Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center resides on 60 pristine acres in the high desert near Mancos, Colorado. A stay here provides access to sweeping meadows, ancient forests of Pinon and Juniper, private lake, streams and lush gardens. Within this nature preserve are nestled the long standing Willowtail Springs Luxury Cabins, which offer luxury, eco-friendly accommodations with a light footprint on the surrounding natural sanctuary.

Willowtail.org was designated in 2012 to support Residencies in the Arts, and surrounding programs which enrich the community and preserve the diverse ecology of this unique land. The symbiotic relationship between the stunning physical landscape or “place” together with “the program” of residencies and community programs provide a unique resource for the rural local community, the Four Corners of SW Colorado and beyond to the rest of the country.

Peggy and Lee Cloy founded the nonprofit organization of Willowtail.org. in order to develop a vehicle for awarding scholarships to emerging and mid-career practitioners to be residents working and creating in the arts for an extended time [currently a week – three weeks]. Through the Residency Programs, such as lectures, presentations, classes and open studio events, Willowtail encourages curiosity and the intensity of learning in The Arts and Nature.

Willowtail abounds with protected natural beauty in many forms. It has been registered with the State of Colorado and the Federal Division of Wildlife as a Soft Release Site for rehabilitated birds. These birds include hawks, eagles, owls and many species of songbirds that make their home in the Preserve.

Preservation extends to the forest and the water systems. Through considerable research, time, and focused effort more than 7,800 Ponderosa and Pinon Pine trees throughout the property have been saved from the devastating Ips Beetle infestation which have obliterated many ancient forests in Colorado over recent years.

Water use is employed with care and insight.

Willowtail has an eye toward the future for ways to preserve both the site itself and our community programs . We are always focused on strengthening the sustainability of our organization and would welcome your help by becoming a “Friend of Willowtail” with memberships as affordable as $10.00 monthly. Please see our “Support Us” page for more information about the benefits of joining our wonderful team.