San Juan Mountains Association

🌧️ Can anyone identify the trail this gorgeous view is from? Hint: it's near Purgatory Resort!

Speaking of gorgeous rainy views, we wanted to take a moment to remind you that it's important to be prepared for anything Mother Nature might throw your way—like a sudden lightning storm. Here’s what to do if you find yourself caught in one while exploring the San Juans:

1️⃣ Seek Lower Ground: Move quickly away from peaks and ridges. Lightning strikes the highest points first. ⛰️⚡

2️⃣ Avoid Tall Objects: Steer clear of isolated trees or poles. Instead, find shelter in a cluster of shorter trees or a low-lying area. 🌳⬇️

3️⃣ Assume the Lightning Position: If you can’t find shelter, crouch down with your feet close together, minimizing contact with the ground. Keep your head low and cover your ears. 🙇‍♂️🔊

4️⃣ Drop Metal Objects: Move away from anything metal, like trekking poles or metal-framed backpacks, to avoid conducting electricity. 🏔️📉

5️⃣ Spread Out: If you’re with a group, spread out to reduce the risk of multiple people being struck. 👥↔️

Always wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before continuing your adventure. Safety first, always! 🌲⚡ For more tips, visit SJMA.org.

🌟 Ready to roll up your sleeves and hit the road? 🚗🌲

Our Adopt A Road program is cruising through both the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests, and we’re thrilled to welcome some new road warriors to the team! Since 2000, SJMA has empowered everyday citizens to step up as stewards of Forest Service Roads, and this month, we’re excited to add Mia and Isaac from the Yard Food Truck, along with Pam Swisher and her family, to our lineup of dedicated volunteers. 🙌

These incredible folks aren’t just keeping the roads clear – they’re picking up trash, cleaning up dispersed campsites, checking culverts for debris, upgrading Forest Service signs, and spreading the word about responsible outdoor behavior. 🚧💚

Whether you’re in the Rio Grande or the San Juan, there’s a road out there that needs your care. Want to make a difference? Join the movement and adopt a road today! Together, we’re keeping our forests safe, clean, and beautiful for everyone: https://sjma.org/get-involved/volunteer/

U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

How are your friends going to know that you're Wild for the Weminuche if you're not reppin' one of our cool hats?

But really though, you can help support our stewardship and education efforts throughout the San Juan Mountains by swinging by our bookstore in Durango—it's also our office! Or visit any of our pop-up shops around the San Juans to grab some gear. 🛒✨

Besides, nothing says "I love the wilderness" like a Smokey Bear hat and a guidebook that proves you know your wildflowers. 🌼 Every purchase helps inspire and educate individuals of all ages about the importance of caring for and preserving public lands in Southwest Colorado, so come on by today!

Who's climbed either of these iconic 14ers? 🏔️

Let’s dive into the fascinating geologic history behind Wetterhorn Peak and Uncompahgre Peak:

1️⃣ Volcanic Origins: Over 30 million years ago, explosive volcanic eruptions in the San Juan Mountains formed massive calderas, including those that shaped Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre Peaks. These violent events created the rocky foundations of these majestic mountains. 🌋

2️⃣ Intrusive Activity: After the eruptions, molten rock intruded into the existing volcanic layers, creating the rugged, igneous cores of these peaks. Over time, this rock was exposed by erosion, revealing the peaks we see today. 🌄

3️⃣ Glacial Sculpting: The last Ice Age brought glaciers that carved and shaped the landscape, giving Wetterhorn its dramatic jagged edges and Uncompahgre its unique flat-topped summit. ❄️🧊

4️⃣ Erosion and Uplift: Over millions of years, erosion and tectonic forces continued to uplift and sculpt these peaks, creating the stunning 14ers that challenge climbers today. 🌍🧗‍♀️

These peaks are more than just beautiful hikes—they're ancient records of Earth’s fiery and icy past. Next time you're out exploring, take a moment to appreciate the incredible geologic forces that shaped these landscapes. 💚

📸: SJMA Forest Ambassador John Mashburn

Looking for an enriching way to keep your child engaged after school? Join SJMA's After-School Programs where nature meets creativity! Our programs offer hands-on activities that inspire curiosity, build environmental stewardship, and foster a love for the great outdoors. 🌍✨

Here's what your child can look forward to:
1️⃣ Interactive nature-based projects 🐾🌿
2️⃣ Outdoor exploration and games 🏞️🎯
3️⃣ Artistic expression and crafting 🎨🖌️
4️⃣ Learning about local wildlife and ecosystems 🦉🌸
5️⃣ Building lasting friendships with fellow young explorers 🤝

🗓️ When: Thursdays, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
📍 Where: Park Elementary in Durango

Don’t let your child miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, explore, and grow. Spots are limited, so register today on our website! 🔗 https://sjma.org/learn/after-school_programs/

You might be surprised at the places our Forest Ambassadors find trash! 🌲🗑️

Even in the most beautiful spots, detritus sneaks its way in. Often, it's unintentional litter like granola bar wrappers and trail snacks that escape hikers' hands. 🍫🍪

But it’s not just the small stuff. Our Ambassadors have already collected nearly 1,000lbs of trash this summer! That's half a ton of garbage cleared from our beloved trails. 🚮💪

Next time you’re out enjoying the San Juans, remember to pack out all your trash and give a shout-out to our Ambassadors for their incredible work! 🙌💚

USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest

🛠️✨ We get by with a lil' help from our friends!

SJMA's second CO Trail Volunteer Weekend was a huge success! Thanks to the amazing support from Andrew, Marcos, Jon, and Antonia from 4 Corners Back Country Horsemen (4CBCH), we got a lot done. 🙏🐴

But wait, there's one more chance to join in on the fun! August 16-18, come help us with our Colorado Trail Project. We'll be hiking 11 miles over three days, conducting minor trail maintenance from Molas Pass to the middle of the segment. Moderate duty trail work and pack animal support for overnight gear and tools are included. 🥾🎒

🗓️ When: August 16-18
📍 Where: Molas Pass

Don't miss out on this rewarding experience, register today: https://sjma.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=84415

Smokey Bear got himself a pic-a-nic basket in Saguache! 🧺🍎☀️

Back in July, SJMA joined teamed up with with the U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest to bring the legendary Smokey Bear 🐻 to the Saguache Community Picnic!

With wildfires blazing across the state, Smokey might not have been up for dancing, but he sure enjoyed playing lawn games and sharing his vital message on campfire safety. 🎯🔥

Remember, always leave your campfire cool to the touch! Your actions can prevent wildfires and protect our beautiful forests. 💚🌲

Join SJMA and Colorado Fourteeners Initiative for a trail project at the stunning Mt. Sneffels! 🏔️💪

What to Expect:
🔹 Breathtaking views
🔹 Teamwork and camaraderie
🔹 Free volunteer dinner on Sunday
🔹 One amazing Monday in the mountains!

We'll be restoring the lower part of the trail with rock work and alpine tundra restoration and we're looking for just 15 lucky volunteers to join us so sign up ASAP! 📅📝

🗓️ When: August 26, 2024, starting at 6:30 AM
📍 Where: Mt. Sneffels Trailhead (Group campsite on August 25th for dinner)

Get ready for:
🎒 Carrying packs & tools up to 2 miles
🪨 Moving large rocks as a team
🌧️ Working through any weather

No training needed! Bring your enthusiasm and maybe a friend (or 2)!



Sign up on our website today and make a difference: sjma.org/event/mt-sneffels-2024/

SJMA has some exciting events coming up this month:

Author Talk by Debra Van Winegarden and Thomas Holt Ward @ Dolores Public Library
📆: August 8, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Details: Get the full scoop on their latest guidebook "La Plata Mountains: Comprehensive Guide to Peaks and Trails," and then help yourselves to some light refreshments while getting your copy signed! 📚🏞️

San Juan Nature Hikes @ Andrews Lake
📆: August 9th & 16th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Details: Enjoy a leisurely 1-2 mile walk while learning about wildflowers, ecology, wildlife, and more from our knowledgeable volunteer naturalists. 🌲🥾

Durango Star Party @ SJMA's Nature Center
📆: August 9, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Details: Join us for an evening under the stars with telescopes and astronomy experts to guide you through the night sky. 🌌🔭

Sunday Stroll @ SJMA's Nature Center
📆: August 11, 18, & 25, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Details: Take a peaceful morning walk through the nature center, observing local wildlife and enjoying the serene environment. 🚶‍♂️🌼

Mushroom Foraging Hike @ San Juan National Forest
📆: August 16, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Details: Join Evan Tweedie, a longtime SJMA naturalist, on a beginner-friendly mushroom foray to identification and sustainable foraging on a 5-mile hike. 🍄🔍

Mt. Sneffels Trail Work Project @ Mt. Sneffels
📆: August 26, 6:30 am - 4:00 pm
Details: Volunteer for a day of trail maintenance on the beautiful Mt. Sneffels, helping to preserve and improve the hiking experience. 🛠️🏔️

Don't miss out on these adventures! For more info, visit https://sjma.org/events/
What's Happening Durango

Events Archive - SJMA August 5 @ 8:30 am - August 9 @ 1:30 pm Junior Naturalist Field Camp: Nature Detectives Junior Naturalist Field Camps (JNFC) are week-long camps where elementary-aged children (rising 1st – 6th graders) will spend time playing in and learning about the natural world at SJMA's Nature Center, as wel...

The 🔑 to a successful adventure is planning ahead and being prepared!

Authors Debra Van Winegarden and Thomas Hold Ward agree, and that's why they wrote a guide book for people looking to tackle the peaks of the LaPlata Mountans.

And now you can join us for an exclusive Author Talk event where Debra and Thomas will share insights from their new book, "La Plata Mountains: Comprehensive Guide to Peaks and Trails." 🌲📚

🗓️ Date: August 8th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Dolores Public Library

Enjoy an evening of engaging stories, expert tips, and a chance to get your hands on this invaluable hiking resource at a discounted rate for SJMA members. Light refreshments will be served. 🌟

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your hiking adventures with knowledge from the experts! Register on our website now: https://sjma.org/event/author-talk-laplatamountains/

What's Happening Durango
Dolores Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

Did you know that your favorite flowers might be harboring tiny predators hiding in plain sight? These little ninjas are Goldenrod Crab Spiders, and they are masters of disguise! 🕷️🌼

Goldenrod Crab Spiders can change their color from white to yellow to blend perfectly with flowers like daisies and sunflowers. This amazing transformation helps them ambush their prey more effectively. 🎨🔄

Unlike other spiders, Goldenrod Crab Spiders don’t spin webs. They patiently wait on flowers to catch unsuspecting insects, showcasing their incredible hunting skills. 🕸️❌

The female spiders are significantly larger than males, with females measuring 8-10 mm and males only 4-5 mm. Talk about girl power! 💪♀️

These spiders are vital to our ecosystem. By preying on various insects that damage plants, such as certain flies and grasshoppers​, they help control pest populations and aid in pollination. 🐝🌸

Despite their predatory nature, Goldenrod Crab Spiders are harmless to humans. Their venom is only potent enough to catch their prey, not to harm larger animals. 😊

Next time you’re exploring the San Juans, keep an eye out for these amazing creatures. Appreciate their role in the ecosystem and their incredible adaptability, despite their creepy-crawly appearance. 🌍💚

That's all for today's ! Stay tuned for more insights into the wonderful wildlife of the San Juan Mountains.

📸 credit to our amazing Wilderness Crow Member Evan Tweedie!

Think the desert is too hot and dry for life to thrive? 🌵 Well think again!

Next week you can join us for an insightful hike at SJMA’s Durango Nature Center, where we'll explore the incredible biodiversity of this fascinating ecosystem with our nature center specialist, Julie Campbell. 🌞🌿

Here's the details:

🗓️ Date: August 4th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Durango Nature Center, 63 County Road 310, Durango, CO
🎒 What to bring: Hat, water, and closed-toed shoes.
❗ Note: No pets allowed to preserve the wildlife habitat.

This hike offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, learn about desert flora and fauna, and enjoy a beautiful morning outdoors. Don't miss out – register today 🔗 https://sjma.org/event/nature-center-hike/

Our Forest Ambassadors are on fire this season! 🔥🌲

Just kidding, no forest fires here. But they HAVE already connected with over ✨17,000✨ public lands visitors here in the San Juans! From educating hikers and spreading the word about principles to maintaining trails and cleaning up any messes left behind, our Forest Ambassadors are out in the Juans every weekend, ensuring visitors have the best experience while preserving our beautiful landscapes.

So next time you're out venturing on our busiest trails, make sure to give a high five to our amazing Ambassadors for their hard work and dedication! 🙌💚🌍

USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

Us in another universe 💕

Marmots are often seen basking on rocks or scurrying through alpine meadows thoughout the San Juans, playing a crucial role in our ecosystem. They are social animals, living in colonies of up to 20 individuals and they spend about 80% of their lives hibernating, which helps them survive the harsh winter months at high elevations. 💤❄️

Here are some more fun facts about these lil rascals:

They dig extensive burrows, up to 6 feet deep and 20 feet long, that not only provide shelter but also help aerate the soil, promoting plant growth. 🕳️🌱

They primarily eat grasses, flowers, and seeds, requiring them to spend a lot of time foraging during the summer to build up enough fat for hibernation.. 🌼🌾

They are known for their complex social structures, using a series of chirps and whistles to communicate and alert each other of potential threats, acting as the neighborhood watch of the mountains. 🗣️🔊

They have an internal biological clock that precisely times their hibernation period to last exactly eight months, even in constant darkness or light conditions. ☀️⏱️

Remember, marmots are crucial to their ecosystem, and observing them from a distance helps maintain their natural behaviors and overall health. Feeding them can cause nutritional imbalances, increase human-wildlife conflict, and spread disease. Next time you're hiking in the San Juans, enjoy watching these amazing creatures while respecting their space, ensuring they continue to thrive in their natural habitat. 🏞️💚

That's all for today's ! Stay tuned for more insights into our beautiful San Juan Mountains.

Our Wilderness Crew takes the path less traveled, and that makes all the difference...

Because the trail really needed some work! 🛠️

But seriously though, our Wilderness Crew Members have already trekked over 200 miles this season, and they've removed nearly as many downed trees along the way. 🌲🪓

Their dedication ensures our trails remain safe and accessible for everyone. 👏🌟

Next time you hit the trails, give a shout-out to our Wilderness Crew for their amazing efforts! 🙌💚

USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

We'd like to take this moment to bring you an important reminder: Even a relatively lowkey adventure can turn into a survival scenario in the blink of an eye, so it's best to always be prepared.

Here are the ten essential items you should always carry with you when you go out adventurin' around the San Juans:

🗺️ Navigation: map, compass, and/or GPS system.
🔦 Headlamp: w/ extra batteries.
🕶️ Sun Protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
🩹 First Aid Supplies: basic first aid kit.
🔪 Knife: +1 if it's a multitool.
🔥 Fire: matches, lighter, and fire starter.
🛏️ Shelter: emergency shelter like a space blanket or bivy sack.
🍫 Extra Food and Water: non-perishable, high-energy food & excess water.
📢 Signaling Devices: a whistle and a mirror to signal rescuers.
🧥 Extra Clothes: additional layers for warmth and dryness.

Remember, being prepared ensures you can enjoy every moment in our beautiful San Juan Mountains with peace of mind! So stay safe, stay smart, and happy trails! 🌲💙

If you want to learn more about the ten essentials you can check out La Plata County Search and Rescue's website here: https://laplatasar.org/know-before-you-go/

Say hello to our new Volunteer Coordinator, Nick McKey!

Nick grew up in Grandville, Michigan, and moved to Fort Lewis College in 2017 for academics and athletics. He earned an Environmental Studies Degree in 2021, with a capstone project analyzing National Park visitor data during COVID. 🏞️📊

For the past three and a half years, Nick has been with the Southwest Conservation Corps, advancing from the Crew Lead Development Program to Field Supervisor. He loves hiking, backpacking, and fishing, finding peace in the slower sides of outdoor recreation. 🎣

In his spare time, you’ll find Nick playing chess in local cafes, biking, running, or coaching with the Durango Nordic Ski Club in the winters. ♟️🚴‍♂️⛷️

We’re excited to have Nick on the SJMA team! 💚

🌲 Explore, Learn, and Grow with SJMA! 📚✨

Join us on Monday, July 29th, for an exciting Open House/Info Night event to learn all about our Outdoor Explorers Homeschool Program!

Here's what you can expect:
1️⃣ Meet our educators and get your questions answered!
2️⃣ Discover the fun and educational activities planned for elementary-aged students. 📒🌿
3️⃣ Learn about our partnership with Alpine International Preparatory Academy and what makes our program unique. 🤝🌍
4️⃣ Find out how our skills-based program promotes personal growth and environmental stewardship. 🌱
5️⃣ Enjoy a tour of our Nature Center and get a sneak peek into the adventures that await! 🏞️

Here's the details:
📅 Date: Monday, July 29th
🕔 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Location: SJMA's Nature Center

Don't miss this opportunity to ignite your child's passion for the environment through hands-on learning and exploration. Sign up on our website today! 📝✨

https://sjma.org/homeschool-program/

🌈🎶 Somewhere over the rainbow....

There's millions of acres of public lands that thousands of people recreate on every day.

And here at SJMA, we are dedicated to facilitating responsible recreation and education so both visitors and locals can become stewards of this incredible landscape, ensuring that the natural beauty of the San Juans can be enjoyed for many generations to come. 🌲🌞

Join us in learning how to protect and preserve our public lands! Check out our website today: sjma.org

🎣🌲 Dive into a new hobby in the San Juan Mountains with Go Fish Durango! 🐟❄️

Our team recently teamed up with Go Fish Durango to introduce students and their families to the wonders of fishing in our beautiful mountain lakes and rivers. Whether it’s boating on Lake Nighthorse or ice fishing on Haviland Lake, these experiences have been unforgettable! 🌞🚤

From identifying Cutthroat Trout by their red gill slashes to spotting Rainbow Trout with their colorful stripes, these kids learned so much about local aquatic life. And did you know that ice needs to be at least 4" thick to fish safely? We sure didn't, but we do now! 🧊📏

A huge thank you to for making these educational adventures possible. Together, we’re fostering a new generation of anglers and stewards! 🌟💙

Moose on the loose! 🦌✨

Spotting a moose on the trail is a breathtaking experience, but these majestic ungulates can be quite territorial, especially when calves are around.

Here's how to stay safe and enjoy moose sightings responsibly:

1️⃣ Leash Your Dogs: Always keep your furry friends on a leash. Moose often perceive dogs as predators, leading to a potentially dangerous situation for your pet, and eventually you when your sweet lil fur baby comes high tailing it back to you! 🐾🚫

2️⃣ Keep Your Distance: Use the rule of thumb—if you can cover the moose with your thumb at arm's length, you’re far enough away ( or roughly 100 feet). Respect their space to avoid any confrontations. 📏👀

3️⃣ Make Your Presence Known: Speak calmly and softly from a distance. This prevents startling the moose and reduces the risk of aggression. 🗣️🦌

4️⃣ Be Cautious Around Calves: Mother moose are very protective. If you see a calf, keep EVEN MORE distance between you and the moose and stay alert. 🍼

5️⃣ Watch for Signs of Aggression: Lowered head, raised neck hair, laid-back ears, lip-smacking, or stomping feet are all warning signs. If you notice these, back away calmly. If the moose charges, quickly find a solid object like a rock or large tree to hide behind. ⚠️🏃‍♀️

We hope that all visitors to the San Juans are respectful of its wild inhabitants and do not have to use this advice, but being prepared helps ensure safety for both you and the wildlife.

Oh also we want to give a huge shoutout to our Wilderness Crewmember, Evan Tweedie, for getting this amazing shot! 📸

🌲🌿 Who recognizes this iconic trail? Hint: it's got something to do with the water and the trees. 🌊🌳

These stunning images came from one of our Wilderness Stewardship Crew members, Evan Tweedie, while they were out on a multi-day hitch on the Pine River Trail! 📸🏞️

This often underrated trail follows the Pine River for 23.2 miles, and enters the Weminuche Wilderness just 2.7 miles into the trek. 🌲🚶‍♂️ Along the way, you'll encounter lush groves of aspens, ponderosa pines, and conifers. 🌳🌼 As you ascend to Weminuche Pass, the trail offers breathtaking views and alpine meadows full of wildflowers in late July and August. 🌸🏔️

Historically, the Pine River Valley has been a significant area for both indigenous peoples and early settlers. Ranching began here in the late 1800s, with cattle being driven up from Texas. This trail not only showcases nature's beauty but also echoes the footsteps of those who once thrived in this rich, diverse valley. 🐄🌾

Remember to respect this beautiful and historic trail. Stick to marked paths, practice Leave No Trace principles, and help keep the Pine River Trail pristine for future generations to explore and enjoy! 🌍💚

USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

Have you ever wondered why butterflies love hanging out on muddy spots? It’s not just about the water; there's a fascinating reason behind this behavior! 🏞️✨

Butterflies, especially males, are often seen congregating on mud patches to engage in what’s called “mud-puddling.” During this process, they sip up nutrients like salts and minerals, particularly sodium, which are crucial for their survival and reproduction. 🌊💧

These essential nutrients help boost their reproductive success. Males pass on the ingested sodium to females during mating, which then benefits their offspring, ensuring the next generation of butterflies thrives. 🦋💖

Interestingly, butterflies don’t just stop at mud! They are also attracted to other sources of minerals like dung, decaying matter, and even animal tears. This behavior highlights their incredible adaptability and the intricate connections within ecosystems. 🌿🪵

Next time you’re out exploring and see a cluster of butterflies on a muddy patch, take a moment to appreciate this vital and fascinating natural behavior., but also remember that to staying on trail while observing them helps these and other creatures thrive.🌍💚

That's all for today's ! Stay tuned for next week!

🌲💧 Be a Conservation Hero for the Animas Watershed! 💧🌲

South Mineral Creek is a popular camping spot in Silverton, but it's also a fragile alpine riparian ecosystem. Unfortunately, unaware campers often build their own fire rings rather than use existing ones, and too many fire rings, especially near water, harm this ecosystem. So, we're cleaning them up! 🔥❌💧

SJMA and the National Forest Foundation invite you to join us for our South Mineral Creek Campfire Ring Naturalization event. The NFF is dedicated to promoting forest health and public enjoyment, making it a perfect partner for SJMA's mission to protect our natural spaces. This event helps preserve the Animas watershed by naturalizing these campfire rings that are too close to waterways. 🌊

🗓️ When: July 11th, 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
📍 Where: Ice Lake Trailhead

Join us for a day of impactful work and camaraderie. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Lunch provided 🍽️🥪

Register today! https://sjma.org/event/hardrock_2024/

South Mineral Creek Campfire Ring Naturalization - SJMA Combine your love for the outdoors with your love for our national forests by giving back to the public lands.

Get ready for an action-packed July with SJMA! Here are the exciting events happening this month:

San Juan Nature Hikes at Andrews Lake: July 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 🌲👣

Durango Star Party: July 5, 8:30 pm - 11:00 pm 🌌🔭

South Mineral Creek Campfire Ring Naturalization: July 11, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm 🔥🌿

Ice Cave Ridge Geology Hike – Pagosa: July 18, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 🏞️🪨

Full Moon Hike at CANM: July 20, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm 🌕🌳

CANM Project Archaeology – Teacher Workshop: July 23-25, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 📚🏺

Don't miss out on these adventures! For more info, visit https://sjma.org/events/

Roll out the gravel carpet: Our Adopt-a-Road program is officialy expanding! 🚗🌲 Thanks to the unstoppable Patti Brady (far left), our cherished program is now up and running the Rio Grande National Forest! 🌿✨

Adopt-a-Road, in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, started with just three dedicated individuals and has thrived for 24 years, engaging volunteers to care for forest roads. Last year, over 300 volunteers helped maintain 56 roads! 🙌

Now, we're thrilled to announce our first adopters in the Rio Grande National Forest: Logan (center) from EZTRAIL, LLC, and Francine and Adam (far right) from the Creede Community Church. They’ll patrol for litter and ensure the roads are in great condition. 🛤️👏

Want to join the fun and make a difference? Contact Kelly at [email protected] to adopt a road in the Rio Grande National Forest! Let's keep our forests beautiful together! 🌿 U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest

🚶‍♂️🦕 Big news for dino lovers! 🦕🚶‍♀️

Have you heard about the dinosaur tracks near Ouray? 🦖✨ These amazing tracks, left by a long-necked sauropod 150 million years ago, form the world's longest continuous dinosaur tracks! 🌍👣 And the best part? They've just been opened to the public, so you can walk in the footsteps of these ancient giants. 🌲🚶‍♂️

Thanks to the hard work of the Forest Service and the support of the community, this incredible site is now accessible via the steep and scenic Silvershield Trail. To make your visit even more enjoyable, our Forest Ambassadors will be stationed on this trail throughout the summer. 🙌👷‍♂️

They'll be there to greet you, share fascinating facts about the tracks, and help ensure everyone practices Leave No Trace principles.. They've already connected with over 5,500 public lands visitors through out the San Juans so far this summer, making sure that everyone can enjoy these incredible sites responsibly. 🏞️🥾

Introducing SJMA's new Alpine Ambassadors working on the Alpine Loop!🌿

Aubrey Balcom has traveled the world and now calls Colorado home. A passionate outdoors person, Aubrey loves trail running, backpacking, plant identification adventures, and biking on her bamboo bike. 🌼🚴‍♀️ As an artist, she expresses her connection to nature through oil painting, photography, and stained glass. Aubrey’s diverse experiences and artistic talents enrich her role, fostering a deeper appreciation and protection of our natural and cultural treasures. 🎨

Matthew Nunes made his way to Silverton, Colorado from Starkville, Mississippi in the summer of 2023. After falling in love with the San Juan region while through-hiking the Colorado Trail, he decided to become a full-time resident. Matthew enjoys mountain biking, hiking, photography, and skiing. 📸⛷️ Joining SJMA, he aims to deepen his knowledge of the area and contribute to the protection of this incredible landscape.

We’re thrilled to have Aubrey and Matthew on our team, enhancing our mission to connect people with nature and protect the beauty of the Alpine Loop. 🌍