Uncovering Manitou’s Hidden Mineral History

We’ve struck gold in Manitou Springs! Join us as Doug Edmondson, President of the Mineral Springs Foundation, shares the intriguing history of Manitou’s mineral springs—the geological marvels believed to have healing powers that drew the world’s wealthiest travelers to our region.

Biography of Our Speaker: Douglass Keithely Edmundson carries on the noteworthy legacy of stewardship, conservation, and civic/commercial engagement started by his great grandfather Everard Spencer Keithley. Keithley was first a forester, then supervisor of Pike National Forest from 1912 to 1946 and oversaw the planting of approximately 30 million evergreen trees, contributing significantly to the reforestation of areas lost to wildfires and logging, including the slopes of Pikes Peak and the Mount Herman burn. Additionally, Keithley was responsible for the building of Rampart Range Road and also donated several thousand trees from his private nursery to the City of Colorado Springs, which were transplanted into the Garden of the Gods by the CCC and are still visible today.

Doug is a fourth generation Manitou Springs and is currently the owner/operator of the historic 9-acre Keithley Pines and the core of the Keithley Log Cabin Development district (National Register of Historic Places in CO) which features log cabins and permanent residences. He, his wife Annie, and daughter continue to live onsite in the historic cabins. In 2014, Doug and Annie designated approximately 3 acres of their property to what is now known as the beloved Flying Pig Farm. The Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which provides an ecological oasis to the community along with land-based educational programs for children, adults, military veterans, and at risk individuals.

In 2021, Doug was appointed President of the Mineral Springs foundation and has transformed its processes and operations to meet guidelines/standards set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). He is also the former Chair of Manitou’s Historic Preservation Commission and is a well-regarded historic subject matter expert and craftsman. His wife Annie recently completed her 2-year term as President of the Women’s Club and continues to serve as a Board member for the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce.