Eastern Colorado’s rolling plains, blue skies, and rich soil provide a perfect setting for family farms and is an essential part of the state’s economy. It contains the top ten counties in the state's more than $9 billion agriculture industry.
FEATURED PROJECTHeartland Ranch Preserve Expansion1 of 5
Photo courtesy of Sean Boggs for the Environmental Defense Fund
FEATURED PROJECTLamar Sports Complex2 of 5
FEATURED PROJECTJackson Lake State Park3 of 5
NEWFEATURED PROJECTDelhi Ranch Conservation Easement4 of 5
NEWFEATURED PROJECTLa Junta Brick & Tile Park5 of 5
Heartland Ranch Preserve Expansion
More than $1.3 million in Lottery proceeds will help protect this 25,000-acre wildlife habitat and natural resource in Bent County, Colorado. The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) partnered with Colorado Open Lands (COL) to preserve nearly 40 square miles — an area larger than any of Colorado’s state parks. The project protects thousands of acres of shortgrass prairie habitat, which is home to native species such as bison, mule deer, pronghorn, and others. It will also increase the capacity for environmental education and the preserve’s ability to host student field trips.
It's a real field of dreams in Lamar! Completed in 2017 with help from $1.1 million in Lottery proceeds, the city's Four-Plex softball and baseball facility is ADA-compliant, meets modern playing standards, and allows the community to host several annual competitions, including two Babe Ruth World Series tournaments. The project includes four new ballfields, a concession stand, announcer’s booth, bleachers, scoreboards, sprinklers, and new lighting.
Ongoing Lottery proceeds are integral to Colorado's state parks, including Jackson Lake State Park, where they fund vital projects such as campground renovations, visitor center upgrades, and boat ramp enhancements. These improvements ensure that visitors enjoy modern facilities and amenities, enhancing their overall experience. The campground offers updated amenities and accommodations, and upgrades to the visitor center enhance educational opportunities, with interactive exhibits and informative displays showcasing the park's natural and cultural history. Additionally, enhancements to the boat ramp improved access to the lake, allowing boaters and anglers to enjoy recreational activities safely and conveniently. Lottery proceeds, both through direct funding and investment from GOCO, play a pivotal role in maintaining the natural beauty and enhancing recreational opportunities in our state parks.
The Delhi Ranch Conservation Easement spans approximately 27,340 acres across Las Animas, Otero, and Pueblo counties in Colorado. Nestled within the native shortgrass prairie of the Great Plains, it features canyons, bluffs, and Timpas Creek, offering unobstructed views along U.S. Highway 350 for nearly 15 miles. The ranch intersects with historic portions of the Santa Fe Trail, enhancing its cultural significance.
Secured through a GOCO grant and partnerships with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT), Walter and Lynda Hall, and Gary and Havilah Hall, the easement safeguards native grasslands and supports agricultural sustainability. It mitigates the threat of land fragmentation and development in Southeast Colorado, bolstered by Lottery funding through GOCO.
This initiative not only preserves ranching heritage but also generates significant economic benefits, contributing over $546 million annually to Colorado's economy.
La Junta Brick & Tile Park is a place where everyone can have fun and play together! This project transformed a once weed-overrun, 2.5-acre, city-owned space into a vibrant and inclusive recreational area, addressing the community's need for diverse fitness and play options.
The park offers innovative playground equipment for various age groups, freestanding events, and fitness equipment. Special features like a Cedar Arbor Swing for wheelchair users and sculptural musical instruments make the park accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the community.
The project cost $2,702,796, with funding provided by Lottery dollars through Great Outdoors Colorado ($350,000) and the Conservation Trust Fund ($84,017). La Junta Brick & Tile Park is now a place where kids and families can get outside, exercise, socialize, and play with friends and neighbors of all ages and abilities.
