Guidestone is a non-profit organization dedicated to the integrity of the agricultural resources of the Upper Arkansas River region by fostering a local food economy, stewarding agricultural lands in production, educating for ecological literacy, and supporting sustainable development.

Here's what we do:

• We grow farmers.

Through our educational programs, children and adults alike are introduced to the joys of growing food and the responsibilities and care of raising farm animals. These experiences naturally lead to understanding the value of fresh, nutritious, locally grown food and how it benefits the economic wellbeing of our community. Through Guidestone, people find internships, farmer incubation experiences, volunteer opportunities, and classes featuring an assortment of skills related to the ecology, culture, and economy of agriculture in the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

Guidestone’s keystone education program, Farmhands, provides opportunities for children and school groups to put their hands in the soil throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Farmhands has two teaching sites: in Buena Vista at The Meadows on Cottonwood Creek, and in Salida at the historic Hutchinson Homestead. Farmhands curriculum focuses on nature appreciation, ecological understanding, sustainable agriculture and human health and nutrition.


• We connect people to the land and land to the people.

In the changing demographics of the Upper Arkansas River Valley Region, there are many acres of valuable agricultural land currently not in production. There are also a growing number of skilled individuals who want to farm but cannot necessarily afford to purchase land. Through our Land-Link Initiative we connect the two together.

The Land-Link Initiative increases opportunities in farming and ranching by helping to create equitable, secure and affordable access to agricultural land through various management and lease agreement structures. It offers solutions for transitioning non-productive farmland into productive agriculture. Farmers are provided tools that offer new approaches to business models and technical skills that redefine the possibilities of high altitude agriculture. Thus, farmers and ranchers gain stability and a chance to play a significant role in strengthening the local food economy of the valley and the maintenance of its agricultural heritage for years to come.

• We support and revitalize our local food economy and food culture.

Through our educational work and the facilitation of relationships with farmers, landowners, consumers, and restaurateurs, we encourage the emergence of new farming businesses here in the valley and work to strengthen those already established.

For every every $1 spent on a local food source at least $0.75 will stay local, thus recirculating in local businesses and supporting and growing our local economy. Currently, we are developing a program that will recognize local businesses and institutions for their commitment to sourcing the food they serve locally.

Through communications with supporters as well as businesses and local leaders we share current ideas and happenings in the local food and food culture scene here in the Valley. This, in turn, encourages new levels of participation and new policies to be formed that maintains and enhances our valley’s agricultural heritage.

Welcome to Guidestone!