A Brief History of the Mountain Park Environmental Center

The vision that led to the creation of the Mountain Park Environmental Center (MPEC) is built on a foundation of promoting societal ecological literacy through environmental education. Or, to put it more simply, providing opportunities for people to learn about and connect with Nature. This vision continues to be the guiding principle of our organization.

The years leading up to the opening of the MPEC saw Pueblo Mountain Park, owned by the City of Pueblo, as an under-utilized, but ideal, outdoor classroom. There had even been talk of the City liquidating the park. Through the work of a dedicated group of Pueblo area visionaries, the Mountain Park Environmental Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was established in 1999 to facilitate the creation of the Center. In close collaboration with the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo (GNC), the University of Southern Colorado (USC), and the Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department, the MPEC became reality in March 2000, when the Center officially opened our doors.

Since March 2000, the MPEC has been headquartered in Pueblo Mountain Park's main caretaker building. The building serves as an Interpretive Center with interactive displays on the natural and cultural history of the park and surrounding area. The Center also provides classroom and meeting space, a Nature Gift Shop and offices.