,000 following redevelopment to maintain PROS’s target of recovering 60 to 80 percent of the site’s annual operating expenses. Based on current market conditions, the redeveloped site has the potential to generate approximately $25,000 to $39,000 of additional earned revenue.

This represents a cost recovery rate of approximately 60 to 64 percent of the site’s annual operating revenues.

There is also potential for generating further revenues from existing earned revenue sources and alternative sources described above. For example, the City could seek additional funding from SCFD by becoming a Tier II organization or increasing its annual ask under its current Tier III designation. The City could establish a ‘Friends of the PCC’ group to fundraise and donate on behalf of the site and there are also opportunities to promote the site as a hub for research on short-grass prairie ecosystems. These revenue sources are consistent with the site’s values and offer the additional benefit of diversifying the site’s earned revenue sources.

The recommendations below are meant to help the City achieve the market potential of the site based on the findings discussed above: 

Increase marketing of the site to existing audiences with the goal of increasing the number of programs and participants by 50 to 100 percent. Key audiences include school groups and children of all ages, neighbors, scientists and researchers;

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110 | Plains Conservation Center Master Plan





Increase program tuitions with the goal of generating an average

successful execution of programs, creative marketing, satisfied customers

of approximately $50 in earned revenue per program for both city-

and visitors) and those the City cannot control (e.g., external economic

led and DBG-led programs;

conditions and changing demographics and values of potential customers).

Develop event space and services to reach the desired price level.

More amenities and services will allow the site to charge higher fees;



Invest in marketing of the site to new audiences for site rentals, including corporate events and weddings;



Establish relationships with neighborhood and local serviceoriented organizations. These connections will help generate a sense of ownership of PCC and facilitate fundraising efforts for a Friends group.



Pursue increased funding from existing donors and granting agencies following the site’s redevelopment;



Establish relationships or memorandums of understanding with research institutions to conduct primary research at the site and market the outputs to raise the site’s profile;



Explore concessions arrangements at other PROS sites to determine if the potential exists to generate revenue at the site.

PCC represents a unique opportunity for the City of Aurora to expand the educational and conservation of the open space and generate interest in short grass prairies and the ecology of the Colorado Plains. Meeting the City’s revenue recovery goals will likely require a combination of funding and programming efforts. The overall success of these efforts depends on a number of factors including those under the control of the City (e.g.,

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The City should evaluate the revenue generating opportunities on a frequent basis to ensure it is serving the current market and adjusting to outside factors.

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department