30 years, 30 stories
Behind every protected acre, every restored trail, every conservation victory—there are people who made it happen.
People who showed up. Who chose nature. Who made the difference.
Pamela Johnson
For over 20 years, journalist Pamela Johnson brought Larimer County’s open spaces to life on the page, bridging community and landscape. From bison thundering onto the prairie to joyful days at Flatiron Reservoir, her stories captured the soul of conservation and inspired many to step outside.
Dave Marvin
After retiring in 2008, Dave Marvin became a volunteer naturalist and photographer, leading hikes and capturing moments across Larimer County's open spaces. His dedication led to nine years on the Open Lands Advisory Board, culminating in his role as Board Chair.
Jean Carpenter
Former biology teacher Jean Carpenter served six years on the Open Lands Advisory Board starting in 2000, helping rally community support for acquisitions like Hermit Park. She now serves as president of Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands.
Herb Saperstone
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.
Linda Stanley & Kelly Ohlson
After HPOS failed in 1994, Linda Stanley and Kelly Ohlson were part of the passionate core who regrouped, gathered thousands of signatures, and won in 1995—then again in 1999 and 2014. Four campaigns, two decades, one unstoppable partnership.
Nancy Wallace
From those early bus trips in 1995 to 15 years on the Open Lands Advisory Board, Nancy Wallace witnessed HPOS transform from palpable excitement to protected reality: Long View Farm, Devil's Backbone, and the expansive Mountains to Plains vision.
A living collection of stories.
Throughout 2026, we’re sharing the people and moments that shaped Help Preserve Open Spaces.
You'll meet the early planners who shaped the first open lands, the ranchers and landowners who chose conservation over development, the leaders and staff who continue to carry the legacy forward, the storytellers who documented the journey, and the community members who championed it every step of the way.