News May 2018
We are... Word from the Backcountry
HRCA!
"The Taste" of highlands Ranch
2018 is a landmark for the newly named Backcountry Outdoor Center, our hub for outdoor programs located on Ron King Trail just east of Santa Fe Drive. While horse corrals and Base Camp have existed at the site since 2016, the addition of a first-class archery range and 3D archery range—currently under construction and due to open in June—make this area central for opportunities to experience the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
Don’t miss the most delicious event of the year! "The Taste" of Highlands Ranch is celebrating its 23rd year of excellence in food, and a variety of beverages.
Base Camp is home to Camp Backcountry, full-day youth camps, and host of annual events such as The Big Help, the Backcountry Shindig, and the Backcountry BBQ. The majority of nature programs that include preschool-age experiences, nature hikes, campfire hikes, bird hikes, as well as our horse-drawn hayrides with Bella and Buster also begin at Base Camp. The Horse Corrals have expanded and offer pony rides for preschool-age kids, trail rides for the age 7+ set, full-day and week-long horse camps as part of Camp Backcountry, and a multitude of other classes and lessons throughout the year.
Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits will provide samples of wine, beer, and spirits, with over 30 area restaurants showing off their best cuisine.
Since 2010, when the first programs were offered in the Backcountry, gross revenue has grown from about $50,000 to close to $500,000 in 2018. While it may seem contradictory, as our program offerings have exploded in the past nine years, there is actually less of an impact on wildlife and habitat. Most programs take place in the Backcountry Outdoor Center area, leaving the remaining Backcountry property reserved for the benefit of wildlife to have a place with limited human disturbance. Great strides have been made in habitat improvement including noxious weed treatment, brush clearing and fire mitigation, forest management, and water development through efforts and funding from the 501c3 nonprofit, the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund. Indicators of success include a more abundant and healthier elk population, the turkey population has tripled in size, and thriving native vegetation. For more information and to register for programs go to www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry.
Summer Senior Activity Guide Now Available HRCA offers a wide variety of programs and classes geared specifically for seniors who want to become or remain active. Check out the insert inside this newsletter for activities happening through August. Adults age 50 and older are invited to celebrate Active Lifestyle Month by participating in free activities in Highlands Ranch throughout May. Brought to you by HRCA in partnership with the Highlands Ranch Metro District, activities include Nia (low impact aerobic dance), pickleball, aqua fitness, bocce ball and dinner, POP tennis, walks at Redstone Park; and a trail walk/fishing/BBQ event. For a list of event dates and times, go to www.HRCAonline.org/seniors. Registration required 48 hours prior to each event. For more information call 720-240-4922.
The ever-popular outdoor beer garden will be stocked full with food from local restaurants and beers from local breweries, along with additional seating and music! Each year a silent auction benefiting a nonprofit organization rounds out “The Taste.” This year the American Cancer Society (ACS) will receive the proceeds of the auction. ACS is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, ACS is attacking cancer from every angle. (Continued on page 4)
2018 Summer Concert Series cling and Senior Guide inside!