Day: March 16, 2021

Our goals to support and interpret American Indian culture in this region have a long history and are evolving. In an effort to better represent the land and its people, a strong collaboration was made in1999 between the Native American Student Association, Colorado College and the City of Colorado Springs. Today, this comprehensive site continues to visually educate and inform visitors.

The LHA board is committed to continuing the partnership, and has welcomed new board members with indigenous heritage. Our goals reach far beyond the site to accurately showcase American Indian culture and traditions. We hope you enjoy a little history on how the site was created more than 20 years ago.

Many visitors choose to begin their tour in the Ranch’s earliest time period, Camp Creek Valley, the occupation by the Ute people between 1775-1835 (located north of the Galloway Cabin site). Visitors can explore an authentic elk-hide tipi or relax under the shade of an ancient brush shelter while docents bring this site to life. A variety of tribes used the foothills as a crossroads for hunting, trading and spending the milder winter months from the higher elevations.

In the interpretive area there are a few distinct types of Ute dwellings; an elk hide tipi and a four-post shade arbor, constructed of three to four poles joined in the center and overlaid with juniper bark and/or brush or grass. Encircling bands of willow hold the outer covering in place.

Even after elk hide tipis came into common use in the 1700’s, these shade structures remained a popular dwelling, especially in the summer for their ventilation.

When considering the materials for the site, the Ranch worked with Larry Belitz of South Dakota, a friend and resource to the ranch for more than 30 years. Mr. Belitz is a nationally recognized expert in Plains Indian objects. He has served as an Indian technical advisor on film sets such as Dances with Wolves and Return to Lonesome Dove. He’s also created and repaired historic items for the Smithsonian Museum in DC, and the American Museum of Natural History in NYC.

Additional resources and information are displayed in the Carriage House, where you will be greeted by the 3 sisters garden planters. The planters display the traditional corn, beans, and squash that will grow and mature together, not at the expense of another Sister.

Save the Date!
ANNUAL POWWOW | September 25, 2021

BARNYARD BUDDIES FAMILY PROGRAM
Offered first Thursday of each month, an outdoor story time that includes crafts, activities and a snack. This program requires a reservation and is free for members (Non-members are $3.50 per child). See our online calendar for future dates!

WELCOMING PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
Do you have a small group (less than 10) that wants an outdoor, historic experience like no other? Contact the Ranch, we are providing tours by reservation-only during the Spring months. Check with office for group sizes as they are continually changing.

Reservations/Questions: info@rockledgeranch.com or 719-578-6777

Good Day LHA Members!
We are moving forward with a full calendar of events for 2021— the exceptions being Shakespeare at the Ranch, the Holly Berry Folk Arts Festival and possibly Fiddles Vittles and Vino. We are excited to be the host of Beards, Bonnets and Brews on June 12. This is the Sesquicentennial celebration of the founding of Colorado Springs (see Events page for details)!

Lead Interpreter, Melissa Keown, has been hard at work preparing for our summer season. She organizes the hiring and training of all new and returning interpretive staff, adult docents, and junior docents. She looks forward to eachThursday and the Barnyard Buddies pre-school early literacy program she implemented last year. Because of Covid, she and maintenance technician, Clay Evans, have also spent many mornings leading small private tours. These colder months, give her time for continuing education and research that can improve the Ranch’s already exceptional programs.

Office manager, Andrea Tappan, has been diligently working on recruiting volunteers for the Fire Mitigation Project, registering students for the blacksmith classes, Barnyard Buddies and other private programs. In addition she is preparing for Junior and Adult applications/registrations—all in anticipation of a busy 2021 living history season.

Meanwhile, we are in the midst of a busy springtime at the Ranch and several projects either in the works or already accomplished:
· Fire mitigation and spring cleanup along the hillside west of
the barn
· New roofs on the general store, Rock Ledge House,
blacksmith shop, manager’s house, Orchard House, office,
Carriage House and Studio!
· Several broken or chipped windows/ sashes replaced on the
historic buildings
· 6 security cameras placed around the Ranch

As I write this the final details of the 30th street improvement have not been finalized but I have been assured that they will be starting on it this year. This project could have substantial impact on traffic flow into the Garden of the Gods and Rock Ledge Ranch as the work takes place on 30th street from Mesa Road on the north to Fontanero to the south. One of the improvements will be a large round-a-bout at 30th and Gateway. And a small detention pond just east of the American Mothers Chapel. Estimated completion is two years.

I want to thank President Warren Wright and the LHA Board for all they have done leading into this new year. I think it is fair to say that we are all feeling a new energy and excitement. We look forward to seeing you and your families at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in 2021!

Andy Morris
Manager, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION
As a member of the LHA and a supporter of Rock Ledge Ranch you go beyond enjoying this marvelous historic site. You are helping protect the Ranch and connect with the community. We thank and welcome those who have recently joined or renewed their membership. Your participation and gifts ….will help us build our newest historic site, the Greenhouse.

Your board of directors is working to streamline the LHA mission statement and a proposed draft will be available for the membership to approve at the annual meeting in May. We desire to significantly increase fundraising efforts and will reach beyond our direct membership to tap resources like never before. A new mission statement will aid potential donors in knowing just exactly how their support will benefit our community. Creation of a brand new fundraising video, (see Behind the Scenes on page 8), will be a very beneficial tool in our outreach efforts.

Speaking of the upcoming annual event & meeting in May, please remember that to be eligible to vote an LHA member must be current in their dues. (See page 9 for a membership renewal form).

Save the Date!
May 1, 2021 Membership Meeting

Your board remains hopeful that the health of our community continues to improve such that before long ALL of our annual programs will be back on schedule. Until then, please stay informed about potential last minute calendar changes posted on our website.

Thank you always for your generous support!
Warren Wright
warren@rockledgeranch.com