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OUR HISTORY
The Friends of Cheyenne Cañon became a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1992, before many other local Friends groups were established. What started as a very small group has now grown to over 460 members. The Mary Starsmore Fund as well as the membership fees, the City of Colorado Springs, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department funds and monies raised have helped the Friends group build and maintain trails, acquire and relocate the Starsmore House which became the Starsmore Discovery Center at its new location, as well as major clean-up and maintenance campaigns that have helped make the Cañon remain pristine.
We are dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and historic resources of North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a 1,600 acre regional park acquired over 120 years ago by the City of Colorado Springs. Volunteers raise funds and work to support educational and interpretive programs, improve facilities and trails, and advocate for increased understanding of the Park and its needs.
TFOCC funds the following:
--Nature, environmental and interpretative programs
for children and adults
--Trail maintenance efforts
--Two annual "Clean Ups"
--Hummingbird Festivals
--Canya Cañon Race/Walk
--Numerous other events
Funding for these efforts comes from the operation of two visitor centers, fund raising efforts, donations, grants and membership dues.
It is well known that the tax rates in Colorado and Colorado Springs are very low which results in an under-funding of all efforts in the Cañon. TFOCC provides funding and many volunteers to make the Cañon function. In 2007, volunteers hours totaled 16,190, which is equivalent to 8 full-time employees at a dollar value of nearly $300,000. While this total sounds large, it is merely adequate to maintain current operations. More volunteers and more funds are urgently needed.
TFOCC received an award for Excellence in the Environment from the El Pomar Foundation in 2006.
We hope you will be able to help us in our efforts by becoming a member of the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon, volunteering with our great community of Friends, or making a much appreciated donation.
Make checks payable to:
The Friends of Cheyenne Cañon
Address:
Headquarters
Friends of Cheyenne Cañon
P.O. Box 60275
Colorado Springs, CO 80960
or call our the Starsmore Discovery Center at 719-385-6086 to make a donation on our behalf using a credit card.
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