Cottonwood Meadows Guiding Principles
Key guiding principles have driven the genesis of Cottonwood Meadows. These ten principles provide a framework for
nurturing the establishment of a community that respects the mountain environment and enables residents to experience
a strong connection with the land and each other.
Cottonwood Meadows is assisted in achieving these goals through its partnership with Guidestone. A locally based
non-profit organization, Guidestone is dedicated to the stewardship of the agriculture resources of the Upper Arkansas
River Region, fostering a local food economy, sustainable development, and ecological understanding.
Water: Lifeblood of the West
Water is the most precious natural resource for sustaining life in the arid American West. Cottonwood Meadows is
located in the bosom of the headwaters of the Arkansas River, the fourth largest river in the United States. To
protect this critical watershed, Cottonwood Meadows is committed to working with Buena Vista to preserve irrigated
riparian areas and enhance the town's water rights and delivery system through innovative supply, storage, and
augmentation solutions.
Environmental Protection and Enhancement
Open spaces, big vistas and clear running streams - hallmarks of the American West - are rigorously protected by
Cottonwood Meadows. More than 110 acres of the 277 total project acreage, are legally protected from development
and managed cooperatively by Guidestone and Cottonwood Meadows Home Owners Association. Trout habitat and public
access along the mile of Cottonwood Creek that meanders through the property will be improved by collaborative
efforts involving the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Houses and other buildings will be constructed to best
preserve and protect the environment, native vegetation, wildlife and the stunning vistas of the area.
Healthy Lifestyle
Intrinsic to Cottonwood Meadows design is walkability. An extensive system of walkable and
bike-friendly trails and roads will connect neighbors with each other and the environment. An
innovative and state-of-the-industry senior living village will provide continuum of life resources
that celebrate and integrate elders into the community. Guidestone will lease to farmers who will
oversee the supply of fresh organic produce, dairy, meat, and flowers.
Sense of Place
Cottonwood Meadows honors the heritage and character of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Landscape and architecture
are inspired by the history of the region. Street names and the palette of housing styles and colors are derived
from the natural history and heritage of this tranquil slice of the Rocky Mountains. The community buildings - both
historic and historic replicas - will instill respect for those who lived on the land in earlier times, as well as
those yet to come.
Sense of Community
From its outset, Cottonwood Meadows has sought to work collaboratively with the greater community, seeking to achieve
mutually beneficial synergies with neighbors, public officials and local businesses. In the belief that community and
conservation can go hand in hand, the trails and agricultural spaces of Cottonwood Meadows are envisioned to be places
where people can meet to enjoy and care for the land. The Homeowners Association will take responsibility for the
community amenities, design review, and other aspects of community life at Cottonwood Meadows. Guidestone will strive
to effect positive social and cultural development by inspiring a relationship between people and the land that promotes
health and social responsibility.
Aesthetic Design and High-Quality Construction
Leading professionals who are widely acclaimed in their fields have been responsible for land planning and architecture
at Cottonwood Meadows. High standards of design and execution are our first priority.
Energy Conservation
Homes and other structures at Cottonwood Meadows will be constructed with a goal of reducing energy consumption.
Community-wide recycling and composting programs will be put in place. Cottonwood Meadows is designed to encourage
walking and biking as alternatives to short trips by automobile. Guidestone will promote sustainable development,
alternative agriculture practices, natural building technologies, renewable energy applications and permaculture design.
Lifelong Learning and Education
On premises at Cottonwood Meadows, educational opportunities will be made available for residents and visitors to learn
about their relationship to natural resources, the farm environment and what it takes to produce a safe and wholesome
food source. Guidestone will offer workshops, seminars, and internships that teach basic skills such as organic gardening,
animal husbandry, food storage and preservation techniques, nutritional awareness and other programs consistent with
holistic living. Additionally, the Chaffee County campus of Colorado Mountain College is located within five miles.
Diversity
Cottonwood Meadows welcomes residents from all socio-economic walks of life by providing a mix of housing options.
Economic Viability
Cottonwood Meadows is striving to become a model conservation community that may be replicated elsewhere. Nationally
acclaimed market analysts and planners were retained to conceptualize and help realize the economic viability and
long-term success of Cottonwood Meadows.
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