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Tips to help you connect your family to nature!

Local Youth benefit from the Power of Partnerships by Abram Herman

4/8/2025

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(Left) A young TRY participant proudly displays the trout she caught ice fishing on Ward Lake during FOYAN's Winter Fun Festival. (Right) Local youth get a chance to play in the snow, create snow castles and colorful designs on the white palate.

Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) believes that working together with other organizations means a greater ability to impact more youth in a focused and positive way. This and having loads of fun together spills over into amazing experiences for our local youth. If you were on the Grand Mesa on Monday February 17th at Ward or County Line ski trails, you were able to see our partnerships in action.
 
Over 110 youth from our Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) coalition played together in freshly fallen snow under bluebird skies while sledding, catching fish, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and making colorful snow art. Appetites fueled by these activities at 10,000 feet in elevation were quelled with scrumptious chili dogs and frothy hot chocolate.
 
Thanks to expert outdoorspeople from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Nature Connection, Colorado Canyons Association, Grand Mesa Nordic Council, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,  Mesa County Youth Services, Colorado Mountain Club. the San Juan Mountain Association, and many locally talented volunteers, participating youth couldn’t have had more fun!
 
Outings like this take hours of planning and teamwork, and that’s what Friends of Youth and Nature excels at on a daily basis. The behind the scenes planning of scheduling events, organizing activities, providing gear, recruiting quality mentors to teach outdoor skills, working with providers and volunteers on gathering and transporting youth, ordering and preparing food for all, and so much more all takes time and careful planning. We feel strongly that if we provide the means for a fun filled exciting day for youth in the outdoors, they will not only want to continue to get outside but are emotionally bonded to each other and to nature in a way that nurtures these future stewards of our world.
 
We have many more outings scheduled for our local youth in 2025, and this is where you can help! Our TRY outings and scholarships for youth outdoor programs are funded through your generous donations. We are having our second annual “Bring on the Summer Outdoor Festival” on May 24th at Montrose Riverbottom Park. This is a gift to YOU, as well as a fundraising event. We use sponsorships to fund necessary costs at the event such as porta potties, licenses, fees, prizes, and a stage for the emcee and events at the festival. There will be 20-30 youth activity booths, as well as partner organization sign-ups for summer programming for your children. Did I say contests with prizes? We will have food trucks, music, and friendly competitions such as a ducky race, pie eating contest, face painting, bubble making, as well as basketball, corn hole, skateboarding, and disc golf competitions. Summer fun for all ages!
 
If you would like to be a sponsor to help raise more funds to connect our local youth to healthy outdoor programs, volunteer or organize a youth activity, please visit our website (below) for more information or to donate online. 
 
Thank you for all your support and save the date for our Bring on the Summer Outdoor Festival on May 24th, 2025 at Riverbottom Park in Montrose! We hope to see you there.

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Colorado Sunshine- Exploring your Local Parks by David Padilla

3/11/2025

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The Dos Rios playground in Grand Junction includes two climbing net structures. The one pictured is the climbable model of a Humpback Chub, one of four endangered fish found in the Colorado River. This structure provides a fort-like atmosphere complete with slides. The playground also includes smaller features to complete the design (photo courtesy: City of Grand Junction Parks and Rec).

No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids in so many ways. There is much scientific evidence that playing outside improves our health and general well being, and children of all ages love it. In Colorado, we really don't need to travel far to enjoy nature. We are usually only a few minutes’ drive from a lake or local park. These parks are truly our Colorado Sunshine, providing the golden opportunity to get outside with our families!
 
Every town, no matter how small, has a local park that provides engaging trails, sports fields, and more. Variety is the spice of PLAY! Consider rotating to a different park every so often. Each park can offers something different or unique such as forts, jungle gyms or slides, zip lines, fishing piers, story walks, pollinator gardens, nature trails to explore, bouldering rocks, or small creeks or fountains to wade in. Sometimes it is worth it to drive a little further to experience new features or different landscapes. Consider taking a milk crate full of toy dump trucks tractors, road graders, cars, and other toys and find a sandy area by a creek to play.  After checking out different parks, your kids may then have a favorite that you can treat them too more often! Some gems that you might want to visit are Canyon View, Eagle Rim, and Los Colonias parks in Grand Junction; Confluence Lake, Hotchkiss Fairgrounds, or Paonia River Park in Delta County; Olathe Community Park; Cerise or Riverbottom Park in Montrose; and Dennis Weaver Memorial Park, Fellin Park, and Cascade Falls Park in Ouray County.
 
Outdoor activities can include a picnic with family favorites such as Carne Asada seasoned with lime and salt eaten with homemade tortillas, hotdogs for the kids, and finger goods such as chips and vegetable trays. Having plenty of lemonade, iced tea, or Gatorade is important to stay hydrated in our dry climate. Just toss down a blanket on the soft grass, enjoy the breeze, the sound of the birds, and the fresh air. A good way to keep the older teenagers engaged outdoors is having a good game of kickball and having them pick their own teams, turn on some music, and let them enjoy. Other popular outdoor activities are fishing, sitting by the lake listening to the earth, listening to nature without talking, and catching some Colorado sunshine.
 
No matter what you’re into, take some time with your kiddos and enjoy the outdoors at one of our many local parks. Unstructured physical activity is so important especially these days with so many over scheduled youth. It improves the physical and mental health of your child, encourages creative play, bonding with peers and team building. It reduces the likelihood of obesity and weight-related health concerns, which are issues for families today. Most importantly, parks allow us to spend time with our families- all of them, our grandparents, uncles and aunts, baby cousins and friends- there is something for everyone at our local parks.
 
Get outside and build more family memories today by visiting your local park!
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County and city parks near you!
 
Mesa County:
The City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department has a wonderful resource listing all 36 parks alphabetically in the Grand Junction area (www.gjcity.org/residents/parks-recreation/parks/).  Under ‘Parks” click on each park name and it will give you specifics about the size of the park and amenities available.
Fruita has a similar website (www.fruita.org/parksrec/parksites) that describes each of its 12 parks including a bike park with skill-building bike pump tracks.
 
On the east side of the Grand Valley, several five-star parks are available in Palisade. Enjoy walking or riding bicycles under the trees along the paved path at Riverbend Park, having a picnic near the play equipment at Veteran’s Memorial park, or romping in the green space at the Palisade Community Center park. Addresses can be found by googling Parks and Recs near Palisade, CO.
 
Montrose County:
The City of Montrose website (www.cityofmontrose.org/266/Parks-Trails-Sports-Facilities) lists 29 fabulous parks, open spaces, concrete and single-track trails, and a water sports park. By clicking on the ‘interactive map’ and ‘view larger map’ you can see each park with amenities.

Six parks in and near the town of Olathe are listed on their website (www.townofolathe.org/town-of-olathe-parks.html). A variety of facilities are available from Olathe Community Park at the south end of town to the Onion Park on Olathe’s north side.  The Olathe Town Park on 5th street has a spectacular new playground purchased through a Colorado Health Foundation grant.
 
Delta County
The City of Delta has 11 parks on their interactive map (https://cityofdelta.net/parksites). Clicking on the name of the park, either on the map or on the list provided, takes you to a detailed description of each fabulous park,

The North Fork area includes a listing of 18 parks near the towns of Crawford, Hotchkiss, and Paonia (www.northforkrecreation.com/parks.html). These descriptions include the Black Canyon National Monument and Crawford State Park, as well as the Delta County Fairgrounds adjacent to the Doctor Maloney Nature Park and its new disc golf course. Crossroads Park next to the North Fork Pool on Bulldog Street, has two new bike skill-building pump tracks, as well as single-track trails maintained by the North Fork chapter of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA).
 
The Surface Creek area, including Orchard City (Cory, Austin, and Eckert) and Cedaredge, have some beautiful parks and recreation facilities. Information can be found on the internet about these facilities: Orchard City Town Park (www.orchardcityco.org/36/Orchard-City-Town-Park), Cedaredge Town Park (350-398 SW 2nd Ave, Cedaredge, CO 81413), and the Surface Creek Trail in Cedaredge (www.hikingproject.com/trail/7058563/surface-creek-trail).

Ouray County has 10 parks including an ice rink, sledding park, Cascade Falls Park and the Uncompahgre River Trail.  Find out the locations and amenities of each one by visiting city of Ouray parks.

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Generosity Abounds in our Communities’ Commitment to Our Youth by Anne Janik

1/26/2025

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Fourth grade students enjoy a fall day on our national forest celebrating public lands day and learning about the many natural resources the forest has to offer.

Because we live on the Western Slope of Colorado, so close to acres of public lands, rugged ridgelines, dark skies, and rippling waters, we appreciate these natural wonders more than most communities in the U.S. We also want our youth to be able to experience these places, learn about the intricacies of nature, be challenged by outdoor endeavors, and appreciate our natural resources.   

Our communities have been so generous to our youth in helping Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) facilitate school nature outings, summer camps, mentored outdoor skill building experiences, and nature learning workshops through grant awards and private donations that help make these opportunities happen for our youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray Counties.  Community foundations have been an incredible source of funding for FOYAN.  Through the umbrella organization of the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF), FOYAN received $5,000 from the West Elk Community Fund for outdoor camp scholarships for youth in the North Fork Valley. The WCCF Delta Community Fund awarded FOYAN $500 for camp scholarships to youth in the City of Delta. The WCCF CORE Fund and the WCCF General Fund donated $6,000 and $3,600 respectively specific for watershed education opportunities for our youth in the four counties. The Gunnison Basin Roundtable awarded FOYAN $1,500 to facilitate opportunities for our youth to learn about the Gunnison and Colorado River watersheds.  Colorado Grand (Classic Car Charity Tour) donated $10,000 for various outreach opportunities for youth across our four counties. The City of Grand Junction donated $10,000 for youth outdoor and nature learning scholarships for Mesa County youth. Through FOYAN, Montrose Walmart donated $2,500 for the Montrose High School Climbing Team and the Delta Walmart donated $500 for City of Delta youth outdoor scholarships.

In addition, FOYAN hosted several fundraisers in collaboration with businesses and other partners. In Grand Junction, the Gearhead Outfitters hosted a "Kuhl Try-On" event, Trail Life Brewing- "Grains for Good" and Roots Gastrohub hosted a non-profit night with proceeds going to FOYAN.  The Christi Reece group committed to provide volunteer time for FOYAN youth events. FOYAN partnered with the "Kid's Pasta Project" in Hotchkiss which is all about youth serving the community through the preparation/serving of freshly made, healthy dinners giving profits to community non-profits in the North Fork Valley. FOYAN also collaborated with various partners to host the "Bring on the Summer" kid fest fundraiser in Montrose which generated over $5,000 in it's first year.

These foundation awards and fundraising events were leveraged through matches from individual donors like you – giving directly to FOYAN or through Colorado Gives Day to help us receive their incentive matches.  FOYAN received over $15,000 during the end of the year campaign from private donors. Thank you to all who were able to donate to our local youth experiences!

In 2024, FOYAN was able to facilitate outdoor and nature learning experiences for over 8,500 youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray Counties. We distributed over $87,000 to schools for field trip (bus) transportation assistance to Eureka Science center, river festivals, natural resource days, outdoor learning labs (OWL), and snow science/ cross-country skiing opportunities on the Grand Mesa National Forest – just to name a few!  We also provided scholarships for youth to attend summer camps locally at The Nature Connection in Hotchkiss and Delta and a weeklong overnight camp at Santa Maria YMCA near Grant, Colorado for 13 Delta County teens.

It's obvious our community members get it - that time outdoors is vital to re-set one's frame of mind and relieve stress. For kids it also builds confidence and resilience, and provides a chance to play outside- essentially the healthy, active lifestyles many of us Coloradans live here for! It also encourages new friendships and open discussions about our planet and all it has to offer us if we care for it. We are hoping to instill a sense of ownership, appreciation, and respect for our public lands and resources in these young folks so that one day they will be good stewards of our open spaces, habitats for wildlife, clean air and water, and places to seek physical challenges, exciting fun, or solitude. Thank you to our communities for recognizing this great gift we all enjoy on the Western Slope of Colorado and for supporting efforts to pass it on to our next generation.
 


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Tech Meets Trails: Engage Digital Natives in the Outdoors by Abram Herman

12/26/2024

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Nature apps can help kids identify trees, insects, flowers and birds!

In a world dominated by screens, getting kids to step outside and connect with nature can feel like a herculean task. Many parents and educators face the dilemma of competing with video games, social media, and streaming platforms for childrens’ attention. However, understanding that incremental change can lead to more long-lasting results, what if we instead harness technology as a bridge to the outdoors?
 
Blending technology with nature-based activities offers a unique opportunity to engage today’s “digital natives” while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Through intentional use of these tools, we can inspire a love of exploration, curiosity, and stewardship in a way that resonates with tech-savvy youth.
 
While screen time is often, and maybe rightly, blamed for the growing disconnect between children and nature, technology can also be a powerful tool for fostering engagement. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk allow children to interact with the natural world in interactive and educational ways. These platforms transform outdoor spaces into living classrooms, encouraging kids to identify plants, track animal behaviors, and map constellations.
 
Take geocaching, for instance. This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS-enabled devices to lead participants to hidden caches scattered around the globe. It’s an adventure that combines problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, making it an excellent way to get children excited about spending time in nature. Technology can make the outdoors feel like a video game!
 
Critics often worry that using technology outdoors could detract from the benefits of unplugging, which is a fair concern. The key lies in moderation—by framing technology as a tool, rather than the main focus, parents and educators can encourage kids to use it as a stepping stone into deeper, screen-free engagement with nature, while also building healthier attitudes and habits around the ideal role of technology in day to day life. 
 
For example, apps like BirdNET allow users to identify bird calls using their smartphone microphone. Once a child gets excited about this exciting power to identify birds in their backyard, they’re more likely to put down the phone and spend time observing birds with their own eyes and ears.  
 
And blending technology and nature isn’t just about fun—it’s also a powerful way to nurture stewardship of our public lands. When kids use apps to identify plants or participate in outdoor programs, they develop a personal connection to the natural world. Here on the Western Slope we value our public lands for all of the different ways we interact with them as hunters, anglers, bikers, hikers, or any other outdoor activities. If we want to ensure continued stewardship of those public lands it’s crucial that the next generation has a chance to experience them and create a personal attachment and value of their own.
 
Research supports this approach. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who used interactive technology to learn about nature were more likely to express interest in environmental conservation than those who only received traditional classroom instruction.  
 
One of the greatest advantages of tech-assisted outdoor activities is their accessibility. With a smartphone and internet connection, even families in highly urbanized areas can explore local parks or their backyards with fresh eyes. Similarly, rural communities can use digital tools to connect with broader communities through activities like tracking monarch butterfly migration or monitoring water quality.  
 
For families on a budget, many apps offer free versions, and community programs often lend GPS devices or binoculars to participants. These resources make it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of tech-integrated outdoor adventures.  
 
If you’re looking to combine technology and outdoor play, here are a few tips to get started:  
 
1. Choose the Right Tools: Research apps or programs that align with your child’s interests, whether it’s stargazing, wildlife tracking, or geocaching.  
 
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits for screen time during outdoor activities, encouraging moments of direct interaction with nature, without the devices in hand. 
 
3. Start Small: Begin with simple activities like identifying backyard plants or spotting planets and constellations, before moving on to more complex projects.  
 
4. Make It Social: Invite friends or classmates to join in, turning outdoor adventures into shared experiences that build community and cooperation.  
 
By embracing technology as a tool for outdoor exploration, we can meet kids where they are while fostering a genuine love for nature. Whether through identifying birds with an app or hunting for geocaches in a nearby park, tech-integrated activities offer endless opportunities to inspire curiosity and creativity.  
 
In a time when our public lands need defenders more than ever, these small steps can lay the foundation for a future generation of environmental stewards—creating a healthier form of connection with technology, and a greater connection to the wonders of the world around them.  


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Wild and Wonderful Winter Outings for Kids by Anita Evans

11/17/2024

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Youth from FOYAN's partner program "Together for Resilient Youth" or TRY, enjoy a winter day on the Grand Mesa National Forest, sledding, ice fishing, creating snow sculptures and learning to cross-country ski and snowshoe

Winter is the most magical time to get children outside. The crisp mountain air calls to something deep in the soul. Snow blanketing the ground brings a fresh clean slate for creating memories together.
 
To have successful outings with kids in the winter takes a bit of preparation. There are things you can gather now that will make that first outing to the sledding hill more fun for all. It’s time to make a list and gather essential items. Grab a box or backpack that you can use to collect essential items and put in an “out of the way” spot. Make a list of anything else you need but use on a regular basis and cannot put in your box.
 
When you take a trip to the Grand Mesa, or any other mountain destination, you need to remember that you are going to a completely different environment. Local mountain playgrounds are a mile higher in elevation than the surrounding valleys, and temperatures, sun intensity, and weather often are important considerations. Check the weather forecast the day before your outing to make sure you are properly prepared.
 
It is always good to have extra gloves, knit caps, socks, chemical hand warmers, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and sweaters in your car or pack to stay protected during a morning of winter fun! You can put a few old hats and gloves in your “winter gear box” that you take with you, and that way if someone in your party forgets something, you are good to go!
 
 Sunscreen, sun protecting lip balm, and sunglasses are a must to protect against sunburn. Being in the mountains means a mile less of insulating atmosphere, and more intense reflection of the sun off the snow. Make sure your sunscreen is a broad-spectrum protection (protecting from both UVA and UVB rays) with at least 30 SPF, or ‘sun protecting factor.’
 
Days are short in the winter, and darkness sometimes falls a little earlier than you expect. A headlamp in your pack will come in very handy (extra batteries in a ziploc). There are lightweight led lights that will do the job as well and are easy to carry. It’s always a good idea to have matches or a lighter and a space blanket with you. Many of these items can be stored in your car through the winter.
 
Dressing in layers, or “like an onion” on the day of your outing is very important! Having a wool or synthetic underlayer next to your skin will help absorb moisture and keep you warm, even if it gets wet. The next upper layer should be a wool or pile sweater or sweatshirt, and then a light water and wind proof jacket over that is your outer onion layer! With this system, if you are working hard cross-country skiing or climbing that sledding hill, you can peel off a layer to prevent overheating, and put it back on when you are sitting around at lunch. The same layering system works well on your legs, with either long underwear or tights under your outer layer of wind pants or snow pants. Large bulky winter coats make it difficult to regulate your body temperature when you are being active outdoors, but they are important in protecting yourself from the wind and will keep you warm while you are less active.
 
Taking care of your hands and feet and head are important, too!  Wear a warm pair of wool or synthetic socks – sometimes two layers work well if your boots are big enough. Most winter and ski boots have wonderful insulation, however, and one pair of warm socks is usually sufficient. Don’t depend on your athletic shoes to keep you warm: heavier and more water repellent boots will serve you better. If you only have athletic shoes, a plastic sack outside your sock and inside your shoe will help keep you dry. Gloves are important when playing in the snow! Look for gloves that fit well, are not too snug, and have modest insulation and a water repellent, yet breathable, synthetic outer layer. Some folks like to have a thin glove liner with them that fits well inside their regular glove in case the weather gets cold. And always bring a cozy knit cap made of wool or acrylic. You can lose up to 70% of your body heat through your head if it is uncovered.
 
In addition to what goes on your body to keep you comfortable, it is important remember to bring food and water with you. Stay hydrated - frequent sips of water help stave off altitude headaches and will leave you with more energy. And it is important to bring healthy high calorie snacks like trail mix (aka gorp), cheese sticks, apples and peanut butter, and snack bars. Exercising outside, especially in the winter, takes energy! A thermos of hot tea or hot chocolate is also a welcome treat that warms your body from the inside out.
 
As with all outdoor experiences, when you are well prepared your wild winter outing will truly be wonderful!
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Anita Evans, FOYAN Chair, receives prestigious Environmental Education Award

9/24/2024

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As part of her award, Anita received a signed copy of one of Enos A Mills 16 collectible books "The Spell of the Rockies."

Anita Evans, Chair of the nonprofit Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), recently received the prestigious Enos A. Mills Award for Exemplary Contributions to Environmental Education. This award is the highest honor presented by Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education each year to an individual for long-term, outstanding achievements and contributions to environmental and outdoor learning. The award is named after Enos A. Mills, a naturalist and author whose passion for environmental protection and education, photographs and writings were largely responsible for the decision by Congress in 1915 to establish Rocky Mountain National Park. Enos Mills spent his life discovering and experiencing nature, and working tirelessly to preserve it by sharing its benefits with others through guiding, writing and photographs. Like Enos Mills, Anita Evans has demonstrated exemplary vision, character, practice, and has made a long lasting and far-reaching impact on the field of environmental education (EE) on the Western Slope of Colorado. 

Anita Started her EE impact on Colorado youth in 1982 instructing cross-country skiing and backpacking for the Balarat Outdoor School in Denver, and as a trained Project Wild instructor in the 1990s. After getting her teaching certificate, Anita consistently made an impact with her students through hands-on outdoor skills, EE projects and field experiences. Every class Anita has taught to cross-country ski through the "Skis for Kids” program she and her husband Richard and many volunteers established in 1987 has experienced in-depth winter ecology instruction and learning.

"Every child I ever taught experienced nature: learning to cross-country ski, creating schoolyard habitats, learning how native species thrive in their web of life and observing how humans play an integral part in nature. I tried to have my students feel a sense of responsibility to learn about and experience our world, and practice responsible recreation and conservation efforts. Over 27 years I taught thousands of kids about what it means to be a responsible human intertwined with our natural world, and I hope they remember that we are nature," explained Evans.

Joining forces with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in 2013, Anita helped facilitate the written curriculum and publication of the Delta Teaching Environments Naturally teachers guide for all grade levels, connecting youth to the vast resource of public lands here on the Western Slope of Colorado. She also joined up with the U.S. Forest Service in 2014 to expand the Skis For Kids Programming with a "More Kids in the Woods" program, ensuring every 4th and 6th grader in Delta County could experience winter in Colorado on Cross Country Skis and learn about our largest reservoir of water—mountain snow.

Since retiring from teaching in 2014, Anita has assisted with teacher education classes put on by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in a program called OUT, or Outdoor Understanding for Teachers, helping with four teacher workshops a year on a variety of topics such as Bears, Elk, Beaver, Fish, Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, Wildlife Diseases, Winter Animal Adaptations, and many more.

In 2015, Anita helped facilitate a coalition of EE providers for three years in order to gain funding from Great Outdoors Colorado in 2018 to officially establish the Nature Connection in Hotchkiss, which is supported by the Delta County School District for Delta County and Olathe. This is where the Skis for Kids program came to reside, and with the addition of staffing and outdoor gear established the Learn to Bike program, paddle boarding/river experiences, rock climbing and weeklong youth summer camps. 


In 2018, Anita's passions and insights spearheaded the creation of the nonprofit Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), increasing the impact on youth every year, and supporting EE experiences for over 8,500 youth in 2023 alone. FOYAN is where her heart lives now, working with the seven member board across the four Western Slope counties of Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray counties. FOYAN’s focus is on four areas of EE: farm to school projects; watershed education; scholarships for teachers and youth for field trip busing, program fees, or special projects; and the Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) program, facilitating 6 outdoor events a year and reaching out to a segment of our local youth most in need of mentored outdoor skill building,  peer connections (without screen time), and creating emotional connections to our beautiful Western Colorado wild places.  

"There is something to be said about working together to help make a better world for those generations that follow us. We are nature. We are an intricate part of the web of life in this world, and how we interact with nature determines the path our world will take in the future. We all have a chance to choose our path in this world, shaping that future through our sphere of influence. That sphere expands, shifts, and changes throughout our lifetime allowing us to touch the lives of others in many positive ways. We have a responsibility to share our knowledge of nature through discovery, teaching, and learning experiences. How has Nature shaped you, your world, the world you share with your loved ones and acquaintances?" asks Evans.

As part of her award, Anita received a signed copy of one of Enos Mills 16 collectible books entitled "The Spell of the Rockies." Anita plans to continue her work with FOYAN and FOYAN partners to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of local youth. You can read more about Anita and past Enos A. Mills Award recipients here: https://caee.org/awards

 

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Dave Wood - the Man, the Road, the Trail by Anne Janik

9/10/2024

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Leigh Robertson, Ecologist, takes a group of Montrose Fourth Graders on a guided walk along the Dave Wood Interpretive Trail. The students are exploring and discovering many of nature's surprises on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

The name Dave Wood is often mentioned in conversation around town, mostly in the context of directions to access to the Uncompahgre National Forest.  Dave Wood Road is one of the closest access point to the forest from Montrose. We are lucky to be able to access these public lands within 40 minutes of town for a quick nature get away to recharge and reset ourselves. However, there is more to the name- Dave Wood. Here is a brief history of the man, the area as well as a guide to a fun interpretive hike to help you observe the nuances of the area's ecology.

Who was Dave Wood?
Dave Wood was a freighter in southwestern Colorado. He started his business in 1881 in Gunnison, when the Durango & Rio Grande Railroad made him their "forwarding and commission merchant." Wood freighted supplies west to construction gangs and newly-settled towns from the railroad's end-of-the-line. When the D&RG built its narrow gauge line through the Black Canyon and over Cerro Summit into Montrose, Wood took his business to that town. Montrose would be his largest and most permanent base, and for five years he was the exclusive agent for all freight going to Ouray, Telluride, and Rico. The D&RG extension, built from Montrose to Ouray in 1887, forced Wood to again move his base of operations. From his new location at Ridgway, he did a large freighting business into Telluride and Norwood. The completion of the Rio Grande Southern in 1891 ended Wood's operations. Built in 1882, the famous Dave Wood Road between Montrose and Telluride, via Horsefly Mesa, ran on the west side of the Uncompahgre River parallel with the present highway from Montrose to Ouray, and is today identified by a U. S. Forest Service marker.

Who were the first inhabitants of the Uncompahgre Plateau?
Long before Dave Wood set foot on the plateau, about 10,000 years before the early explorers investigated the area; the Paleo Indians roamed the plateau hunting herds of wildlife without bows and arrows! They travelled in groups of 10-20, found shelter in rock overhangs and caves, and subsisted on the abundant natural resources of the area. The Ute tribes were descendants of these early native peoples.

Dave Wood Interpretive Trail
The area encompasses about 3200 acres of typical habitats of the Uncompahgre Plateau. To the careful observer, there is evidence of multiple ecosystems, traces of past life that swam in an ancient sea, plants that actually communicate with each other, and traces of history that shaped our lives. A very informative guide is available to help you explore and understand these ecosystems.

The trail meanders through a montane forest.  The word montane means mountain. These forests occur between 5,500-9,000 feet elevation. Not surprisingly, the major feature of this zone is trees! Ponderosa pines dominate in this forest along with Rocky Mountain juniper. At higher elevations, lodgepole pine and spruce become more common. Other trees and shrubs in the montane forest include aspens, mountain mahogany and serviceberry. The guide will help you decipher the difference between a ponderosa pine and Douglas firs, coniferous and deciduous trees, mountain and western bluebirds and more. This is a landscape forged by wind and fire and as you hike along the trail, you will observe signs of those forces shaping the forest.  Pines have evolved to take advantage of periodic fires. The guide described details of plant and animal adaptations that allow species to thrive here.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you walk along the trail.  Look and listen for the sounds of nature. Ask yourself questions about the forest such as describing what it looks like, pointing out living and nonliving parts of the forest, or thinking about how the forest helps us. Engage your sense of wonder, dig deep for bits of forgotten knowledge, and test your connections to new nature knowledge you may have read or observed recently.  Take a closer look at the layers of this forest: the canopy, the understory and the forest floor. Pick a layer and check it out more closely. Look for living and non–living items in your layer. Draw it in your journal. How is your item connected to the forest?  (Example: a leaf is connected to a tree, but also shelters a ladybug, and will soon become a part of the nutrient rich soil.)

Be an observant hiker and discover your forest- there are surprises everywhere!  You may learn a few new fun facts about the forest as well as refresh some of the nature knowledge you haven’t thought about in a while.  You can download the guide from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest website under highlights (https://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug). The website  also provides links to more information about the Paleo Indians of the area, Dave Wood and details about the ecology of the plateau.   

Directions from Montrose: 
From Townsend and Main in Montrose head west on Main,
Left onto CO Highway 90,
0.4 miles stay right on Oak Grove (Hwy 90),
0.25 miles turn left onto Dave Wood Road/6250 Road.
Continue on Dave Wood Road for about 8 miles.
The interpretive trail is the first part of the Simms Mesa/Dave Wood Trail. The trailhead is on the east side (parking area) at the forest boundary. The Simms Mesa/Dave Wood Trail is designated for horses and hikers only; across the
road, Forest Service Route #536 is open to motorized travel (OHVs and snowmobiles).   

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Serving Colorado- Young Adults Volunteer through AmeriCorps by Nilam Hypio

8/10/2024

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Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for young adults to give their time and in return learn valuable life skills and gain friendships and memorable experiences. Here in Colorado, "Serve Colorado" is a volunteer program under the AmeriCorps umbrella, which offers funding for people, young and old, to volunteer and help communities across Colorado recover from the effects of COVID-19 and build them back stronger!
 
AmeriCorps offer a variety of areas for their members to volunteer such as education, the environment, energy and social service programs. AmeriCorps volunteers receive a living allowance, training, and an education award that may be used for future education costs, or to repay past student loans.
 
The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Educators (CAEE) has a special AmeriCorps program called “eeCorps” that focuses specifically on conservation and the environment and has many host sites across Colorado, including several locations on the Western Slope. The focus of volunteers with the eeCorps program is connecting youth to year-round place-based nature education.
 
Nilam Hypio, was an eeCorps member this past summer serving youth attending the Nature Connection programs in the Delta County and Olathe areas. Nilam writes about her experience as an eeCorps member working with Western Slope youth, teaching them about the environment and helping them gain outdoor skills.

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Nilam Hypio, an eeCorps volunteer with the Nature Connection, spent this past summer working with local youth teaching them about the environment and helping them gain outdoor skills. (Photo Courtesy: Anita Evans)
 
“During the beginning of my term, we (the Nature Connection staff) were right in the middle of preparing for one of our core school programs that takes place in the wintertime- our Skis for Kids Program. I was all too familiar with this program, as both of my parents had started this program, and I had helped with several outings. After previously working with a much older population than our core youth audience, I was a little nervous. Over time and leading many programs and activities, I became more comfortable with holding conversations and joking around with just about any kid.
 
Fast forward to our summer camp programs with The Nature Connection that took place in two locations, Hotchkiss and Delta, Colorado.  I was responsible for facilitating education stations
for various themes offered for each camp week throughout the summer.  I was hopeful
that the summer camps would be fun for the kids, give them a chance to relax, make
new friends, and just let them be kids doing kid things. Even though we saw
some of the same kids from our school programs, each camp brought a different vibe for
each location. I was a little surprised by this.  Some camper groups needed a lot more
physical activity and movement throughout the day particularly to get through that last chunk of the day.  Knowing this, I had fun modifying education lesson stations based on the
location of the camp and the kids needs.
 
During one station, I had taken the kids and camp counselors for a nature walk to gather
leaves for a leaf rubbing activity to get the kids moving, and observing. After we came back with the gathered leaves, we started our activity. The theme of that week's activity was Nature of Art, and the goal of that activity was to use leaves gathered to create designs on a piece of paper using crayons for a colorful result. After they had created their designs, the
campers could write a little note to whomever they chose.. One camper wrote
"Anthony, please come to camp. It's not as bad as you think it is."  This had me and the other counselors cracking up in fits of laughter! I mean, what would you expect a kid to write, other than complete honesty? It was as funny as it was humbling. I didn't know which camper wrote that note, but it assured me and the other counselors that the kids were actually
having fun and making memories.
 
Ultimately, having fun while connecting to the outdoors is our intention and if we can make
an impact on at least one kid, then that is more than satisfying enough.”

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The camp counselors were awesome and really tuned into the campers to let  their inner kid out.  The counselors from left to right: The Nature Connection Staff: Anna Robinson (Program Director) and Cy Hassell.   AmperiCorps members: Nilam Hypio, and Stephanie Sietz (Program Manager). (Photo courtesy: The Nature Connection)

Most of us head outside to unplug and unwind from the stresses of daily life, to improve our mood, get some exercise, or connect with others.  These are some of the exact same benefits you get from doing volunteer work. So why not give back and do some good while you’re enjoying The Great Outdoors? Whether it’s benefiting your local community, a specific organization, or Mother Nature herself, volunteering outside has countless benefits. With internet access to many different social media platforms and groups, it’s never been easier to find volunteer opportunities
!

More information about the AmeriCorps program through Serve Colorado can be found at:
https://servecolorado.colorado.gov/americorps-recruitment

Specific AmeriCorps programming through the CAEE eeCorps programming can be found at:
(https://caee.org/programs/act/americorps-eecorps/eecorps-host-sites

The Nature Connection summer camps and school break camps are offered in Hotchkiss and Delta with programs for all ages of youth.
For more information visit: thenatureconnection.net


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Experiencing Animals Up-close and Personal by Carrie Krickbaum

7/2/2024

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Butterflies are pretty cool! Anna Krickbaum is fascinated by an owl butterfly whose color resemble the camouflage colors of a great horned owl  (Photo Courtesy: Carrie Krickbaum)


Animals are fascinating creatures that easily capture the attention of children and adults! Most children learn about animals from storybooks, cartoons, and shows but an up-close encounter is another story!  A trip to the zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, an animal farm, a horse therapy session, or even a butterfly exhibit is a chance to give life to their imagination and help them build an emotional connection with animals.

How cool is it to see a child’s eyes light up in amusement every time they see the “King of the Jungle” prancing around, or giraffes reaching up to nibble leaves from the high tree branches. Even babies screech in excitement when they look into the eyes of a baby goat or pet the soft velvety muzzle of a curious pony. To watch a butterfly open its wings for the first time after emerging from a chrysalis is nature's gift to our sense of wonder. Wildlife encounters provided by zoos and other animal sanctuaries enable children to learn about animals effectively, promote empathy and compassion for living creatures, and foster cognitive development, which helps a child think about and understand the world around them. Observing and discussing animals with young ones stimulates their interest, curiosity and their realization that animals have feelings and emotions too! These encounters are planting the seeds of conservation as they begin to show concern for our natural resources. A natural resource is something that exists in nature, such as soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy.

What a surprise when your child realizes their special animal does exist for real!  Most kids can't stop talking about the first real bear they see, which until then existed only as their stuffed teddy bear. A zoo or aquarium can be the scene of such exciting discoveries when wild creatures from around the world are brought together in one place.  You don’t have to travel far and wide to see them and they are right there within reachable distance. It is like having their make-believe world come true.

Observing behaviors and learning about animals helps children develop a sensitivity to animals as living beings. Children can learn that animals have moods, emotions and needs just like they do.  Empathizing with animals gives your child a sensitive mindset for other fellow creatures. Even taking your child to a humane society shelter to play with cats can teach kids’ compassion towards animals.  Animal connection can help your child grow up to be more aware and responsible towards nature, the environment and its conservation.   

Learning to respect animals is an important lesson.  Even in a zoo, aquarium, ranch, pond, wildlife park or national park, these places provide habitats and homes for animals.  It is important to respect an animal's space and not disturb them. Children need to learn early to comply with rules for watching animals for their safety as well as the animal's safety.

It is intriguing to watch lions roaring and monkeys scratching their heads, otters swimming or a beautiful peacock displaying its tail feathers!  Visits to the zoo may help children understand animal behavior and characteristics. Even though some animals are confined in cages, their setting provides a semblance of their natural habitat. Observing animals being their natural selves in their almost natural environment is an immense learning experience for children. Who doesn’t remember relating to a sleeping lion or a penguin joyfully diving into the water?

While observing animals, focus on your child's senses- visual, auditory, and kinesthetic! Children's learning experiences are enhanced when they employ their senses. If they can see, hear and touch animals, they will remember more than just hearing about them. Auditory learners find it fascinating to listen to animal sounds while visual learners enjoy watching animal antics.

For some people, it is difficult to see animals in settings like zoos. However, many zoos are doing great conservation research with other countries to protect or re-establish species.  Wildlife sanctuaries are an important refuge for wild animals that can no longer survive in the wild.  
 
There are many places in Colorado where you can take your children to safely experience animals up close and personal. Summer is a great time to go on a family field trip to observe and learn about animals:  hear a chorus of native frogs at the Denver Zoo, touch the smooth, shimmering back of a stingray at the Denver Aquarium or experience the magic of metamorphosis at the Butterfly Pavilion. Check out some of our suggestions for summer animal learning adventures below.
                                                                             **********
 
Wild Animal Sanctuary (https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/) is an educational facility (located near Keenesburg, - eastern Colorado) built on 1,300 acres of beautiful open grassland, the kind typically found on the plains of Colorado.  The wild animal sanctuary is the largest carnivore sanctuary in the work not only by the number of animals rescued and currently cared for, but also through the size and scope of operations. This site currently hosts over 550 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other rescued animals and is open to the public for educational purposes
 
 
The Wild Mustang Sanctuary Herd (https://www.greatescapemustangs.org/sanctuary) is composed of mustangs who have journeyed through various chapters – from the wild to captivity but are strongly wired with their wild instincts and have proven themselves happier with minimal human interactions. Here, they are granted the freedom to live out their life grazing and roaming, forming bonds within a natural environment that mirrors their native habitats.

The Denver Zoo (https://denverzoo.org/) programs are rooted in age-appropriate experiences that connect all learners to the natural world through cultivation of empathy and self-driven exploration that builds knowledge and ultimately empowers learners to take action for wildlife.

Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO (https://butterflies.org/) is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world and a leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.

Metaphorse Equine Therapy and Riding Instruction (https://www.metaphorse.com/) offers a uniquely designed equine activity for children and adults. Each session with the therapy horses can truly be a profound experience, is a more powerful way to learn and is proven to cause a lasting change.

Western Colorado Botanic Gardens: Butterflies (https://wcbotanic.org/butterflies/  promotes the responsible conservation of precious natural resources in Western, Colorado by providing educational and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages, while offering an aesthetic setting for cultural and community events.”

Moon Farm Petting Zoo (Moon Farm Pumpkin Patch and Petting Zoo - Moon Farm)

Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning (www.gvequineassistedlearningcenter.org) provides horse-based therapies for children, adults, veterans and public servants including police and fire personnel to facilitate growth, learning and healing to people of all abilities including the disabled, disadvantaged and special needs.
 

 
 


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Thank You For  A Great Summer Celebration by Anne Janik

6/18/2024

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A traditional summer festival activity is the pie-eating contest! Both adults and kids had a chance to gobble up !

Bring on the Summer Outdoor Festival
on Memorial Day weekend brought several hundred youth and families to River Bottom Park to join in a fun summer celebration! The festival was an opportunity to bring our community together and be outside enjoying games, food, and music. There was something for everyone. The idea behind the festival was to engage kids and families in outdoor activities that they could continue to do  throughout summer.  Organizations that provide summer programs, workshops and camps for youth were encouraged to participate and engage kids and families with a taste of their offerings for the summer.

As part of the festival, a skateboard contest drew 17 competitors of all levels including Ollie Graves, an upcoming athlete from Western Colorado with Olympic potential. Prizes were awarded to the top three contestants in the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels as well as for the highest air, and best trick. The skate maneuvers were artistic and innovative attracting over 150 observers. Junktown Clothing and La Familia Music Group (LFMG) sponsored the contest.  The competition drew teens and young adults to the festival. "We hope Montrose will be part of a regional competition and we can continue to host this as an annual event," said Johnny Sales, competition host. Other outdoor sports included a basketball tournament sponsored by Dripping Industries and disc golf sponsored by Aces Flys Dyes. "It was great to have the community come together at this festival and to see the teens and young adults wanting to participate in it. These types of events are needed in our community and we plan to provide more fun events like this in the future," said Edgar Quiroz, of LFMG Music Academy and festival co- organizer. In addition, a few timeless festival events included the cornhole tournament, pie-eating contest, and the ducky races - all with great prizes provided by Hot Water Productions, Mi Mexico, Fiesta Guadalajara, and Tacos and Beer. Safeway and City Market (South) provided the delicious pies!

The Montrose Art Guild is hosting several summer youth art workshops and organized a bird art activity that attracted many young artists. After creating their own birds, kids were able to learn to identify common local birds with representatives from the Black Canyon Audubon Society. A few other activities included a fossil dig, displays of dinosaur skulls, rock painting, chalk art, bubble play, face painting, bouncy house, backyard games, free books for summer reading and much more.      
A Time to Dance featured several dance style demos as teasers to their summer dance programs, and Montrose Surf and Cycle provided wave surfing demos. The One Takers provided live music. LFMG Music Academy brought out a student artist to perform music he has been working on at the Academy during a short jam session.

The festival is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN).  All proceeds will help FOYAN cover the cost of getting more kids outside, which has been proven to help kids build confidence, resilience, healthy lifestyles, and skills for problem solving. One of FOYAN'S goals is to remove the barriers for our local youth to participate in nature experiences that build these traits.  FOYAN helps cover the cost of bus transportation for many school district field trips, provides scholarships for underserved youth and other community youth for camps, assists with costs associated with field trips and nature learning events, and will expand available items in the free outdoor gear library for youth partners of FOYAN in Montrose and Ouray Counties.  

"We would like to thank our community members for their support of the event and our efforts to get more kids engaged in healthy, active outdoor activities. This event could not have been such a success without our sponsors, all the organizations that provided an assortment of summer activities for our youth and the invaluable volunteers that helped  Bring on the summer - Outdoor Festival" said Anita Evans, FOYAN Chair  We hope families and kids attending the festival took home a few new ideas for summer.  Please join the fun next year and help us get more kids outside!

Thank You to all the providers of youth activities for the festival:  Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Canyons Association, Montrose Regional Library, Bill Heddles Recreation Center, the Montrose Recreation District, The Museum of Western Colorado, Montrose Art Guild,  Hispanic Affairs Project, Audubon Society, Metaphorse (horse therapy), Montrose City Youth Council (all around festival help), Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club,  Partners West (cornhole, ducky races), Second Chance Humane Society, Girl Scouts of Colorado, and Boy Scout Troops (490 and 491).

List of Sponsors:
Platinum ($1000+)
Western Colorado Community Foundation
Colorado Health Foundation
The Kampe Foundation
Montrose Hardware
LFMG Music Academy
 
Bronze ($500+)
Circle of Dreams Foundation
Montrose Community Foundation
City of Montrose
Bank of Colorado
Grove Street Alchemy
High Country Beverage
Montrose Daily Press
Colorado Boy Brewing
Hot Water Productions
 
Silver ($250)
Chow Down Pet Supply
Rocky Mountain Ice
 
Bronze ($100+)
Davis Service Center
Montrose Ford Nissan
Peer Kindness
Alpine Bank

San Juan Coffee House



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