October 2023

NEWSUPCOMING PROJECTS | SUPPORT RFOV

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Progress at Coal Basin Ranch

Coal Basin Ranch is a beautiful property near Redstone, CO with the mission of "using trails to help heal the land and people." RFOV partnered with Coal Basin Ranch last year to restore land degraded by the coal mine. This year, RFOV enjoyed the opportunity to return to the same spot where 30 volunteers continued this important restoration work. The amazing progress of our volunteers can be seen below. Thanks, Beth Selzer for the photos!


Invasive Species, Are You KIDding?

RFOV had the pleasure of working with 40 students in grades K-8 at the Marble Charter School on September 22. That afternoon, the whole school headed down to the Marble Wetlands, where students observed the changing leaves, beaver dams, and even moose tracks! In just one hour, these amazing kids worked together to gather FOUR large garbage bags of invasive species. Between the changing leaves and enthusiastic smiles, it was a beautiful and productive day!


Youth in Nature at the Farm


On September 16, this year's Youth In Nature cohort met at the Farm Collaborative to learn about regenerative agriculture and help out on the farm! Students prepared the "grow done" greenhouse for winter planting, harvested radishes, and "dug into" exciting permaculture practices. After some stewardship work, the students met mini goats and harvested some snacks - including figs, tomatoes, and even goji berries! Next month, the group with learn all about the Maroon Bells unique geology with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) 

Learn more about the Youth In Nature program, HERE.


RFOV Staff Work Day ROCKED!

On September 25, the RFOV team ROCKED a staff work day! Pitkin County Open Space and Trails has been wanting work to be done on the Sunnyside Trail in Aspen for years. On steeper parts of this trail, erosion is causing the trail to degrade faster. Our team successfully built a rock turnpike to help stop this erosion.


UPCOMING PROJECTS

Silt River Preserve - Saturday, October 14

Help restore the natural areas of Silt River Preserve to renew this town park for people and wildlife to enjoy! We'll build on the work that volunteers like you have done over the past two years by planting and protecting more areas of the preserve. All ages welcome!

Wulfsohn Mountain Park - Sunday, October 15

Before it was a mountain bike paradise and a shopping district, the Wulfsohn area was threatened by the 2002 Coal Seam Fire. To help reduce the risk of another large wildfire in Glenwood Springs, join with fire experts to learn about and then implement much-needed fire mitigation projects.


VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Brad Nitcher is on track to accomplish an impressive total of ELEVEN projects this season! Beyond being a leader on these projects, Brad is committed and consistently arrives early and stays late, providing invaluable support to RFOV staff during setup and cleanup. His dedication and hard work have earned the admiration and appreciation of both staff and fellow volunteers.


EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

4th Annual Pristine Riders Fall Trash Crush
 

A community clean-up and environmental stewardship event hosted by Pristine Riders, a local 501c3 non-profit combining a passion for cycling and cleaning up the environment, and Sun Dog Athletics.

WHEN: Friday, October 6th from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM rain or shine
WHERE: North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate parking lot

Walking or biking is encouraged. More information and registration are available by contacting organizer Erik Skarvan at sundog@sopris.net or (970) 925-1069.


PARTY IN THE PASTURE

Experience Coffman Ranch and connect with your community!

WHEN: Sunday, October 8th from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM rain or shine
WHERE: Coffman Ranch in Carbondale

Biking is strongly encouraged. A complimentary shuttle will be available from the Town of Carbondale public lot to the ranch every ten minutes. Parking is reserved for ADA vehicles only. 

Tickets are $10 for adults and kids ages 12 and under are free! Meal tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids. 

For more information visit: https://www.avlt.org/party.html


EASY WAYS SUPPORT RFOV

LINK YOUR REWARDS CARD
Every dollar you spend benefits RFOV!

  1. Go to citymarketrewards.com

  2. Login or create an account

  3. When asked to "Link your card", enroll in "Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteer" from the list of organizations

TAKE THE ASPEN PLEDGE

Simply by signing the Aspen Pledge, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) will make a donation on your behalf to Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.