Solstice Sown Designs

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Solstice Sown Designs Holistic design, development, and education for evolving ecological landscapes and agroforestry.

What are the deliverables for a master plan project? A comprehensive and beautifully designed book of maps, concepts, pr...
10/08/2026

What are the deliverables for a master plan project?

A comprehensive and beautifully designed book of maps, concepts, projects, budgets, and clear pathways to achieving long term stewardship goals.

Custom ranch planning and ecological habitat design is an in depth site analysis and phased project planning. There is extensive research into site history, terrain, hydrology, soils, paired with on the ground field observations, and measurements.

Design concepts evolve after many conversations about owners goals and the long term management objectives.

A large part of the design process is working within constraints, defining target project budget scopes and making compromises when necessary. Outlining trade offs in decision making becomes a regular part of design conversations so that owners/managers can make informed decisions.

Guidance to applicable conservation grants through NRCS is a common part of master plan books.

Every place has unique potential that informs the design and every property owner has an opportunity to leave the land better than they found it.

Every property asks different questions.For this Southwest Colorado ranch, the design challenge is to support richer hab...
10/04/2026

Every property asks different questions.

For this Southwest Colorado ranch, the design challenge is to support richer habitat while keeping the land useful and enjoyable for the people who care for it.

My work begins with field observation and the owner’s goals. I study how water moves, where vegetation already thrives, and how daily ranch activities fit the landscape. Those findings shape a coordinated plan for meadow planting, wildlife cover, horse pasture and access, with room for trails and gathering spaces.

The master plan also addresses what comes next: site preparation, phased establishment, irrigation support and ongoing stewardship. That depth helps owners understand the decisions ahead and approach improvements in a deliberate sequence.

This carousel shares selected proposed concepts, alongside existing site photographs. Renderings illustrate design intent, not completed work.

If you’re considering the next chapter for your ranch or rural property, send me a message.

Michael McMillan
Western Land Logic | Ecology and habitat design
Land Logic LLC

Master planning for a southwest Colorado ranch - A phased 4 year approach to habitat restoration and management. This ec...
09/14/2026

Master planning for a southwest Colorado ranch -

A phased 4 year approach to habitat restoration and management.

This ecological design master plan book project includes an in depth site analysis, conceptual planning, project budgeting, and stewardship/management design.

Google Earth has opened up new possibilities in helping create interactive planning maps with our clients so I can outline details planting plans, seed mixes, irrigation infrastructure, and other design constraints and concerns.

This master plan will include:

Site overview and inventory.

Primary habitat and vegetative zones, common plants species lists, riparian area, and rocky outcrops, common noxious Montezuma county weeds.

Hydrology analysis, seasonal patterns of winds, annual precipation, stream stats for McElmo creek. Watershed and topographical maps for McElmo canyon drainage.

Wildlife: lists of common wildlife in McElmo canyon. rare, threatened or endemic species, with management practices carefully planned to minimize disturbance.

Cultural considerations with Ute tribal lands adjacent and BLM land use.

Relevant lists of potential NRCS eligible grants for habitat conservation with listed numbers of conservation practices and according descriptions.

Fire ecology considerations, defensible space, and relevance to high desert plant systems and land management.

Other critical information and list of conservation planning resources for farm and ranch owners in Montezuma County Colorado.

“ “Conservation is getting nowhere because it is incompatible with our Abrahamic concept of land. We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” - Aldo Leopold

Stay tuned for updates on this ranch project in the months ahead.

Cheers,
Michael

Latest design for a construction company and residential build in Colorado. Design elements include a 75’ long water fea...
07/11/2026

Latest design for a construction company and residential build in Colorado. Design elements include a 75’ long water feature that winds from the front of the house to the back, a 1,000 sq ft pond with sauna, plunge pool, and wetland bio filter, a new lawn installation, custom drip and sprinkler irrigation, gallery well and pump house, and various ornamental drought tolerant perennial gardens.

I love working on projects like these! Can’t wait to see the build!

A new chapter begins - Red oak, black cherry, beech, chestnut, red maple, ash… Michigan, the Ojibwe word meaning “Great ...
07/09/2026

A new chapter begins -
Red oak, black cherry, beech, chestnut, red maple, ash… Michigan, the Ojibwe word meaning “Great Waters”, the Great Lakes and biodiverse forests filled with nesting herons, alligator snappers, orioles, rainy days and lush green… stay tuned for new projects and transformations!

I have been working on a comprehensive design and management plan for a beautiful artist ranch in southwest Colorado. Fo...
05/02/2026

I have been working on a comprehensive design and management plan for a beautiful artist ranch in southwest Colorado. Formerly a nature preserve, the 60 acre property was masterfully gardened for decades and hosts a wide variety of species. I helped the management team identify all species and map the locations, as well as come up with a detailed seasonal management plan to maintain and enhance the grounds.

Another aspect of the project is designing an entirely new garden concept near the resident artist studio and to adorn the exquisite marble sarcophagus statue brought over from Italy.

It has been a real pleasure to get to know the team and support their vision for tending the land and creative community near and far!

This project will include a series of large printed maps, a design book with custom land management plans, and budgets for project implementation.

Address

Dolores, CO

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13038429264

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