FRIENDS OF LORY STATE PARK

Friends of Lory State Park is dedicated to the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the Park. The Friends group serves as a supportive entity to complement the goals of Lory State Park.

The Friends of Lory State Park began as a steering committee in 2012, seeking to recruit volunteers and raise funds for the Park. Coincidentally, the High Park wildfire swept through Lory Park in June of 2012, putting our plans on a fast track. Community support was strong, and we received donations and volunteers to build back better.

Our accomplishments include:

1) Established a scholarship program for transportation to assist schools with a population of free and reduced lunch students. Conduct hikes and teach students about wildlife and stewardship, encouraging them to visit the Park with their families. In lieu of in-person visitation during COVID, our Environmental Education Chair coordinated videos of an educational hike and a wildlife presentation for schools to view while under restrictions. 2) Restored a set of wildlife cameras in the Park, post select photos. 3) Rebuilt horse jumps and bridges after wildfires with volunteer help from 2012 to 2016. 4) Conducted a raffle online to raise almost $10,000 for rebuilding the bike skills park; Phase I construction complete.

Goals for 2021-22:

1) Double our membership base. 2) Construct an ADA nature trail. 3) Focus on more direct community engagement. 4) Participate for the first time in Colorado Gives Day as part of a cohesive fundraising campaign for the Park.