Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center

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Integrating the Arts and Natural Sciences

Residencies in the Natural Sciences, Conservation and Ecology

Stewardship of the land continues to be our passion, our meditation, our breath and our practice. Willowtail is a wildlife property, bird sanctuary and a water wonderland.

David Leatherman, Colorado State Entomologist and David Temple, former owner Animas Arborist encouraged and helped us plan the 7,800 pinyon and ponderosa trees in our ancient forest, which are now alive and well, serving as home to birds, plants, pollinators, butterflies, mammals, other wildlife and humans.

Wild Wonderful Water & Druid Tree

Water use and conservation in the SW Colorado, Forestry, Ornithology, Entomology have all been studied at Willowtail.

Creatives of in many fields find inspiration and new ideas for living and working during time spent at Willowtail as guests and residents.

Growing and using herbs, landscape features such as natural streams and artist created  fountains and sculpture add sound, smell, touch and visual delight for birds, insects, wildlife and humans in this habitat.

Wetland areas provide a haven for herons, geese ducks, osprey and many others
Wetland areas provide a haven for herons, geese ducks, osprey and many others
The exquisite hand of nature and the light hand of humans
The exquisite hand of nature and the light hand of humans
Aerators protect fish and keep open water for winter birds
Aerators protect fish and keep open water for winter birds

“Marvelous medicine for the soul.”
–Coleen & Scott, Colorado Springs, CO

David Leatherman

“Peggy and Lee, the Governor does not treat me as well as you two. I very much appreciate your kindnesses and the work you did in organizing the pinion ips meeting. I will look forward to returning and to observe your special partnership of skills and experience bonded by love for each other and this very unique land.”

“The storm and dense rainbow was fantastic! My favorite part of this Southwest corner has been seen right here.”
–Joy, W. Stockbridge, MA

There are many paths and trails through the property – some wild, some more tame. Many any new native species of grasses, bushes and flowers enhance an already beautiful land.

Other conservation projects have included rebuilding the lake dam to naturally feed the outgoing streams which feed wildlife ponds and natural bird nesting areas, reseeding to replace lost trees, converting water feeds from ditch to pipe which conserves water and reduces downstream salinity in the Colorado River, construction of a catch basin to keep the lake level up during a dry season, trimming and thinning to improve forest health and reduce wildfire danger, introduction of gardens to encourage new and varied ecosystems for a variety of plants, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, etc., plus acquisition of a twenty acre buffer zone to the south add additional streams, fields and wildlife areas to the property.

Peggy Cloy

Landscape/Interior Design and Gardening, Painting, Sculpture 
Peggy Cloy, Co-Creator and Director, WTSNPEC and Co-Owner, Willowtail Springs, B&B Cabins
Gardening in the SW within existing forests
Creating spaces which wind seamlessly through interiors and exteriors for beauty and passion.

“Peggy and Lee allow their guests to connect with nature by making their homes an integral part of the surroundings.” In the words of Frank Lloyd Wright,”The house should never be built on the hill.  It should be of the hill.”   “Peggy and Lee have accomplished this goal.”
Anonymous Artist

Water Biology:
Many guests over the years have given us their expertise on all things water and the care of bodies of water, irrigation and fish biology. This has expanded our knowledge of the stewardship of our lake, fish, streams and water systems.

Lee Cloy
Creative Water Systems and Conservation Practices used on WTSNPEC and Willowtail Springs:

Lee Cloy, Co-Owner of Willowtail Spring B&B Cabins, President and CO-creator of Willowtail and Master of steward of forest, lands, water, wildlife and humans.  This man creates and manifests “imagineering” to nurture sustainable systems on the land and help them thrive. This “water wizard” has led countless guests over the years on individual tours of the property talking of water, forests, wildlife and birds.

Natural Science Advisory Committee:
This group of wonderful people are currently working on a pilot project to bring elementary teachers from Montezuma County to WTSNPEC for a week long retreat to explore holistic teaching techniques in the sciences, nature, conservation and the arts. Barbara Shaw, STEM Specialist for CO State University Extension

An ecological microcosm in the garden
An ecological microcosm in the garden
Visitors of all kinds enjoy nonintrusive protection
Visitors of all kinds enjoy nonintrusive protection