Our first acquisition of property is approximately 14 miles west of the town of Springfield in southeastern Colorado. The 1,280 acres known as Fresh Tracks is three miles north of the Comanche National Grasslands and is situated just east of Freezeout Creek in the shadow of two prominent buttes that rise several hundred feet above the surrounding landscape.

That description does not begin to illustrate the excitement that this land brings to anyone who loves the prairie. Only 40 acres of the entire parcel has ever been plowed. Although the land has been overgrazed, there is a genuine consensus that time and a little care can restore the shortgrass communities to a glorious mix of grasses and flowering plants. This land is destined to be an oasis for the multitudes of wildlife that frequent the area.

On my first visit to the property I was privileged to see pronghorns, raptors, and many species of prairie songbirds. There are a few fragmented colonies of prairie dogs on neighboring property, and I was astounded to see a large badger only a few hundred feet from the road searching for an afternoon meal. A 40 plus acre colony of prairie dogs is established on the western boundary of Fresh Tracks. In the past the ranchers poisoned these animals as they tried to disperse. Fresh Tracks is now a sanctuary for wildlife and the resident prairie dogs will no longer have to concern themselves with human ignorance. As I walked through the thick buffalo grass and blue grama, I overlooked snakeweed and assorted invaders knowing that we would soon restore the native dominants. I could visualize a spring flowering that only hints of the magnificence we can expect in the near future.

The old homestead burned to the ground many years ago and all that remains is the remnant foundation and debris. In time, with a little sweat, this area will once again be home to native plants and wildlife. Just northeast of the homestead the generally flat land gradually forms a small drainage. In that drainage ephemeral springs support a prairie wetland that, long ago, was regraded into stock ponds. These ponds are now home to plains amphibians and many species of birds visit during their migration. Without the impact of cattle grazing these wetlands will surely teem with more wildlife than ever before.

The first working visit occurred in early February, and we are ecstatic to continue recording wildlife sightings, measuring plant communities, and planning this years restoration goals. Rest assured, our activities will begin reversing the impacts of two generations of ranching. Prosperity will no longer be measured by how wealthy this land can make someone. Rather, the wealth of native wildlife that will soon enjoy a functioning prairie preserve is our measure for success.

- Greg Litus