COL partnered with Southern Plains Land Trust to expand Heartland Ranch by protecting an additional 17,899 acres of shortgrass prairie in Bent County! Southern Plains Land Trust owns and manages the property as a wildlife refuge focused on five priorities: American bison, black-footed ferret, prairie elk, grassland breeding birds, and beaver and prairie streams.
This addition of protected land creates a contiguous area of nearly 43,000 acres of conserved habitat for the flora and fauna that thrive within it. In addition to shortgrass prairie, the property also features dramatic rock-covered mesas, lush canyons, juniper woodlands, and miles of streams. Habitat is provided for many Colorado Species of Concern including ferruginous hawk, swift fox, plains leopard frogs, as well as the burrowing owl, which is designated Threatened by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn traverse the property as well.