Focus Climbing Center is holding a Spring Fling Community Art Auction to raise money for the Access Fund’s efforts to maintain access to The Homestead. The event will take place at Focus on April 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a community art auction and competitions requiring feats of speed and strength. Admission is free. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1317347868322624/.
In 2015, access to The Homestead’s tufa-rich limestone walls, home to over 250 sport climbs, was threatened due to foreclosure on a privately owned parcel of land that overlapped key portions of the access road, trailhead, and first few dozen routes. The Access Fund obtained temporary ownership of the land, covering initial acquisition costs with short term financing from the Access Fund Climbing Conservation Loan Program. To permanently protect and steward The Homestead, the Access Fund aims to raise $235,000. So far, local climbing organizations, non-profits, and businesses have raised $75,000 towards that goal.
In December, the Access Fund
- Improved the nearly impassable section of road on State Trust land, making it accessible by standard SUVs
- Built a half-mile of new trail
- Created 10 new tent pads and five new fire rings
- Added 13 parking spots
- Erected an educational kiosk
For more information on the Access Fund’s efforts at The Homestead or to donate, visit https://www.accessfund.org/take-action/campaigns/homestead.