Misunderstanding all you see. Words we all know that hold such special meaning to generations -- just like Strawberry Fields. Let's open our eyes and understand what we see. To gain a deeper appreciation for this special open space, here's a little history about this public land which, for over 130, years has been open, wild and fondly referred to as Strawberry Fields. Nathaniel Colby homesteaded 160 acres in South Cheyenne Cañon, including Seven Falls in December 1872. He sold the land rights within a year for $1,000 (equivalent to $19,686 in 2016) to the Colorado Springs Land Company. In 1874, the Cheyenne Trail Company was formed to build a trail was built up Cheyenne Cañon and North Cheyenne Cañon and a wagon road was built up South Cheyenne Cañons to Seven Falls. In 1882, James Hull, a naturalist bought the 160 acres to preserve it from logging operations. By 1885 he had a total of 400 acres. Hull built stairs up to the top of the falls and a canyon road to the falls, which then became a tourist attraction, which has been owned by private individuals or companies since then. E.P. Tenny, president of the Colorado College Land Company announced on April 14, 1884 that the land on the east side of South Cheyenne Cañon, in North Cheyenne Cañon and at the headwaters of Bear Creek had been purchased to create Colorado College Park. Improvements would be made to trails, such as a trail to Jones Park, and roads to make them more accessible to the public, and a toll would be charged to offset the costs of construction and maintenance. The South Cañon toll was $.25. The land would be offered for public use for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and lodging in cottages. Three months later, The Gazette published the article "Our Cañons" condemning charging tolls to enter the Cheyenne Cañons, because there would be some people who would be then unable to enjoy the scenery and the cooler temperatures during the summer. Having to pay tolls can also leave a bad impression on visitors to the area. The author ask for county and city officials to purchase the property. [The Gazette article, "Our Canon" can be read here: http://more.ppld.org:8080/specialcollections/index/ArticleOrders/271418.pdf It's a fascinatingly ironic piece of history given the current position of the Gazette.] We encourage you to make your voice heard by emailing the City at: AllCouncil@springsgov.com and copy the groups opposing the land swap: friendsofcheyennecanon@gmail.com, cory@medwheel.org, savecheyennemountain@gmail.com you might want to copy the local media too: news@csindy.com, krdonews@krdo.com, news@koaa.com, news21@fox21news.com, news@kktv.com Drive carefully in this beautiful, snowy weather! Go check out Strawberry Fields, if you haven't recently. It's gorgeous covered in snow too! Mark your calendars for the TOPS meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at 7:30am. This is an important one. More details to follow.