Rock Bottom Ranch

Basalt, CO

Services Provided

Landscape Design, Park Design

Collaborators

Oxbow Ecological Engineering, Fred Phillips Consulting

Environmental Education & Interpretive Landscape

ACES retained Fred Phillips Consulting and Oxbow Ecological Engineering to enhance educational opportunities at Rock Bottom Ranch. The project focused on creating accessible spaces for families and visitors to explore the ranch’s natural and agricultural systems while supporting hands-on environmental education.

The project included earthwork, bioengineered habitat structures, water control and irrigation, native revegetation, trail construction, bikeway and Rustic River Trail access, and interpretive signage. The Interpretive Loop Trail incorporated multiple Eco-Ed stations designed as outdoor classrooms and gathering areas for 15–20 students, addressing topics including sustainable agriculture, birding, riparian habitats, rotational grazing, renewable energy, and the relationship between wildlands and agriculture.

The project also emphasized community engagement, creating opportunities for students, local farmers and ranchers, conservationists, and visitors to participate in interdisciplinary learning and connect with the ecological and agricultural character of the ranch.