Lowry Ranch

Saturday, May 6, 6:45am

The Lowry Ranch is 25,000+ acres of undeveloped land in Arapahoe County owned by the State Land Board. The property is crossed by Coal Creek and Box Elder Creek and is composed of plains riparian and prairie grassland ecosystems. In the past we have seen bald eagles on a nest, heard numerous snipe before actually spotting one, and seen at least four porcupine. Because of its size and diverse habitats, the area is host to many resident and migratory birds, and a northern parula was seen one year. Early season wildflowers will also be out. This trip is an opportunity to view wildlife at a location close to Denver that is not open to the general public.

Meeting place: Lowry Ranch past the white weigh station (directions below; call if you have questions).

Leader: Mindy Gottsegen

Contact: Celia Greenman 303-274-8768 (home) 303-551-3821 (cell)

Registration required: You must pre-register and be on time as this is a guided trip by State Land Board personnel

Directions: From I-70 take the Watkins Road (CR 97) exit (I-70 exit 295). Drive 7 miles south on Watkins Road (CR 97 to E. Quincy Avenue (CR 30). Turn west (right) on East Quincy Avenue (CR 30). Drive 1¼ miles to the main entrance gate of the Lowry Ranch “Coal Creek Road” (unnamed) on the left. It will be just before a large, dry creek. Turn left onto the Coal Creek Road and drive ¼ mile to the MEETING PLACE on your left. It will be just past the small white weigh station.

If you are coming from the north or south, you can take E-470 toll road, exit at Quincy Ave, and head east 5 miles to the main entrance gate of the Lowry Ranch "Coal Creek Road" (unnamed) on your right. It will be just past a large dry creek. Turn right onto Coal Creek Rd. Then continue with the directions above. (To avoid the toll road you can take Quincy Ave east from Parker Rd (Hwy 83), which makes it about 10 miles to the Lowry Ranch "Coal Creek Rd.") Please call Celia if you have any questions.