The San Luis Valley of south central Colorado sits at a soaring 7800 feet above sea level. The Valley extends over 80 miles from north to south and 50 miles from east to west, with dwarfing mountains in three directions.

Water is the lifeblood of the San Luis Valley. While only an average of 7 inches of precipitation falls per year, the surrounding mountains feed the arid valley with precious surface water, as well as replenish an expansive underground reservoir. All life (human and wild) hangs in the balance of this natural cycle.

A network of federal and private wetlands provide a patchwork of important habitat for over 200 species of migratory birds as well as a plethora of other wildlife.