Herb Saperstone
Herb Saperstone leading an interpretive hike.
Since 2015, volunteer Herb Saperstone has led countless interpretive hikes across Larimer County's open spaces, creating 'aha' moments for visitors discovering the rich history and natural beauty beneath their feet—connections that keep people coming back.
When and how did you first become involved with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, and what role did you play in advancing our open space efforts?
My first encounter with LCDNR was in 2015, during my final year working for the Poudre School District. As a long-time resident of Fort Collins, having moved here in 1982, I was contemplating my retirement strategy. I wondered how I could enjoy more time outdoors while also contributing to the preservation of the beautiful spaces the community had conserved over decades of growth and expansion. I am still involved and finding new ways to deliver my interpretive hikes for people that sign up for these experiences.
From your perspective, what is one of the most meaningful outcomes or accomplishments that the Help Preserve Open Spaces (HPOS) sales tax has made possible?
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, photo by Herb Saperstone, 2018
Without a doubt, the protection of lands has prevented them from being lost to development or private ownership. For me, it was particularly gratifying to witness Horsetooth Mountain transform into a fully conserved and managed Open Space. I have been a regular visitor there since the early 1980s. I have also witnessed the opening of other places that I would never have visited otherwise, such as Red Mountain. These, and other LCDNR properties, have become my favorites to visit and lead volunteer hikes to.
Is there a memory or moment from your time with LCDNR that stands out as especially powerful, either personally or for the community?
Red Mountain Open Space Geological Hike, photo by Herb Saperstone, 2021
I have many memories—but among those that stand out are the 'aha' moments visitors report during my geologic interpretive hikes. I find it so rewarding to offer a bit of background and then, with the use of props and a good landscape vantage point, make powerful connections for people. I've had many return visits from participants who report that one time was not enough. That is gratifying and signals that we are doing our job to communicate the right message about the value of our Open Spaces.
How have you seen Larimer County residents, families, or visitors benefit from the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of open spaces?
Having led many, many interpretive hikes to LCDNR spaces over the years, I have heard firsthand how fortunate we are to live in a community that values its natural lands. Some visitors are pleasantly surprised to see how much land is conserved around Fort Collins; others are so grateful there are free programs to sign up for to learn more about our area. I personally appreciate the ability to look west and see a foothills viewscape that is largely pristine and unspoiled. This doesn't happen without great effort and commitment by community leaders who value conservation.
Red Mountain Open Space, photo by Herb Saperstone, 2016
What message would you want to share with future generations about why conserving and stewarding lands in Larimer County is important?
My message is "Please don't stop conserving natural and cultural spaces around Larimer County."
In this social media age where we're inundated with information and digital distraction, we need to spend more time outdoors to remind us of what it means to live in a place with rich history and natural beauty. We should leave the world a better place to generations that come after us—not an easy task as more and more people move here. LCDNR and other community partners—both public and private—must continue to communicate how to balance development and conservation where it's feasible. People really love this area, and the only way to keep the magic going is to balance smart growth with conservation of our vitally valuable natural and cultural lands.
All photos by Herb Saperstone