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
