UPCOMING EVENTS
Plant Biology 101 Lecture- Virtual
Join us for an introduction to plants and gather some tips for recognizing and categorizing vascular plants. Many of the local flowering plants will be included. This presentation uses easy-to-recognize features like color and number of petals and is appropriate for...
Plein Air 101
Ready to take your art outside? We’re piloting a new addition to our monthly watercolor series, beginning with Plein Air 101 at Sandstone Ranch. Perfect for those who have some painting experience at home and are curious about working outdoors, but aren’t sure where...
Castle Rock Rotary 2026 Ducky Derby
We're so excited that Doug Landry is participating in Rotary Club of Castle Rock's 2026 Ducky Derby! Doug Landry is a handsome waterfowl who enjoys the great outdoors. Doug heads outside often to hike our local open spaces and enjoy all the benefits that these DLC...
2026 Memorial Day Bird Count
Join us this Memorial Day for our annual Bird Count at DuPont Open Space, a rewarding morning of birding, community, and conservation! Last year, participants helped identify nearly 50 bird species in a single morning. The data we collect is shared with the County to...
Stio Grand Opening at Castle Rock Outlets
Check out the Grand Opening of Stio at Outlets at Castle Rock (Suite 150 on 1st Street), happening May 8–10! Celebrate all weekend long with exclusive offers, giveaways, and community connections. DLC will be there on Friday, May 8 from 4:00-6:00pm so come say hi!...
May Watercolor Class: Butterflies
At May's class (our last indoor class for the season), we'll be painting one of nature's prettiest masterpieces- butterflies! Whether you're brand-new to watercolor or an intermediate-level artist, you'll learn techniques and be prompted by the nature around you to...
March Reel Nature film screening
What if a flock of geese chose you as their mother? Find out at the next meeting of Reel Nature (like book club, but with no homework)! Every other month, we gather to watch a nature film together and share in a discussion afterward. This March, we're screening the...
March Ranching History Lecture
In honor of Colorado’s 150th anniversary, Douglas Land Conservancy in collaboration with the Douglas County Library and support from Douglas County History Repository is pleased to announce a celebration of the history of cattle ranching in Douglas County. You can...
DCCD Tree Workshop & Dinner
Join Douglas Land Conservancy, Douglas County Conservation District, Colorado State Forest Service, and Douglas County Farm Bureau for a workshop all about trees! You can register here. Topics that will be covered: Drought effects on local trees Beetle issues...
Spring Geology Lectures
Returning by popular demand, our team of geologists has created a fun and educational schedule of lectures and field trips once again! Mark your calendars for the dates below, and keep an eye on our email newsletters for registration. Basic Principles of Geology:...
Announcing our new program, Connected Nature!
We are coming to the end of our pilot year, and thanks to the engagement of this first pilot group, we evaluated, improved, and are ready to launch the program to our volunteers and the broader public! Connected Nature is a year-long naturalist program designed not...
Seasonal Journeys Yule Hike
We're squeezing in one more hike to round out 2025! Slow down and join Sharon for a Seasonal Journeys Yule Hike celebrating the winter solstice and a season of rest and reflection. While we probably won't get lucky enough for a snowy outing, it will be a beautiful day...
New Program: Reel Nature
Calling all movie lovers! We are excited to announce the inaugural meeting in our new “Reel Nature” movie series. We will be gathering in January to watch March of the Penguins. This G-rated movie is a breathtaking 2005 Academy Award-winning nature documentary that...
Colorado Gives Day 2025
Support something that benefits all of us daily. Colorado Gives Day is the biggest 24-hour giving movement in the state and one of the most successful in the nation. Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) protects over 28,000 acres of working lands, open spaces, and critical...
2025 DLC Oak Leaf Symposium Recap
By Rich Bangs Dozens of people gathered in Parker last week to honor two conservation heroes and learn more about how to help preserve land by using the strength of volunteers. It was the inaugural edition of Douglas Land Conservancy’s Oak Leaf Symposium. DLC...
Black Friday “Opt Outside” Hike
“Opt outside” on Black Friday and enjoy the calm of nature instead of the chaos of holiday shopping! We’ll venture out to Lincoln Mountain for a 4.2-mile, 400ft gain hike to the top for stunning views of the Front Range with intentional moments for reflection and...
Watercolor- Winter Trees
Get in the holiday spirit with a winter session focused on snowy trees and landscapes! Whether you're brand-new to watercolor or an intermediate-level artist, you'll learn techniques and be prompted by the nature around you to inspire a unique masterpiece. Painting...
Play November’s Agents of Discovery Mission: Elk Talk, What Do They Say?
Did you know that Wapiti (or elk, as they’re called in the United States) have two upper incisors called ivories that are the remnants of ancient tusks? Learn this and so much more with November’s mission, all about our Rocky Mountain Elk! Download the mission before...
2025 Fall Ditmars Hike
We’ll have an expert birder, botanist, AND geologist along for the ride to talk all about the natural world around us.
Beeman-Duncan Ranch History Reception & Presentation
Learn more at this presentation with DLC, Douglas County Libraries, and writer Joe Gschwendtner about the history of the conserved Beeman-Duncan Ranch!
Watercolor- Fall Aspen Colors
Get into the shoulder season mindset with this class centered around the beautiful colors of aspen trees.
Nature-themed Book Club: October
For this meeting, come prepared to discuss The Last Cheater’s Waltz by Ellen Meloy.
DLC & DCOS Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours
A DLC favorite last year! Walk through geologic time and see the oldest sequence of rocks in Douglas County at our Sandstone Ranch Geologic Tour! Sandstone Ranch reveals the geologic history of Colorado’s Front Range in rocks ranging from more than a billion years old...
Hike and Paint- Leave No Trace & Cairns
Our last hike and paint outdoors of the season will be both educational + fun! While important in certain scenarios for route-finding, even these unique rock structures known as cairns have an appropriate time and place. Learn (or get a refresher) on the 7 Leave No...
September Agents of Discovery Mission: Love Your Public Lands (Day)
Looking for something to do to make the most of our last month of decent weather? Play our new September Agents of Discovery Mission! National Public Lands Day is September 27, and this year’s theme, “Our Home Outdoors,” celebrates the spaces that bring us together....
Reptiles Under the Rock
Get ready to learn about- and see up close- our scaly, slithery neighbors!
105 West Brewing: Nonprofit of the Month
We are so lucky to once again be partnering with 105 West Brewing right here in Castle Rock for the month of August!
Conservation Trivia & Happy Hour
Trivia buffs + conservation geeks: unite!
Abbe Ranch History Reception & Presentation
Learn about the history of the conserved Abbe Ranch!
Hike & Paint: Peaks and Ranges
Join DLC and our fabulous watercolor teachers for our first painting session of the season outdoors! Our theme this month will be Peaks and Ranges. Each participant will take home a special painting to keep or share. Whether you're brand-new to watercolor or an...






























