The second annual PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy, a one-day seminar open to the public, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Lunch included. The Academy offers presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management and stewardship, and how to advocate for open space lands. Engage with PLAN Jeffco Board members, Jeffco Open Space staff, Jeffco Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, Colorado State Senator Lisa Cutter, and Carmela Montenegro of “Not Mad Just Misunderstood”, learn from their experiences, and enjoy meeting others who share your love of the land. Topics include the history of Jeffco Open Space, physical and biological components of ecosystems, impacts of human population, visitor experience and trail courtesy, strategies for encouraging inclusivity, land conservation and grassroots advocacy. There will be an optional Stewardship Day on Sunday, April 30th, at one of the Jeffco Open Space parks. In 1972, PLAN Jeffco launched the citizen’s initiative which created the Jeffco Open Space program, protecting from development 60,000 acres comprising 27 parks. Enrollment starts March 1 at https://tinyurl.com/ypv67yh9