The Garden of the Gods Foundation

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Garden of the gods park at sun down

Foundation Mission

To improve the quality of Garden of the Gods Park by gathering resources and providing grants that enhance and protect this registered National Natural Landmark.

In 1994, the Garden of the Gods Foundation was created as a 501 (c)(3) charity to preserve and protect the Garden of the Gods Park. It receives revenue from the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and contributions from the public. These funds support projects and programs that benefit Garden of the Gods Park.

A volunteer board of trustees oversees the Foundation, reviews all contributions, and approves disbursements. Annually, the Colorado Springs Park, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department presents to the Foundation a list of proposed projects in order of priority. The Foundation undertakes the projects for which it has the funds. When additional funds become available, the Foundation can request projects from the Parks Department. Since the establishment of the Foundation in 1994, more than $8.4 million has been donated for maintenance, preservation, and education programs for the Park.

The Foundation will exist in perpetuity, thereby assuring it will always be run for the charitable purpose of support and benefit to the Park.

Make a contribution with your Donor-Advised Fund

Grant History

  • 1996 – $89,610
  • 1997 – $77,250
  • 1998 – $81,955
  • 1999 – $82,954
  • 2000 – $89,611
  • 2001 – $86,945
  • 2002 – $89,554
  • 2003 – $92,241
  • 2004 – $105,008
  • 2005 – $97,858
  • 2006 – $209,294
  • 2007 – $113,623
  • 2008 – $169,363
  • 2009 – $110,138
  • 2010 – $121,226
  • 2011 – $124,527
  • 2012 – $128,033
  • 2013 – $151,643
  • 2014 – $131,711
  • 2015 – $139,193
  • 2016 – $512,958
  • 2017 – $217,322
  • 2018 – $793,708
  • 2019 – $405,319
  • 2020 – $367,826
  • 2021 – $200,000
  • 2022 – $640,753
  • 2023 – $656,747
  • 2024 – $764,639
  • 2025 – $803,451
  • 2026 – $806,216

A Message from the President

There is something special about Garden of the Gods.

It may be the first light hitting the red rocks, a quiet walk on a familiar trail, or the excitement of sharing the Park with someone visiting for the first time. Whatever brings you here, Garden of the Gods belongs to all of us, and caring for it is a responsibility we share.

Millions of people visit the Park each year. That much love brings real needs. Trails and facilities require care. Visitors need safe places to walk and park. Natural and cultural resources must be studied and protected. The Park also needs the right equipment and infrastructure to respond to
erosion, wildfire risk, and the effects of heavy use.

That is where the Garden of the Gods Foundation steps in.

Thanks to generous supporters like you, the Foundation will provide funding and support for the Park’s many projects in 2027, including:

  • Visitor safety and services, including pedestrian and traffic control equipment for Park Rangers, security, and janitorial services.
  • Strategic planning consultant, strategic plan implementation, and tribal consultation.
  • Scotsman restroom construction, parking lot repairs, and Valley Dam hazard mitigation.
  • Restoration equipment, staff uniforms, and split rail fencing materials.
  • Scientific investigation into the one-seed junipers in the park.

These are practical investments that make a real difference every day. They help keep the Park safe, clean, and welcoming while protecting the landscape that makes Garden of the Gods unlike anywhere else.

We are proud of what your support made possible this year, and we are deeply grateful. Still, the work does not stop. As visitation grows and the Park’s needs continue to change, your help is more important than ever.

Please consider making a year-end gift to the Garden of the Gods Foundation. You can also become a member and join a community of people who care deeply about the future of this remarkable park. Every gift and every membership helps us respond when the Park needs us most.

If Garden of the Gods has given you a favorite memory, a peaceful moment, or a stronger connection to our community, we hope you will help care for it today.

Please make your gift or become a member at www.gardenofgods.com/member.

Thank you for believing in this Park and in the work of the Garden of the Gods Foundation. We are truly grateful to have you with us.

With gratitude,

Jan Martin
President, Garden of the Gods Foundation

Annual Report

Previous Messages:
2021 2022 2024 2025 2026

Board of Trustees

Founders

Lyda Hill
Nancy Lewis

Trustees

Lyda Hill – 1995 – 2018
Nancy Lewis – 1995 – 2018
Bruce Warren – 1995 – 2018
Andrew McElhaney – 1995 – 1996
Suzanne Gregory – 1995 – 1996
Frank Marconi – 1996 – 1998
Nancy Brown – 1996 – 1997
Cliff Eisenach – 1997 – 1998, 00 – 04
Andy Cobb – 1998 – 1999
Nancy Vigil – 1998 – 1999
Wayne Fisher – 1999 – 2000
Jeanne Mc Elderry – 1999 – 2000
Mary Tom Issac – 2000 – 2001
David Melendez – 2001 – 2002
Karen Rooks Nauer – 2002 – 2003
Stephen D Harris – 2003 – 2004
Don Carr – 2004 – 2006
Randall Case – 2004 – 2005
Klay Beavert – 2005 – 2006
Larry Royal – 2005 – 2006
Suzanne Jarvinen – 2006 – 2016
Getty Nuhn – 2006 – 2007
Jim Schwerin – 2007 – 2010
John Demmon – 2009 – 2016
Paul Butcher – 2010 – 2018
Kent Obee – 2010 – 2016
Karl Reinhart – 2011 – 2012
Nancy Hobbs – 2012 – 2013
Melissa Walker – 2014 – 2016
Scott Campbell – 2016 – 2022
Hank Scarangella – 2016 – 2018
Ron Ilgen – 2019 – 2022
David Kast – 2003 – Present
Jax Hilaire – 2013 – Present
Jan Martin – 2015 – Present
Mina Liebert – 2016 – Present
Scott Hente – 2018 – 2025
David Kunstle – 2018 – Present
Susan L. Pattee – 2018 – Present
Ann Fetsch – 2021 – Present
David Siegel – 2022 – Present
Patrick Stephens – 2022 – Present
Sarah Bryarly – 2023 – 2025
Stephen D Harris – 2025 -Present