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Poncha Campus
The Poncha Springs Community Campus is a collaborative project being developed by Restored Lands and partners to create a place that supports community, education, healthy food access, recreation, and conservation.
Disclaimer: This campus is only a concept and not a confirmed project. The name and location for this site are not final. The information below reflects the current vision for the campus and may be adjusted based on feasibility, community need and town approval. Restored Lands is currently gathering community input to determine whether and how the project should move forward, with a decision likely in 2027.
What's on Campus
This newly proposed space will offer a range of amenities and opportunities to engage in. Whether you are into simple strolls in the park, interacting with your community members, or are looking to elevate your gardening skills, our campus will have a place for you.
One of the biggest goals of this project is to ensure it fosters deeper community relationships, connection to nature, and opportunities for growing, learning, and simply being.
Learn about what is planned and help direct the project!
Agriculture
Planter Boxes and Greenhouse Space
Grow food, start natives, master your craft.
Planter boxes on campus will come in various sizes with some being elevated for accessibility. Greenhouses are also planned for community use.
Nature
Native Plant Gardens
Colorado native landscaping with seating and interpretive signage.
Many Colorado species will be added to the native garden and will maximize education with things like interpretive signs and a demonstration garden plot. We intend for the gardens to engage both private and commercial growers as well. The gardens will feature seating areas and walking trails. Garden tours are also being considered as an opportunity for more education and engagement.
Nature
Rain Garden
A bioswale and rain gardens will provide an opportunity for education and demonstration to local gardeners.
Taking advantage of precipitation and water accumulation by developing the site in a way that sustains plant life and soil biology. Rain barrels will also be utilized.
Community
Community Programming Space
Have space for programming, classes, and activities.
As community is the number one reason for bringing this project to life, we are striving to include elements that will allow for all community members to participate. As elements get implemented into the campus, we are exploring what an outdoor classroom and other community needed features could do for this space. Take the survey and let us know what you think!
Recreation
Wildlife Observation
View the wildlife of the Ark Valley. From insects to ungulates, see what comes through campus.
Our area is rich in biodiverse wildlife populations. From birds and deer to lizards and bumblebees, Chaffee County provides ample opportunity to view wildlife. Viewing stations and birdhouses are planned for installation.
Sales
Native Seeds and Seedlings
Purchase natives and seeds harvested onsite and acclimated to the Arkansas Valley's arid conditions.
Native seedlings and seeds are planned to be sold onsite.
Agriculture
Composting
Get rid of your food scraps or make your own compost.
Get the opportunity to make and use your own compost with your own scraps! Or just drop them off and let us take care of it.
Nature
Native Botanical Garden
A native wildflower garden focusing on Colorado natives and supporting pollinators.
Using only natives in our botanical garden, we are supporting biodiversity, pollinator habitat, stewardship, education, and highlighting Restored Lands' pollinator program. Explore the campus gardens to get ideas for your own projects.
Community
Picnic Area
Bring your lunch or come grill out with your friends and family.
The picnic area is an area for everyone to come enjoy with their friends and family. ADA picnic tables accompanied by park style grills for use. Native trees to provide shade and cool temps. Host your kid's birthday party or hold a gathering in the picnic & community area.
Community
Local Art
Get your art featured in the gardens or on campus.
Salida and Chaffee County is home to many great artists. We'd like to support and work with our local artists to bring their work out into the community and onto the Poncha campus.
Recreation
Observation Tower & Trails
Enjoy a tall observation tower and walking trails throughout the gardens.
A large observation tower will be a signature attraction located on campus with walking trails running throughout the grounds. Enjoy wildlife and aerial views in the eagles nest or walk the trail system.
Sales
Farm Stands
Buy or sell local produce here on campus!
Purchase freshly grown produce or become a merchant and sell your produce grown on campus at our farm stand! Opportunities for the youth to sell produce on campus are being explored.
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Milestones & Timeline
Project Pitched – April 2026
Campus project is initially pitched to potential stakeholders; parties are open to further discussing the project
Community Input Begins – June 2026
As project viability picks up, Restored Lands begins community engagement
Funder Alignment Meetings Begin – May 2026
Restored Lands begins dialog with grant funders
Meeting with Stakeholders – July 2026
Restored Lands continues to meet with stakeholders to further discuss viability (with use of survey data)
Keep up with the project! Sign up to receive updates.
Engage with Us
We are happy to hear from our community members and would like for your voice to be heard. Please reach out if there is anything you would like us to know.
Highlighted Campus Features
Disclaimer: This campus is only a concept and not a confirmed project. The name and location for this site are not final. The information below reflects the current vision for the campus and may be adjusted based on feasibility, community need and town approval. Restored Lands is currently gathering community input to determine whether and how the project should move forward, with a decision likely in 2027.