Images of Colorado’s ranches and an opportunity to preserve them come to Durango next Tues., Oct. 6. Noted photographer John Fielder will bring his slide presentation, “Ranches of Colorado” to the Smiley Theatre in an effort to raise funds for local land protection. A reception for Fielder is set for 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

In 2007 and 2008, Fielder traveled throughout the state and photographed 50 of Colorado’s most beautiful,

multigenerational working cattle ranches, most already protected from development. The resulting book, Ranches of Colorado, was published in an effort to protect other ranches and Colorado’s ranching heritage.

Next Tuesday’s slide presentation will include more than 100 of the project photographs, and the La Plata Open Space Conservancy will be the event’s beneficiary. In addition, the Colorado land trust community, includ

ing local efforts, will earn royalties from each copy of the book sold. Fielder will take Ranches of Colorado to 25 Colorado communities in the fall of 2009 alone.

Tickets are available at Maria’s Bookshop, by calling the La Plata Open Space Conservancy at 259-3415 or at the door. More information on Fielder and Ranches of Colorado can be found by visiting www.johnfielder.com.

– Will Sands