Boulder Open Space Conservancy

Boulder’s open space is more than a scenic backdrop. It is a legacy, a resource for ecological health, a place for connection and recreation, and a cornerstone of Boulder’s quality of life. While the city maintains a dedicated open space sales tax to fund stewardship and maintenance, the community’s vision for open space is ambitious. Each year, OSMP receives many worthy project requests that exceed available funding.

Through philanthropic donations and grants, BOSC helps make possible the projects that would otherwise remain unfunded. Their support allows OSMP to go beyond the basics expanding restoration efforts, youth education and community engagement opportunities.

Connecting Youth with Nature

Junior Ranger Supplies

• BOSC funding helps provide essential supplies for the Boulder Junior Ranger program, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. Supplies may include work gloves, tools, safety gear, uniforms and other materials needed to safely and fully engage in stewardship activities. This support is especially important for teens who may not have access to outdoor gear or resources at home
• These funds are specifically contributed by the Maddy Lignell Legacy Fund

School Transportation

• BOSC funding helps cover school bus transportation so students can visit open space sites as part of OSMP-led education programs and field experiences. By supporting transportation costs, BOSC enables schools across Boulder, particularly those serving historically underserved communities, to participate in hands-on learning outside the classroom. These experiences deepen environmental awareness and connect students to the natural spaces that belong to them.
• If your school is in need of transportation support, request a program here. Request a Program with OSMP | City of Boulder

Teen Agricultural Programing

• Teen Agricultural Programs connect young people to land-based learning and wellness through partnerships with agricultural tenants stewarding OSMP land including Light Root Community Farm (LRCF) and Esoterra Culinary Garden. The LRCF program collaborates with Natural Highs to create a relaxing atmosphere that invites teens to feel good without the use of substances. BOSC funds pay the farms for their educational services, vegetable bed space and program preparation.
• Select farm opportunities with LRCF and Natural Highs are shared through GivePulse.

Climate Resilience and “Re-Wilding” our Public Lands

Climate Action Plan

• A priority solution of the OSMP Climate Plan is to accelerate the restoration of degraded agricultural lands that have high rates of soil loss due to wind erosion. In 2025, BOSC funding was used to purchase hay bale treatments, invest in a native seed increase garden, procure additional native seeds and add cover cropping. These actions build ecosystem resilience, reduce soil loss and prepare the land for a warmer, more unpredictable future.

Responsible Recreation and Infrastructure

Mount Sanitas Trail Project

• Mount Sanitas Trail Project funding from BOSC is supporting critical repairs on one of Boulder’s most well-loved and heavily used trails. Because of the steep terrain and active erosion, BOSC funds helped make it possible to use a helicopter to transport rock to the upper sections of the trail, allowing OSMP crews to reinforce failing trail segments that were eroding off the side of the mountain.

Wildfire Prevention Infrastructure

• Flagstaff Panorama Point Safety Improvements supported by BOSC included the purchase and installation of new gates to close the area after dark. These gates help protect open space and nearby neighborhoods by reducing nighttime activity that has led to illegal fireworks use and multiple fire starts in the area. By limiting after-hours access, this project improves public safety while helping prevent wildfires in a high-risk location.