A MILESTONE IN CONSERVATION
THIRTY YEARS
OF REWILDING AT VERMEJO
In 1996, Ted Turner made a long-term commitment to restore a vast landscape in northern New Mexico. Thirty years later, Vermejo stands as one of the most ambitious private conservation efforts in the United States – where ecosystems are recovering, wildlife is thriving, and guests play a role in sustaining that progress. This milestone is proof of what is possible when land is given time, care, and intention.
When Ted Turner purchased Vermejo in 1996, the landscape carried the legacy of more than a century of intensive use – mining, overgrazing, logging, altered waterways, and fragmented wildlife habitat. Thirty years later, Vermejo has become one of the most ambitious large landscape conservation models in North America: a living laboratory where restoration, science, wildlife, ranching, and hospitality work together at scale.
2,500+
guests visit Ted Turner Reserves each year and become part of the restoration story
550,000+
acres of connected wild landscape protected and stewarded
60+
miles of mountain streams restored for Rio Grande cutthroat trout
18
lakes restored as part of native trout recovery efforts
15+
years dedicated to Rio Grande cutthroat trout restoration
20+
riparian exclosures built to restore riverbanks, wetlands, and native vegetation
1,000+
vascular plant species documented on Vermejo
2
plant species new to science discovered on the property
Thousands
of acres of prairie dog habitat cultivated to support black-footed ferret recovery
1,200+
genetically important bison managed on native grasslands
Tens of thousands
of acres of forest treated through thinning, regeneration management, and prescribed fire
2
earth-friendly solar-powered guest accommodations combine conservation and hospitality
Join the
celebration
Join us at Vermejo this September for a special collection of optional experiences celebrating Ted’s 30 years of stewardship and the people who continue to bring his legacy to life. Designed to be shared, each gathering offers a meaningful way to connect with the land, the team, and fellow guests.
of Ted Turner
September 25
Evening: Cocktail hour on the veranda with local musician playing Ted’s favorite songs
Dark: Stargazing and marveling at our place in the universe
September 26
Morning: Conservation tour featuring 30 years of perseverance
Evening: Cocktails and campfire stories about Ted
Dinner: Dining room menu featuring Ted's favorites
September 27
Morning: Group crystal bowl sound bathing and guided meditation at Castle Rock: Reflections on the land (weather permitting)
Afternoon: Group hike on one of Ted’s favorite trails
Evening: Lakeside cookout featuring some of Ted’s favorite dishes
September 28
Morning: Outdoor meditation and yoga - reflections on the land
Afternoon: UTV excursion with hike to Save Everything Point
Evening: Cinema Under the Stars with a Ted favorite flick