Colorado’s state trust lands are teeming with life, potential, and purpose. At the State Land Board, we’re proud to oversee the responsible management of nearly 3 million acres of these lands, ensuring they generate lasting benefits for Colorado’s schoolchildren and future generations. Our lessees play a vital role in that mission—advancing innovative, community-driven projects that make a difference both on the land and beyond.
One inspiring example of this partnership in action is School in the Woods, a public school in Academy District 20 located in Black Forest. Their work exemplifies the creative and impactful ways our lessees are helping shape Colorado’s future.
Tucked among the pines of Black Forest in El Paso County, School in the Woods provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience for fourth-grade students with a passion for the natural world. Here, students—known as “naturalists”—spend an entire school year learning within, about, and from the outdoors.
Recently, students helped reforest areas affected by wildfire, planting new trees and learning firsthand about ecosystem recovery. Imagine young Coloradans, hands in the soil, bringing life back to the landscape while deepening their understanding of ecology and responsibility.
This partnership highlights what’s possible when land use serves multiple goals—educational enrichment, ecological restoration, and community engagement. And as a State Land Board lessee, School in the Woods also contributes financially to Colorado’s education system through annual lease payments—meaning their work supports students statewide in more ways than one.
School in the Woods is just one example of the many forward-thinking projects taking place on trust lands across Colorado. From regenerative agriculture and habitat restoration to renewable energy and recreation, our lessees are helping advance a shared vision of healthy lands and thriving communities.
Their creativity and commitment remind us that trust lands aren’t just a resource to be managed—they’re an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and leave a legacy for generations to come.