Pikes Peak Club, Colorado Springs Visits the Lower Arkansas Valley

The Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District recently hosted a tour for members of the Pikes Peak Club from Colorado Springs, showcasing some of the people, businesses, and agricultural operations that make the Valley a special place.

The day began at 1st Choice Irrigation, where Jared Gardner shared what it takes to operate a successful haying operation and discussed irrigation methods and efficiencies. At Hidden Hive Honey, guests learned about beekeeping, hive management, and a small business rooted in the region. The tour continued at Knapp’s Farm Market, where fourth-generation farmer Alisha Knapp shared her family’s history and spoke about the importance of local agriculture.

After enjoying a delicious lunch made with food grown in the Valley, the afternoon made a somber shift to Crowley County, with a driving tour highlighting the long-term impacts of agricultural buy-and-dry. The day concluded at the Crowley County Heritage Center, where Annette Barber shared the county’s history with buy-and-dry and stories captured in her book, This Is Our Story.

We appreciate and thank the engaged and supportive citizens of Colorado Springs who took the time to meet with us, learn about our history, and see firsthand what is at stake in protecting agriculture and water in the Lower Arkansas Valley.