We are proud to announce the official formation of Pagosa Springs Friends of the Wild (PSFOTW), a community-driven nonprofit created as a team by local residents who share a single guiding goal: Keep Pagosa Wild. With the help of our friend and mascot, “Tillard, the Pagosa Tree Farmer,” we are stepping forward to protect the wildlife, open spaces, and dark-sky landscapes that make Pagosa Springs our home.
As Pagosa continues to grow, neighbors across the community have expressed a shared desire for balanced development — growth that respects the land, preserves habitat, and reduces wildlife–resident conflict.
This is where our work begins.
At the heart of our launch is a collaborative conservation partnership offer to the owners and developers of the Pagosa West parcels. We are inviting them to work with us to create a community Nature Park, protect elk migration routes, and establish a permanent open-space buffer within urban development for residents and visitors to enjoy.
This collaborative approach is rooted in respect and mutual benefit after receiving information about matching fund grant opportunities for urban migration corridors that can reduce resident/wildlife conflicts.
We believe this partnership can:
- Assist in reducing wildlife–resident conflict
- Preserve safe migration pathways
- Enhance long-term property values
- Create a signature Nature Park accessible to the public at all times of the year
- Maintain the character and ecological integrity of Pagosa Springs
From the very beginning, our organization is focused on cooperation, not confrontation. We believe that when conservation partners with development early, the entire community wins.
Building the Path Forward: Land Acquisition & Stewardship
To make this partnership possible, we have established a restricted Land Acquisition Fund, dedicated solely to securing key open-space parcels for wildlife habitat, buffering, and community nature access. The restricted Land Acquisition savings account ensures land acquisition funds will only be used to secure parcels.
Through this fund, Pagosa Springs Friends of the Wild will pursue:
- Conservation partnerships with other organizations and entities
- Land purchases
- Stewardship agreements and easements
- Open-space preservation
- Development of the Pagosa Springs Walking Trails and Nature Parks
This effort is long-term, community-oriented, and focused on protecting the land that protects us.
Meet Tillard, the Pagosa Tree Farmer
We’ve recruited a special local to help in our efforts. He ain’t quite man nor mountain, but he’s something in between. He’s the Pagosa Tree Farmer keeping Colorado green.
Tillard, The Pagosa Tree Farmer, embodies our mission: Planting Seeds. Protecting Trees. Keeping Pagosa Wild.
As our official ambassador, you’ll see him across town as we launch donor campaigns, events, and the Pagosa Tree Farmer merchandise line — all supporting the Land Acquisition Fund.
How the Community Can Help
Residents and supporters can contribute by:
- Donating to the restricted Land Acquisition Fund
- Becoming a Pagosa Tree Farmer (https://www.bonfire.com/store/keep-pagosa-wild/)
- Volunteering with us
- Sharing our mission with neighbors
- Supporting conservation-first planning and development
How to Become a Friend, Donate, Sponsor, or Partner: as we work to have our website up and running, please reach out directly to us by emailing: conserve@keeppagosawild.org or by filling out our contact form at keeppagosawild.org
About Pagosa Springs Friends of the Wild
Pagosa Springs Friends of the Wild is a registered Colorado nonprofit and charitable organization in Good Standing, dedicated to preserving wildlife habitat, migration corridors, dark-sky open space, and the ecological identity of Pagosa Springs. Our work centers on land acquisition, stewardship, education, and building partnerships that protect the wild heart of Pagosa for generations. Our Federal 501(c)(3) status has been applied for and is pending approval.
Thank you all for your collaborative efforts. Together we can Keep Pagosa Wild.