Celebrate 5 Years of Conservation!

This summer, we’re celebrating a 5-year milestone we couldn’t have reached without you.

Five years ago, Knapp Land and Lost Dog Nature Preserve were placed under conservation easements—ensuring these beautiful landscapes would be protected forever. Because of supporters like you, these lands remain preserved, thriving, and full of life. As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re inviting you to be part of what comes next.

The City of El Paso, El Paso Water (EPWater), and The Frontera Land Alliance are proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the conservation easements protecting Knapp Land and Lost Dog Nature Preserves—a milestone that highlights the power of public-private collaboration in preserving two of the Chihuahuan Desert's most treasured natural landscapes. Established through a conservation easement in 2021, the partnership has safeguarded hundreds of acres of ecologically significant open space in West El Paso, ensuring the longterm protection of native wildlife habitat, scenic desert vistas, and outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations. "The success of these conservation easements demonstrates what can be accomplished when public agencies and nonprofit organizations work together toward a shared vision," said Janaé Reneaud Field, Executive Director of The Frontera Land Alliance. "By protecting Knapp Land and Lost Dog Nature Preserves, we are preserving an irreplaceable part of El Paso's natural heritage."

Over the past five years, the preserves have become a valued community resource, offering residents and visitors opportunities to experience the unique beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert while supporting environmental education, wildlife conservation, trail stewardship, and community engagement that connect residents with the region's remarkable desert ecosystem. "Protecting this landscape is an investment in our community's future," said Marissa Ramirez, Frontera’s Open Space Manager. "This anniversary is not only a celebration of what has been preserved, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to responsible land stewardship and the lasting benefits of conservation."

“Conservation is about more than water – it’s about protecting the natural resources that define our region,” said John Balliew, El Paso Water President/CEO. “We’re proud to partner in preserving these extraordinary desert lands for the benefit of our community today and into the future.” The conservation easements reflect the shared commitment of the City of El Paso, EPWater, and The Frontera Land Alliance to balance growth with conservation, recreation and water conservation. As the easement holder, The Frontera Land Alliance helps ensure that the preserve's conservation values remain protected in perpetuity, while the City of El Paso and EPWater support the steward of the land for the benefit of the community.

“For the past five years, Lost Dog Nature Preserve has provided our community with a place to connect with nature, stay active, and appreciate the unique beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert,” said Parks and Recreation Director Pablo Caballero. “This event is an opportunity not only to celebrate the preserve itself, but also the partnerships and community members who have helped protect this remarkable natural space for future generations.