The Plains Conservation Center an outdoor education facility and state-designated natural area located in Colorado. Its motto is to preserve Colorado's prairies, educate children about Colorado's eco-history, and nurture conservation efforts. The center comprises two sites totaling approximately 8,894 acres (35.99 km2) of land. The main site is located on 1,100 acres (4.5 km2) in Aurora and the second site is south of Strasburg on 7,960 acres (32.2 km2) bisected by West Bijou Creek. The center is in part funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, and is a non-profit organization.
The land that is currently part of the Aurora site was once part of the railroad. The city of Denver bought the land in 1933, and the land later became federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
A feature of the site is a herd of wild pronghorn. Pronghorn can run up to 70 miles per hour and are not related to deer. They are most closely related to the giraffe and the tapir according to staff.
At its Aurora location, the Plains Conservation Center operates several facilities that are open to the public on Saturdays.
The center offers a variety of programs for individuals and groups that cover such topics as natural history, pioneer life, Native Americans, art, crafts, farming and other subjects.
The West Bijou property contains no facilities, and visitors must be escorted.