The clay-loving wild buckwheat (Eriogonum pelinophilum) is a rare wildflower that grows only in the adobe hills of western Colorado.  This beautiful native flower occupies less than 500 acres in Montrose and Delta Counties and occurs nowhere else in the world.

The buckwheat has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1984, but increased urban development and recreational use on Colorado’s adobe hills continue to destroy its habitat.  These threats continue to grow.

But you have helped!  Essential habitat for clay-loving wild buckwheat has been secured by protecting a private land parcel east of Montrose.  This property, the Wacker Ranch, is home to one of the largest surviving clay-loving wild buckwheat populations in the world, along with other rare native plants, the imperiled Gunnison's prairie dog and northern leopard frog, an exceptional diversity of ecologically important lichens, and a unique semi-desert shrub ecosystem.  Center for Native Ecosystems teamed with the Colorado Natural Areas Program, The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and Friends of Colorado Natural Areas to protect this land. 

The adobe hills near Montrose, CO.

The first funds collected through the Wild Buckwheat Conservation Fund were used to secure the legal option to purchase the property.  Then, in May 2007, the property was successfully purchased by the Colorado Natural Areas Program, with The Nature Conservancy acting as a property manager.  Now, an Advisory Committee made up of all the original partners in the project, including Center for Native Ecosystems, helps The Nature Conservancy analyze management needs on the property and develop policies to protect the endangered buckwheat and its habitat from ongoing threats such as weed encroachment.

To make the land purchase, our coalition secured a grant of $159,450 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Now, our coalition continues to raise funds to endow the continued management of the property.  This property is unique among designated Colorado Natural Areas since it is owned by the state program and managed through a collaborative partnership with so many non-profit entities.  In addition, the former property owners, Harold and Kathleen Wacker, who were strong stewards of the endangered wildflower and other natural resources found on their land, still live next door and are members of the Advisory Committee.

Contibute Today!

If you wish to support our ongoing efforts to manage the Wacker Ranch to preserve the rare native species and unique habitat found there, please make your contribution payable to Wild Buckwheat Conservation Fund and mailed to:

Center for Native Ecosystems
1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 303
Denver, CO 80202

Or, donate with a credit card online using our secure credit card server.