CLEAR CREEK COUNTY - MALT (Mountain Area Land Trust) has been working to secure the property’s protection since Albert Frei & Sons gifted the land to the organization in June 2023. Following the acquisition, more than one hundred generous donors contributed to MALT’s capital campaign raising funds to place a voluntary Conservation Easement on the property. The protection of Floyd Hill Meadow will have a long-lasting impact for local wildlife, neighbors, recreational enthusiasts, and travelers along the I-70 corridor.

For over 30 years, local residents vigorously opposed high-density development plans for the meadow, also known for a time as the Homestead Parcel. Along with devastating ecological impacts, the community understood that development threatened access and availability of water resources, open spaces, scenic vistas, and quality of life.

“We are fortunate for the community’s overwhelming support and commitment to protecting this unique property,” MALT Executive Director Lynn Caligiuri shared. “From the gift of the property itself, to the neighbors, conservation allies and donors who rallied together to raise financial support, and to our partners at Colorado Open Land who hold the Conservation Easement, Floyd Hill Meadow will now be protected for generations to come.”

Adjacent to Clear Creek High School and visible to millions who travel the I-70 corridor, the property's natural areas include beautiful open meadows, quaking aspen, riparian areas and a seasonal pond. Elk, black bear, deer and other wildlife are frequently spotted throughout the property. Floyd Hill Meadow can be seen from another MALT-conserved property, Floyd Hill Open Space, which is located on the north side of I-70.

"Colorado Open Lands is thrilled to support the significant efforts of Mountain Area Land Trust to permanently protect this community treasure that will now continue to provide habitat for wildlife and an iconic viewshed for residents and visitors traveling the I-70 corridor," said Sarah Parmar, Director of Conservation, Colorado Open Lands.

“We take our commitment to the environment and our community seriously,” Albert Frei Jr. of Albert Frei & Sons, said in June 2023. “This donation to Mountain Area Land Trust is our way of giving back to the Clear Creek community and leaving a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we live, work and play.”

A community ribbon-cutting celebration will take place at Floyd Hill Meadow in early 2025.

As a nonprofit, MALT relies on the community's generosity to support its land and water conservation efforts.

About the Mountain Area Land Trust:

Since 1992, the Mountain Area Land Trust’s mission is to save natural areas, wildlife habitat, streams and rivers, working ranches and historic lands, for the benefit of the community and as a legacy for future generations. Based in Evergreen, Colorado, MALT has protected nearly 27,000 acres of Colorado land and water. MALT’s service area includes Boulder County, Clear Creek County, Gilpin County, Jefferson County, Park County and Teller County, Colorado. To learn more, visit SaveTheLand.org.