Jefferson County Open Space was established in 1972 as a result of a grassroots citizen campaign to preserve open space lands and natural and cultural resources, and to create quality park and recreation experiences. The Open Space program has since preserved more than 51,000 acres spread across 28 parks and properties. Its location along the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains brings together a unique blend of ecosystems – from shortgrass prairies and foothills shrublands to ponderosa pine savannas and mixed conifer forests to riparian corridors and cliff habitats.