Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance and Douglas Land Conservancy work to protect Colorado’s Central Front Range region.
Cary Estes April 2, 2026
david walker
Residents of Castle Rock and Douglas County, Colorado, aren’t looking up at towering skyscrapers, they’re looking up at towering eagles. People share space with foxes and peregrine falcons, and hear the howls of coyotes rather than the wails of sirens. The beauty of the outdoors and the wildlife that inhabit it are important components of quality of life.
Two regional organizations, the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) and the Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC), are working to protect the region’s natural attractions and, in the process, help build a conservation legacy for current residents and future generations.
Jodie Walker
“We are fortunate to have ready access to open space and wildlife,” says Emily Davenport, founder and executive director of the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance, a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center. “It’s pretty common around here to see bobcats during the day. That’s a big part of what makes this area so great.”
Laura Sanford, executive director of the Douglas Land Conservancy, agreed. “The main priorities for many people who live here are the outdoors, recreation, and wildlife,” Sanford says. “They really value the open space around them.”
Level up wild animals
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance has cared for more than 4,000 animals and birds of prey since opening in 2022. Davenport describes it as “everything from hummingbirds to bobcats.” RMWA takes in injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals and cares for them until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild.
“We don’t want to domesticate them and lock them up,” Davenport said. “Our mission is to heal them and release them where they belong.”
Provided by Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
For the small number of animals that cannot be cured sufficiently to be released back into the wild, RMWA provides a permanent sanctuary at its facility in Sedalia. The animals will be used in the organization’s educational programs.
“We are passionate about being involved in the community and providing educational support,” Davenport said. “We have visited schools and libraries and held events for the Town of Castle Rock. We reach more than 10,000 people each year through our educational programs. We also partner with organizations like the Douglas Land Conservancy to reinforce our educational messages.”
Provided by Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
In recognition of our work with the region’s wildlife, RMWA received the 2024 Hero Award from the Douglas County Community Foundation.
“Our mission is to improve the care and conservation of wildlife by fostering a sense of community and collaboration through our work,” says Davenport. “We believe in active forms of conservation. The better it is for wildlife in the long run, the better it is for our communities.”
For nearly 40 years, Douglas Land Conservancy has worked with landowners, government agencies, other conservation organizations, and local residents to promote and monitor conservation easements. These agreements permanently protect large tracts of open space from development and ensure that much of the area’s large open spaces remain natural.
“Our goal is to conserve land for the greater good of the community,” Sanford says. “We strongly believe that it is important for people living in Douglas County to have open space and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.”
Provided by Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
To that end, DLC has been working directly with the Town of Castle Rock on a management plan for the 681-acre property known as Lost Canyon Ranch. The plan was set to become the largest single open space acquisition in the town’s history in 2024. Plans are underway to prepare the promenade and other facilities for public access.
The organization also hosts a variety of guided hikes throughout the year. These include a geological tour at Sandstone Ranch (home to the oldest set of rocks in Douglas County) and a painting event where participants take a short hike to a scenic spot and paint a picture of what they see.
DLC plans to strengthen its community engagement program in 2026 by holding cleanup days on private property, allowing people to see areas they don’t normally have access to, Sanford said.
“We envision an empowered community connected to nature that benefits everyone forever,” Sanford says. “We want to preserve these open spaces so that future generations can enjoy the same spaces that people enjoy today.”
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