Mountain Park Environmental Center

The vision that led to the creation of Mountain Park Environmental Center (MPEC) is built on a foundation of promoting
societal ecological literacy through environmental education. Or, to put it more simply, providing opportunities for people
to learn about and connect with Nature. A decade later, this vision continues to be the guiding principle of our
organization. Our programs for children and adults have received numerous awards and media coverage and serves
several thousand people every year.

The years leading up to the opening of MPEC saw Pueblo Mountain Park, owned by the City of Pueblo, as an
under-utilized, but ideal, outdoor classroom. There had even been talk of the City liquidating the park. Through the work
of a dedicated group of Pueblo area visionaries, Mountain Park Environmental Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, was established in 1999 to facilitate the creation of the Center. In close collaboration with the Greenway
and Nature Center of Pueblo (GNC), the University of Southern Colorado (USC), and the Pueblo Parks and Recreation
Department, MPEC became reality in March 2000, when the Center officially opened our doors.

During our first three years, MPEC operated in a limited partnership with the GNC, including administrative ties with
USC. Since March 2003, due to changes at USC and the GNC, MPEC has been operating as an independent 501(c)3
non-profit corporation.

In July 2008, MPEC took over management of Pueblo Mountain Park from the City of Pueblo's Parks and Recreation
Department. This development greatly expanded the scope of our work in the park.

From March 2000 through October 2008, MPEC was headquartered in Pueblo Mountain Park's main caretaker building.
The building's 1500 square feet served as an Interpretive Center, a classroom and meeting space, a Nature Gift Shop
and offices. In October 2008, after completing Phase 1 of the Horseshoe Lodge Revovation, MPEC has been
headquartered in the completed portion of Pueblo Mountain Park's historic Horseshoe Lodge. This greatly expanded
space now allows for an expanded Interpretive Center with hands-on displays on the natural and cultural history of the
area, the Nature Shop, three classrooms / meeting spaces, public restrooms, a biomass heating system (and many
other "green" building elements).