FOX is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was organized in 2009 with the mission of raising money for the Colorado State University Extension in El Paso County. Funds raised by FOX supplement County, State and Federal support of programs which include: youth development through 4-H,  Local Foods, horticulture through the Colorado Master Gardener program, and Nutrition and Food Safety Education through the Family Consumer Science Program.

The mission of FOX shall be to:

Support and promote horticultural, agricultural, food safety and nutrition, youth development programs in El Paso County including, but not limited to the Colorado State University Extension in El Paso County, Colorado; and to encourage and increase community support, appreciation and participation in and of said programs.The primary fundraising activity for FOX is the annual Colorado Springs Garden Tour.

Garden Tour Fundraisers

Since the tour’s inception in 2011, this popular event has been held in various locations around Colorado Springs including Village Seven, the West Side, the Old North End, Patty Jewett, North Central and the Broadmoor.

Tour attendees observe various gardening practices including water conservation, xeriscaping, deer-resistant techniques and raising vegetables.  Colorado Master Gardeners are available at each of the gardens to answer questions about plants and good gardening practices. As added attractions to the tour in some years, local Plein Air Garden Artists have been on site painting various aspects of the gardens, live music has been performed by local youth, and 4-H children have sold beverages and snacks to raise funds for their local clubs.