Wayfinder Issue #5

SURF’S UP

Surf’s Up: We have again teamed up with Montrose Surf + Cycle to put together a guide to the best river surf boards for hanging 10 and, you know, being gnarly in the awesome Montrose Water Sports Park.

PAGE 45

WHAT A JERK

You may have seen the store as you drive south on Highway 550, but have you ever stopped in to see Ray and try his jerky? You should. Dog lovers will love Ray’s, too, thanks to Coal, the gentle yet giant Newfoundland that lounges near the door.

PAGE 29

FARM TO FORK

Farm to Fork: Telling the stories of the food producers from around the valley, this issue showcases Uncompahgre Farms with Caleb Valdez and Brittany Duffy explaining what they do, and why they do it.

PAGE 36

IF THE SHOE FITS

The next time you need new footwear, look no further than Montrose’s own SOM footwear. Inspired by the barefoot movement, SOM has been manufacturing right here in the Unc Valley for almost a decade.

PAGE 18

HOLDING DOWN THE FORT

Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center just north of downtown Delta is home to Fort Uncompahgre, an authentic replica of the original fort, from the dirt floors to furs and hides. Step back in time and sample this region’s history.

PAGE 68

OIFF

The Ouray International Film Festival returns for its third year this summer from June 23-26. This year, the clever chaps behind it have made strides to make the festival bigger and better.

PAGE 70

Take Me to the River

Issue #5 is the first issue of year two of Wayfinder, and so we thought we’d take this opportunity to rejig the lineup a little bit by retiring some ideas and introducing a few new ones. You may also notice that we have gone with a slightly different style for the cover, turning towards more abstract imagery. We have continued to tap into the vast wealth of talented people we have in the area with several new contributors, too. Check out their mugshots and bios.

As for what’s inside, we have tried, as we always have, to have a balanced mix of content that represents the Uncompahgre Valley as accurately as possible. To that end, we visited Uncompahgre Farms to talk about how managing the land is a critical part of the food production process. We spoke to everyone’s favorite jerk Ray from Ray’s Jerky - we talked about toys and books in Ouray, shoes and candles in Montrose, as well as coffee, sushi, and food trucks. Elsewhere there are stories about jeeping, thrifting, and some pointers when it comes to capturing the best of the valley photographically.

The Montrose County Fair is next month, and one event I think everyone can support is the “Wild to Mild” mustang performance. This is the subject of the photo essay at the back of this issue. There are captions explaining exactly what this is and why it happens.

We have also decided to start a regional nonprofit directory to make it easy for people to find a nonprofit where they can donate their time . We’ll continue to grow it on the Wayfinder website, so send us the info for any you know, and we’ll add them. Speaking of nonprofits, we have a profile of Rural Philanthropy Days.. Also, be sure to save the date for a fundraiser for Outer Range, the Montrose County School

My first time whitewater rafting almost 11 years ago in South Korea with my my buddy Mike

District’s latest endeavor. Finally, we are grateful for the continued support of the community, from people who want to be part of in some capacity, to those people who say the nicest things without being prompted or coerced! And we’d like to thank our advertisers, both those that have stuck with us and those that are joining us for the first time. They say a fool and his money are easily parted, well the opposite is true of savvy business owners, and so the fact that many have decided to spend money with us over the last year - and continue to do so - is a compliment of the highest order.

WAYFINDER

CONTRIBUTORSWAYFINDER ISSUE#5

NICOLE ALBRECHT is the managing editor at Wayfinder. She’s also a creative consultant with more than five years of ad agency experience, a small-business owner, and a mountain biking enthusiast. She’s the kind of person who hung out at the dog park before she had a dog.

DAN BALLARD is a pro landscape photographer, avid traveler and educator based in Montrose, Colorado. He has traveled to over 60 countries in search of unique landscapes and ‘once-in-alifetime’ moments in nature. When he’s not shooting, Dan is mountain biking or playing various instruments in his basement music studio.

JASON HATFIELD is a fulltime outdoor photographer from Montrose specializing in nature and adventure photography. His work focuses on Western US public lands and can be found in numerous digital/ print publications throughout the West.

JEFF SUTTON was born in Michigan but has been living in Colorado for almost 20 years. After opening and spending years

GABRIEL BACA is the Field House Facility Leader with the Montrose Rec District. When not at the Field House or the Community Rec Center he can be spotted running around the River Bottom Disc Golf Course or just out and about exploring the many natural wonders that make Montrose shine.

JOE HENDRICKS is the owner and photographer of ElopeTelluride.com. When he’s not shooting elopements, he’s fishing, hiking, running and off-roading in the mountains, looking for that next beautiful picture to take.

Originally from Vermont, LAUREN WALCH moved to Colorado seven years ago and is now proud to call the Western Slope home. When she’s not working, you can find her on a hike, doing a crossword puzzle with a cat on her lap, or with friends at a local brewery or winery.

SAVANNAH CONLEY is a Montrose- based portrait and landscape photographer who is passionate about creating images that tell a story. When she’s not shooting you can find her drinking coffee by the gallon, skiing, or spending time with her husband and son. She enjoys horseback riding, yoga, and searching for the world’s best taco.

SUSIE BRAKE is a Montrosebased massage therapist and owner of her business and baby, Flourish Massage & Bodywork. She is always up for a dance party, learning new skills on her mountain bike or out in the wild foraging for herbs or mushrooms.

WILLIAM WOODY is a freelance

who has been working in

Colorado off and on since the 1990s. Woody specializes in editorial story-telling photojournalism and holds a degree in commercial photography, with an emphasis on portraiture and product imagery.

TANNER BANKS grew up in Summit County, spent nearly a decade in Montana, but now calls Colorado home once more. Tanner’s background in stream ecology and fisheries science support Trout Unlimited’s mission to improve habitat and health of aquatic ecosystems. He appreciates deep snow, wild fish, and good friends.

ALICIA PLANTZ enjoys all the opportunities the Western Slope has to offer. Whether it be mountain biking, backpacking, backcountry skiing, hiking, snowboarding, or camping. Equipped with a Bachelor’s in English and nearly 10 years in the health coverage industry, she has also found a love for one of her top hobbies, photography.

managing a ski shop in Telluride, he jumped into the coffee industry. He currently runs production at Cimarron Coffee Roasters and is working on starting a coffee division for Curated.com.

JOHN ARENAS is a librarian at the Montrose Library. Originally from Maryland, John moved to Montrose for a year of AmeriCorps service and found a new home in Western Colorado. He enjoys short stories and long walks in the desert.

photojournalist

Western

NEWS BRIEFS

IRON ROAD

There are thousands of via ferratas in Europe, and while the idea is taking hold in the US there are significantly fewer here, the Uncompahgre Valley - specifically Ouray - now has two of them. In the hills just north of Ouray, Gold Mountain Ranch is home to the newest addition.

LICENSE TO THRILL

The most recent iteration of the Colorado drivers’ license - interestingly called the Iconic Credential - recently got a facelift. The redesign will give everyone who lives in Colorado a glimpse of what we in the Uncompahgre Valley see every day. Thanks to photographer Matt Nuñez an image of Mount Sneffels from will grace the front of every new license.

SOMETHING’S

BREWING

2 Rascals Brewing in Montrose was recently acquired by new owners. The plan is to rebrand the business as Silver Basin Brewing with new beer, new signs and plans to utilize more of the incredible building! Stay tuned for more Silver Basin Brewing news in the coming weeks!

THE SHARPEST TOOLS

Metalsmith Jill Rikkers, based in Ridgway, is the owner of the very appropriately named Beautifully Served. Rikkers combines her love of cooking with her metalsmithing skills to produce unique and very beautiful kitchen tools. Rikkers handiwork is available at the newly opened Bluecorn Cafe & Mercantile in Montrose.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVIS PERKINS

WHERE TO FIND US

SPECIALTY SHOP

BY WILL WOODY

GET NOSTALGIC

Warmies are cuddly animals that you can warm in the microwave or freeze in the freezer.  They release a calming aroma of lavender for a deep, peaceful sleep and are great to snuggle with

Place an iconic figure on top of the Tonie box to hear stories from that character. A creative Tonie is included with each box that you can use to create audiobooks of your very own. These are great for grandparents as they enable them to read stories to grandchildren from afar, as it’s all done on an app and transmitted to the Tonie for the kids to hear

O’Toys is a small, independent and locally-owned toy store on the corner of Main Street and Sixth Avenue in Ouray’s historic downtown. The shop not only caters to parents and grandparents looking for unique and educational gifts, but to adults who are young at heart. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or are just feeling nostalgic, prepare to be dazzled by what’s on offer at O’Toys

Two Bros Bows produces a range of bow and arrow sets. Available in myriad different color schemes, the arrows are soft tipped making them safe for everyone

IQ Games are, in fact, more than just games. These excellent puzzles offer a cerebral workout. There are over 30 puzzles in each game

The softest, cuddliest toys any kid could ask for. Swedish company Teddykompaniet offers stuffed animals, blankets, and musical toys

Inspired by Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets and Sesame Street, Boglins are back after initially coming out in 1987. The unnatural race of creatures from the swamps are brought to life by placing your hand inside the puppet

UGears are mechanical 3D wooden puzzles that actually move. Follow the instructions to create intricate models that move, all without the need for glue. You can build everything from engines, to clocks, cars and more

We’ve all seen magnets stick together, but Speks takes magnetism to another level with magnetic hexagons, tiny magnetic beads, magnetic marbles and more. Great for older kids

OURAY BOOKSHOP

WRITTEN BY JOHN ARENAS

For all the stories on the shelves at Ouray Bookshop, the one with the happiest ending might just be that of how owners Brian and Amy Exstrum came to own their business on Ouray’s Main Street

Raised in Ouray and Grand Junction, Amy, a home economics teacher, met Brian in Glenwood Springs in the 1980s, where he had been transferred for natural gas work. They married in Ouray in 1989, and soon relocated to Brian’s home state of Nebraska.

Despite being so far from home, Amy always kept Ouray in her heart. She and her twin children, Charlie and Olivia, visited the area during summers to spend time with family. Amy and Olivia began working at Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray during those summers, which at the time was owned by Amy’s close friend Robert Stoufer.

In January 2019 Stoufer retired and Amy saw an opportunity. She convinced Brian that after 40 years in the energy industry, it was time for a second act in the bookselling business. Amy and Brian returned from Nebraska and reopened the shop in May 2019 as Ouray Bookshop. After nearly 30 years away, Amy was finally home.

These days you might catch Amy and Brian making the two-block commute from their house to the shop with Charlie, who lives with them in Ouray and works at the shop. Once there, you’ll no doubt find them doing what they love best about their new line of work: meeting all kinds of people and talking about books.

ouraybookshop.com

AFTER 40 YEARS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY, IT WAS TIME FOR A SECOND ACT IN THE BOOKSELLING BUSINESS

ALT SPACE ENTREPRENEURS

KIM NAVARRETE, MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND VIDEO EDITOR

In an era of ‘work remote, go anywhere’ entrepreneurs, places with fast internet and a space to focus are very important. From vanlifers to full-time RVers, anyone who has spent time on the road while working can attest that coffee shops and campgrounds don’t always cut it. Kim Navarrete, who lives out of her 25 foot Airstream with her husband, is one of the aforementioned RVers that currently spends her weekdays working at Alt Space.

Navarrete is a motion graphic designer and video editor currently based in Montrose, while a majority of her clients are located in the Greater New Orleans area. She creates custom motion graphics and animation for various types of video, ranging from commercials to documentaries, for a wide-range of industries. Some of her past projects include collaborations with the National Park Service, National Endowment for The Arts, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Elks National Foundation.

“I download and upload large video files several times a day, so having my own area where I can focus, network and utilize the super fast internet is pretty essential. I feel very fortunate to be here and to have the opportunity to connect with other creatives,” says Navarrete.

Taking the leap of becoming a freelance entrepreneur wasn’t easy for Navarrete, especially during a pandemic. After working in the industry since her graduation from Memphis College of Art in 2011, she started her own business in February of 2020. Her mission was to help bring to life people’s ideas, messages, and visions through professional video and custom animation. During lockdown, she worked on live-stream videos including virtual concerts that featured famous artists such as Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl. Today, Navarrete’s business is thriving as she plants roots in Montrose and hopes to find new clients locally.

“Animate means ‘to bring to life’. That’s what I do, I bring life to ideas,”says Navarette.

Sponsored by Alt Space, this article is part of an ongoing series about entrepreneurs that call Alt Space home. Read more about Alt Space at altspacecowork. com or scan the QR code

WAXING LYRICAL

WRITTEN BY JEFF SUTTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAVANNAH CONLEY

Sometimes, a step back in time provides progress towards remembering why the simple things are what really matter. Jon Kornbluh, founder of Bluecorn Beeswax, has exemplified the ideals of living a basic and spirited life and that in turn has become the ethos of his business philosophy

Bluecorn Beeswax began from humble beginnings over thirty years ago in a small shack with no electricity or running water along Butcher Creek in Telluride Colorado. Kornbluh moved his operation to a house he purchased in Rico in 1994; then in 2008, he created a 4,300-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ridgway to house the growing company.

The Ridgway location served its purpose until demand exceeded production capacity. Kornbluh had to decide if it was time to sell his business, or expand and undertake the added burdens of extra staff and associated costs. He enlisted professional help to assess both his company’s shortcomings and its associated growth potential before he put it up for sale. This process helped him realize Bluecorn was at a “crossroads to grow it or let it go.” After looking at everything and everyone involved in the Bluecorn family, he realized he still had a passion for the company.

With the onset of Covid-19, Bluecorn’s already successful online business exploded and it became very apparent that something had to change. After on and off talks, Kornbluh found an opportunity for exponential growth in 2020 with the financial backing of Faison Capital, a Florida based private equity firm. The partnership allowed for the opening of a magnificent new 26,000 square foot storefront in Montrose that includes a café, retail showroom, and manufacturing facility.

From using clean and natural ingredients to training local artisans in the different techniques of candle making, Kornbluh has always tried to put people first in his business.

Most candles on the market today are created with paraffin wax, a byproduct of the motor oil production process. Bluecorn uses only sustainable beeswax cappings, which are a byproduct of the honey harvest that leaves the comb intact for reuse. The wax then undergoes a natural filtering process to remove particulates that can affect the quality of a candle’s burn. The use of pure essential oils also sets Bluecorn apart from the competition.

With the completion of their Montrose location, or what Kornbluh has dubbed their “global brand headquarters,” becoming involved in the community has become a priority for the business. The Mercantile was designed to sell a vast variety of candle products with accessories sourced locally from Bennett Forgeworks (a company run by Tom Bennett, one of Kornbluh’s college friends currently out of Ridgway) along with a number of other products to transform Bluecorn from a candle company to a complete lifestyle brand. These products are not only sold at their Montrose showroom but are shipped through an

extensive direct to consumer model that includes their own website Beeswaxcandles.com. They are also available through Amazon. The wholesale business is also growing by leaps and bounds as they have recently begun to produce candles for Crate & Barrel.

The new Montrose headquarters was created with a floor to ceiling glass wall that separates the new café and retail space from the attached manufacturing facility. This gives guests the opportunity to watch the candle creation process firsthand. Customers can actually watch the candles being dipped and formed. Kornbluh looks forward to the day when, “people will be able to get behind the glass and into wax.” He plans on having times that people can come in and learn the candle making process and create something that they can take home from their visit.

The Bluecorn Café and Mercantile in the Montrose location provides high quality tea and coffee drinks along with a variety of breakfast and lunch items, adding a new

dimension to Bluecorn’s business. Kornbluh and his team put the utmost importance on using local and sustainable products whenever possible, from the greens in their salads to the eggs in the frittatas. If they are unable to source a product directly from the Uncompahgre Valley that meets their needs then they still use items from within Colorado.

The relaxed ambiance created a space that is unique to the area and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of their patrons. The entirety of the retail space was designed on wheels, so everything can be moved out and opened up for musical acts that are already in the works. A liquor license is also in the pipeline to help the Bluecorn Café and Mercantile become more than just somewhere to spend the morning or afternoon.

Kornbluh and the Bluecorn family have big plans that are already coming to fruition with the fragrant scent of beeswax following in their wake.

FEET OF STRENGTH

Back in 1960, a 28-year-old named Abebe Bikila won the olympic marathon. He wasn’t a very well-known athlete at the time, but he instantly became famous when it was discovered that he won that marathon running barefoot. People were amazed and started researching how this feat could even be possible

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE HENDRICKS

Since then many books have been written about the benefits of barefoot running. After reading the book “Born to Run” Montrose resident Olie Marchal went outside and ran 100 yards in his bare feet and was immediately hooked. He went to his wife, Nathalie Marchal, and told her that he wanted to create a barefoot shoe made in the USA, better yet, made in Colorado. SOM Footwear was born.

Flash forward to today, and SOM Footwear is alive and thriving right here in the Uncompahgre Valley. As soon as you step foot in the door of the facility on North Cascade Avenue, you’ll quickly understand that this is a serious operation where each team member believes in the product they are creating. In fact, every worker wears a pair of SOM shoes that were stitched, glued, cut, and molded right there in the factory.

Today, SOM produces more than just barefoot shoes, but they are still at the core of the company. When asked about the benefits of barefoot shoes, the Marchals explain that SOM shoes replicate walking around barefoot, but with protection for your feet. “This means better posture, more room for your toes and more comfort for people who stand all day long,” Nathalie said. “We start from the ground up. If your feet are feeling bad, then the rest of your body follows.”

When Olie first started the company, he went to a French trade school to learn how to make shoes. He then looked for potential shoe manufacturers to create his first barefoot-style shoe but didn’t find anything that satisfied him. So, as an entrepreneur, he decided to make them himself.

With an enormous amount of research, patience and perseverance, ten years later Olie and Nathalie are now running a full-production facility that produces a range of shoes inspired by the barefoot philosophy.

The Marchals are quick to point out that switching to a barefoot-style shoe can take time as most people have been wearing shoes with heels, arch support and narrow toes for their entire lives. They are confident, however, that once you adapt to the neutral position and foot shaped sole, wearing them will make your feet feel amazing.

The Marchals’ goal is to help people live happier and healthy lives with their shoes, and they seem to be accomplishing that with customers that range in age from seven to 94.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by SOM Footwear for a tour of the factory or to visit the factory outlet store next door.

PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF

WRITTEN BY LAUREN WALCH

As most locals know, Montrose Regional Airport is expanding. Despite the negative effects of Covid on air travel, the airport has actually seen increasing use in recent years. In the interest of expanding travel opportunities, improving infrastructure, and making the process of flying more enjoyable for passengers, several improvements are underway

The expansion, which began in November of 2021, will see the terminal more than doubling in size, from 30,000 to 70,000 square feet. Additions will be built to the north and south of the existing terminal, and a second story will house additional gates and a new bar area. Two new restaurant spaces will be added and jetways will be installed to ease the process of boarding and disembarking planes. Overall, the new design contains more space for passengers to enjoy while they utilize the airport. Additional carriers, flights, and destinations will become available with the increased terminal size. Parking will see improvements as well, with the current long term/overflow dirt parking lot to be

paved. Sidewalks and lighting will be installed by June and over 500 spaces added in total.

The cost of the project is currently estimated at $40 million, $12.2 million of which is being provided by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. No funds for construction are being drawn from local sales or property tax. Construction is taking place in two phases: the first phase of the project, which includes the north-side addition and second story, is underway and set to be completed by winter of this year. The second phase, consisting of the south-side addition, is planned to be completed in the fall of 2023.

This is not the first time the airport has been expanded. While the airport has been in use since the 1940s, the terminal as we know it now was dedicated on June 25, 1988, with the ribboncutting performed by Chuck Yeager. Yeager, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 97, was wellknown as a pilot, serving in the US Air Force during World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. He was a test pilot during the 1940s, and is most widely known for being the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947 at the age of 24, flying the Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis, named after his wife. He received many accolades during his 70 year flying career, becoming a flying ace due to his

skill during WWII, rising to the rank of Brigadier General, and being inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. A plaque commemorating his part in the 1988 dedication of Montrose Regional Airport can be found in the terminal and reads, “An incredible life well lived, America’s greatest pilot, and a legacy of strength, adventure, and patriotism will be remembered forever”.

The airport will continue to function during the expansion. For updated information on progress, including behind-the-scenes photos and videos of construction, check the airport’s website and social media pages.

FOOD & BEVERAGE A JERK YOU’LL LIKE

WRITTEN BY WAYFINDER STAFF

411: SUSHI

We might be around 600 miles from the nearest sea, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get sushi in the Uncompahgre Valley. It can, for the uninitiated, be a little intimidating, so if you don’t know your nori from your nigiri or your sushi from your sashimi, here is the sushi 411. Sushi is a catch all term and translates to sour or vinegared rice, and the most common form of sushi is nigiri. Literally meaning hand-pressed, nigiri is an oblong mound of sushi rice that is formed and then draped with various things

ILLUSTRATIONS

BY ART BY ARN & MARLEY, ETSY.COM/SHOP/ARNANDMARLEY

WHERE TO GET SUSHI IN THE VALLEY

HIRO JAPANESE

Steakhouse, 228 E Main Street, Montrose

SUSHI ON THE

ROLL

Often found at Storm King Distilling Co.

CITY MARKET 16400 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose

A&M. CREATIONS 305 Main Street, Delta

Valentine first came to Western Colorado back in 2001. He came - and stayed - for the lifestyle, specifically the abundant sunshine. “I worked in commercial real estate in Columbus, Ohio for a guy called Dick Soloff,” he said. “ Soloff was a great guy but I just wanted to do something different. I got a pop up camper and tooled around Colorado for three months.”

Valentine ended up on the Western Slope - in the Uncompahgre Valley - and thought it was so beautiful and the people so friendly that he immediately started thinking of ways he could stay. Five months later he started Ray’s Jerky.

Valentine soon found a place to rent with two roommates and got to work with his jerky business. “I started off with three flavors, but quickly expanded due to demand,” he says. Slowly, Ray’s Jerky would become available online and at events around the state. He expanded into wholesale as well.

To listen to Ray interacting with his customers is to realize he had a background in sales, in Ray’s case real estate, but it seems to have translated well to jerky. His genial demeanor, coupled with handing out plentiful samples, translated to sales on the day we visited.

As for the jerky itself, if you like jerky, you’ll like Ray’s jerky. With beef, buffalo, elk and turkey in a range of flavors including teriyaki, barbecue and Pure Pain (flavored with ghost and habanero peppers), there is a jerky for everyone.

Today, Valentine has two “brick and mortar” locations, one on Highway 550 just south of Montrose and the other on Main Street in Ouray - and you’ll know Ray is in the house if his Cole, the monster Newfoundland, is there, too.

Raysjerky.com

Much like a river, the paths our lives take often meander, sometimes through obstacles and sometimes around them. Like many of us that call the Unc Valley home, Ray Valentine isn’t originally from here. Also like many of us, how he got here and why he stayed is a common tale

STYLES OF THE VALLEY

WRITTEN BY JEFF SUTTON

Edward Abbey was right when he said that for most of the 20th century, America ran “on coffee and gasoline, the first often tasting like the second”

BY SAVANNAH CONLEY

However, the so-called “third wave” coffee movement that kicked in around 1999 brought a new emphasis to quality, sourcing, and roasting. These days you are never that far away from a great cup of coffee.

PHOTOGRAPHY

In the last 20 years or so, there has been a boom in small craft coffee roasters that has created a plethora of options for coffee lovers, including those in the Uncompahgre Valley. This bloom in options, however, can be confusing for coffee novices. But with a modicum of knowledge it is possible to fully appreciate the difference between a medium and light roast, or what to expect when sipping an Ethiopian coffee compared to a Peruvian.

History

The coffee plant can be traced to the ancient coffee forests of the Ethiopian Plateau. Legend tells the tale of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed that his goats would stay up all night after consuming the plant’s berries. Kaldi then took this observation to his abbot and the idea of using coffee for its stimulant qualities was born. In the mid-15th century, the first recorded account of a coffee beverage being consumed comes from Sufi monasteries in Yemen, where people drank coffee to increase their ability to concentrate during prayers. The newly discovered drink would remain a closely guarded secret until the 17th century when coffee began to gain popularity throughout Europe. It was only a matter of time until the plant arrived in the Americas and began to be cultivated around the entire world.

Coffee Varietals and Processing

Since its appearance in Ethiopia, the coffee plant has taken root in many regions of the world. Varying elevations and growing climates along with the cross breeding of select plants created distinct flavors that are now firmly associated with certain regions. Coffee grown at higher elevations produces more poignant flavors and a higher acidity due to longer maturing periods and denser beans. With the onset of smaller farms producing single lot crops, it has become harder to generalize a single flavor for an entire region or country.

Coffee beans start off green, but processing is a major factor in what the coffee will taste like, regardless of region. The first and most traditional way that coffee beans are processed is by taking complete berries and drying them in the sun on outdoor racks. This is known as natural processing, and includes daily raking of the coffee and covering of the beans at night.

The other, more commonly used, method is known as washed processing. Water is used to rinse the beans free from the fruit immediately after harvesting. The beans are then dried on racks. Washed coffee doesn’t take on as much of the fruit characteristics as a naturally processed coffee, which tends to cost more due to the increased labor and the additional drying time required.

Roasting

The flavor and aroma of any given coffee, no matter where it originates, is allowed to shine when a trained roaster applies their skill. The coffee roasting process can be broken down into a drying phase, a browning phase (called the Maillard reaction), and a development phase. The duration of each of these phases, along with the end temperature of the beans, will affect the final flavor of the coffee.

Most of the control for the roaster lies in the development phase, when the coffee begins to make a popping sound and goes through its “first crack”, a term that describes when the beans go through an exothermic reaction and release steam and energy. How far a roast continues beyond “first crack” will determine whether the roast is considered light, dark or medium.

A light roast is generally chosen to enhance the natural aspects of the bean and accentuate the flavors that are already there. Light roasts are known for their acidity, bright flavors and mellow body. Many high-quality beans will only be taken to the light roast level to show off the coffee’s inherent flavor.

A medium roast is an attempt to add more of the roasting flavors to the bean, and mellow out the natural flavors and acidity, while increasing body. Medium roasts, when properly done, encompass the traditional coffee flavor while maintaining subtle fruit notes from the bean.

When the roaster approaches a “second crack” of the bean, it has reached the dark roast level. A dark roast coffee has more of a dominant smoky flavor, as almost all of the original bean taste has been roasted out. Beans that are taken to a dark roast are very deep brown and are often covered in a sheen of oil.

The caffeine content of coffee isn’t altered much from the roasting process, but the density of the bean is directly influenced. This means that if a person measures coffee by scoops, a lighter roast will have more caffeine due to the higher density of the beans. Contrarily, if someone is measuring their coffee by weight, the same beans taken to a darker roast will have a higher caffeine level because more will be used in the brewing process.

Daily Grind

Even after you have chosen the perfect bean and settled on the roast level you prefer, how it is ground and used can determine the overall quality of your cup. In fact, using the correct grind for your chosen extraction method is critical. Coarse grounds have relatively low surface area and take longer to extract flavor compounds. Too coarse of a grind and your extraction will be suboptimal which will create watery and sour coffee.

Immersion brewing methods, such as the French Press or Clever Dripper are best for coarse grounds. Conversely, finer grounds have a much higher surface area, which makes extraction quicker and easier. This can lead to the opposite problem of over-extraction and bitterness in the brew. A finer grind is best used for percolating methods such as pour-overs and drip coffee.

With so many crucial elements involved in producing a good cup of coffee, it’s no wonder that some people get overwhelmed and simply say they don’t like the taste. A world of flavor awaits those who are willing to navigate the complexities of coffee. To begin the process and find the coffee best suited for you, speak to your local roaster and let the journey begin.

FARM TO FORK

GRASS-FED BEEF

WRITTEN BY LAUREN WALCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILL WOODY

Caleb Valdez and Brittany Duffy of Uncompahgre Farms are part of the growing movement of regenerative agriculture, which recognizes the need for holistic treatment of our crops and animals to ensure total ecosystem health. Their pride and passion are their cattle and the land that sustains them, and their goal is not only to offer high quality meat products to our community, but to improve the land as they do so

On a typical beautiful day in the Uncompahgre Valley, Valdez and Duffy stand surrounded by cattle on a tract of land just south of Montrose. Valdez started the business, Uncompahgre Farms, in 2019, with five cows he purchased on Craigslist. With land so expensive, it is difficult to begin as a first-generation rancher, so Valdez leases the land on which he grazes his own herd. Starting small, he grew his business by knocking on people’s doors and gaining lease agreements that allow him to graze cattle. This allows him to expand his herd and accomplish his goal of improving the land at the same time. As a testament to his good land stewardship, the people he leases from have referred others his way, and his business has grown tremendously. Duffy and Valdez met while both worked for the Forest Service, and she joined him as a partner in the business two years ago. They currently graze over 100 cattle on almost 2,300 acres of leased land located primarily on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

The principles of regenerative agriculture help determine every choice that Valdez and Duffy make. Regenerative agriculture refers to farming and grazing practices that go past the idea of “do no harm.” Instead, it actively seeks to improve the land through holistic methods. This starts at the soil level, which leads to a cascade of positive effects, most notably on the water and carbon cycles. As Valdez said, they “work with nature, not against it,” by allowing their herd to do what nature intended, and intervening only in limited ways.

The herd is kept in what may just look like a small paddock, but this is by design: the cattle are rotated to a fresh paddock every couple of days. To move them, the portable, solar powered electric fence is turned off, and the new section is opened. The cows come running after being called with a few loud whoops. By frequently moving the cattle to fresh grazing areas, Duffy and Valdez improve the quality of forage that the cows eat, naturally fertilize the soil with the herd’s manure, and prevent any areas from being overgrazed. This is known as intensive rotational grazing, a method which mimics the way wild herds like buffalo would move across grasslands.

The land in Montrose is protected from development by a conservation easement. It is not sprayed with herbicides or pesticides, nor is it plowed, which would release the carbon in its soil into the atmosphere. The herd is provided with a sea salt lick, and is 100% grass-fed from start to finish, with supplemental hay only when necessary. The calves are vaccinated, but none of the animals are de-wormed, which provides a more natural end product with the additional benefit of allowing dung beetles to thrive. These beetles are an important part of pasture ecology, as they effectively break down the dung to recycle the manure back into the soil. This provides natural fertilization and prevents fields and forests from being left full of “cow pies”. It also adds critical organic matter to the soil: per acre, every one percent of organic material added to soil increases its water retention capacity by over 20,000 gallons. This practice of “armoring the soil” is of major importance in an area like the Western Slope, where rain is limited and irrigation water is precious. These regenerative practices provide an effective way for Valdez to achieve his major goal of conserving water.

The herd will soon move up to the plateau for the summer. With the help of three interns, Valdez and Duffy will continue to closely manage where the herd grazes to ensure no area is overly impacted. In fact, they will be concentrated into areas dominated by invasive species, where their action helps eliminate these monocultures, in turn supporting native species and enhancing diversification.

As they continue to adapt to daily challenges, they learn about ways to improve their herd and develop their land management methods, while also providing a positive role model of sustainability for future generations of ranching. Valdez is inspired to “feed people while improving the landscape” – not content to just lessen the impact on the land, he aspires to have a positive impact while also producing a valuable product. You can find Uncompahgre Farms at local farmers’ markets in the valley where they offer unique selections like Denver steak, rib steak, beef brats, kidney fat, and marrow bones.

Duffy and Valdez are also planning an event in October: Cowboy Palooza. They hope the event will foster a sense of community between producers and consumers, and educate people about the benefits of regenerative agriculture.

KEEP ON TRUCKING

Without the same level of commitment or startup costs as a brick-andmortar establishment, food trucks are a great way to turn a passion into a profession. In the Uncompahgre Valley we have a pretty wide selection of trucks offering all kinds of things. While we can’t include every food truck in this story, let us know via email or on social media of any we’ve missed, and we’ll add them to the online version of this story

A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS SNO-BALLS

A food truck before there were food trucks in Montrose, A Taste of New Orleans Sno-Balls has been serving up this classic NOLA treat in Demoret Park for more than two decades. More commonly known as the sno-ball trolley, the combination of shaved ice and syrup is arguably the best way to battle the summer.

ALARADO BISCUIT COMPANY

Formerly known as the Buttered Biscuit, the ABC is based in Grand Junction, but regularly makes it to Montrose. Owned by Charlene and Brian Thomas, they offer breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, and, of course, biscuits and gravy - as well as combos of the aforementioned, such as the smothered chicken and biscuit sandwich.

AllofthetruckscanbefoundonFacebook.

LONCHERA 2 HERMANOS

Found in the Home Depot parking lot, the “lunchbox” is one of several food trucks serving up authentic Mexican food, including a good selection of seafood dishes. Started by Luis and Irving Macías, Lonchera 2 Hermanos has at least one dish that makes them stand out: the coco de Mariscos - a coconut filled with seafood!

DOUBLE BARREL TACO COMPANY

With a semi-permanent home at Storm King Distilling, the DBTC truck can also be found roaming around town at all kinds of events in the area. The truck menu is a scaled back version of the menu you’ll find at the DBTC brick-and-mortar restaurant on Main Street, so expect combinations that include smoked brisket, smoked chicken, and blackened shrimp.

ON THE HOOK FISH & CHIPS

On the Hook Fish & Chips is a fleet of trucks present in 16 states. The Colorado truck roams the state, and seems to stop in Montrose once every couple of months. They were in Montrose in early May, and so you may not see them again for several weeks. The Facebook page and website are kept up to date, however.

WRITTEN BY WAYFINDER STAFF

OUTDOORS & ACTIVITIES

Let it Fly

PSYCHO PRINCE

This fly is what is called an attractor fly. It attracts the attention of trout to either eat the fly or to h in to speculate what the fly is.

FLUSH FLOATER

Especially useful during early June on the Gunnison River, Flush Floaters are the only fly you’ll need at the height of the salmonfly hatch.

PEANUT ENVY

Mimicking smaller fish - sculpin or smaller trout in this area - these flies are streamers that are particularly popular on the Gunnison River.

FRENCHIE

Popularized in France, hence the name, Frenchies are one of the most popular flies in an angler’s fly box and can be fished in a few different ways.

AMY’S ANT

The go-to fly for high Alpine creeks or small streams, this fly replicates flying ants and other insects that might live on the river’s edge.

BABY GONGA

Designed to imitate baby trout or sculpin, Baby Gongas come in different colors and are very popular.

RESTLESS RUBBERLEGS

Rubberlegs imitate the stonefly nymph, which are important for trout in this area. Available in different sizes and colors, there are three main pens used in this area: golden stones, black stones, and salmonflies

KRYPTONITE CADDIS

A great option for replicating caddis larva coming out of their casing, these work extremely well when dead drifting.

FAT ALBERT

Imitating large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles that swarm river banks in summers, the tan and brown best match the landscape.

MAKE A SPLASH

WRITTEN BY WAYFINDER STAFF

In Colorado, taking a dip in a bright blue lake with majestic mountain peaks, usually calls for putting on your hiking boots and taking a long hike. But at Ridgway State Park, it’s an easy stroll down to sandy beaches where 1,030 surface-acres of crisp water awaits, mountain backdrop included

At an elevation of 6,871 feet, the Ridgway Reservoir stretches about five miles long and is enclosed by hillsides of pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush. There are three recreation sites (Dallas Creek, Dutch Charlie, and Pa Co Chu Puk) each offering water access to the lake, river, or both. The park boasts a myriad of activities including camping, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. During the summer, locals and visitors come for the valley’s most treasured resource… water.

Sailing may not be the first activity that comes to mind when recreating on the Western Slope, yet the Ridgway State Park sees sailors and windsurfers, among other water-sports enthusiasts. Warm

sunny days in the summertime makes the reservoir extremely attractive for jet skiing, tubing, water skiing and wakeboarding. The four-lane concrete boat ramp stretches to the lower limits of the water level, so boaters are able to launch in varying conditions.

As stand up paddle boards (SUPs) have made a splash over the years, the reservoir has quickly become a destination for boarders seeking out pristine waters with stunning mountain views. It’s a sport that welcomes everybody, simply relax on the board and paddle around or engage in a full body workout. SUPs are typically available for rent hourly during summer season at the Dallas Creek entrance or in town in Ridgway or Montrose.

When the water levels are high, the Dutch Charlie designated swim beach is the ideal place to take a dip, catch a tan or spike a volleyball. This site features changing rooms with lockers and outdoor showers. Further south, the dog-friendly Dallas Creek recreation site also allows swimming from the shoreline in the designated no wake-zone.

Both the reservoir and river sites are ideal fishing locations within the park. Two hundred feet below the dam is the site called Pa Co Chu Puk, a Ute Indian term for “Cow Creek.” This stretch of the Uncompahgre River is becoming known as one of Colorado’s premier tailwater fisheries for catch and release fishing. Within the reservoir, stocked

rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon make up the game fish.

As Ridgway State Park draws in visitors from across the country, a lesser known state park further downstream serves as a hidden gem for water recreation in the Uncompahgre Valley. Sweitzer Lake State Park is tucked away just minutes from downtown Delta and features a beautiful 137-acre lake with a sandy shoreline.

From canoeing and jet skiing to picnicking and lounging, it’s yet another picturesque retreat in the valley for water activities. cpw.state.co.us/ placestogo/parks

FREE RANGE LEARNING

WRITTEN BY OUTER RANGE

Outer Range, Montrose Counwty School District’s new outdoor learning center, is the answer to these questions. Not only is Outer Range a manifestation of what is possible for young people in our community, it provides a critical foundation for positive growth and development. The innate and intentional outcomes from these joyful, shared experiences will have a long-lasting impact on the young people in our community, but they will also open a world of possibilities for them, too.

Outer Range provides outdoor programs and expeditions that are immersive, relevant, and student driven. These programs aim to serve all youth, ages 3-18, in Montrose and Olathe. In addition to outdoor programs, Outer Range serves as a public outdoor school. Opening next year with a forest preschool and nature kindergarten, it will fill a critical need in our community for childcare. Our high school pathway will also begin next year, with an elective course to develop skills through real-world experiences, and propel our work in designing career pathways in the outdoor industry and environmental science. Throughout the next few years, Outer Range will grow into a preschool through 12th grade pathway to graduate high school, emphasizing integrated, relevant projects. Outer Range hopes to provide kids with a supportive network to nurture growth and development, and opportunities to be uniquely prepared to enter careers in the local and global outdoor industry.

Located along the Uncompahgre River on 9.5 acres and nestled amongst groves of willows, elms, and cottonwood trees, Outer Range has been transformed into an outdoor learning campus through state and federal grant funding. The development of Outer Range is rooted in support of more outdoor experiences, alternative pathways for education, and early childhood opportunities, and will serve 6,000 students in Montrose and Olathe.

Outer Range is hosting a gear drive and fundraiser in partnership with San Juan Brews and Wayfinder magazine on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 2-7pm in Centennial Plaza after the Farmer’s Market.

If you are interested in supporting or partnering with Outer Range, visit mcsd.org/OutdoorEducation_ OuterRange

What if there was a place where young people are radically seen? Where courage is fostered through new experiences in the outdoors? Where confidence was activated by community connection and transformation was just a part of our natural rhythm? What if there was a school with no walls?

JEEP! JEEP!

WRITTEN BY WAYFINDER STAFF

In the Uncompahgre Valley we are fortunate to have access to public lands with world-class jeep trails, bringing users the best of both extremes as well as everything in between. So whether you want to push the limits of your rig or just use your vehicle as a vessel for exploring beautiful places, there are options for every type of ‘jeeper’ or off-roader out there

If one were to take an off-road journey in and around the Uncompahgre Valley, a good starting point would be just north of Delta in the expansive adobe badlands. Here, the dramatic desert foothills of Grand Mesa are connected by unmarked dirt trails that wind and climb in elevation. On the horizon, a conspicuous rock formation known as Devil’s Thumb creates a truly unique and barren

landscape. If taking Devils Thumb Road into the badlands, make note of the dividing line between a critical Wilderness Study Area to the west and OHV area to the east. Immerse yourself in the landscape by making a loop out of Pipeline and Doughspoon Roads, where you’ll be greeted with abrupt inclines and magical views of the adobe mazes.

Across the highway, the journey continues on Smith Mountain Jeep Road in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) for 360 degree views of the varied landscape, with the West Elk Mountains appearing larger than life over the sloping desert hillsides. The easy eight-mile loop boasts several overlooks that feature the Gunnison River, the surrounding valley, as well as the San Juan Mountains to the south. This is the perfect place to put your jeep in park and watch the sun dip with breathtaking color, or take a hiking detour into the designated wilderness areas that border the route.

A trip into adobes is not complete without driving through Peach Valley, a unique stretch of desert between Delta and Montrose within the Gunnison Gorge NCA. And, yes, true to the name, you can still find peaches less than 10 miles from the trailhead at places like Triple M or Mattics Orchards (so plan your lunch accordingly). Peach Valley is known as a dirt bike paradise, with its narrow primitive trails that wind through the rugged landscape, but it’s also a good place to enjoy the scenery via 4WD. Choose from mild to wild, with Elephant Skin Road as an easy nine-mile route and the Wave / Eagle Loop as an off-road challenge that follows a rocky and ledgy ridge with distant views of Gunnison Gorge.

When you venture into the Dry Creek area of the Uncompahgre Plateau, the adventure into expert-only territory begins. This is a rugged and remote area with seemingly endless options for exploring. Here, six rock crawling trails will challenge the abilities of even the most serious off-roaders. With names like Calamity Canyon, Topless, Death Row, and Die Trying, these trails require a special blend of skills, gear and determination.You’ll want

to come prepared with at least a winch and lockers and set the expectation that body damage may occur between features (think large boulders and notches). Dry Creek is also a starting point for access to the higher elevation trails on the Uncompahgre Plateau as well as renowned overland trails like Rimrocker and Tabeguache.

Spanning an incredible 160 miles, the Rimrocker Trail takes adventurers from Montrose to Moab and provides access through some of the West’s most stunning scenery. The trail will take you through a landscape of red rock canyons, winding rivers, desert vistas and alpine forests. Keep in mind that the adventurous nature of this trail requires users to be cautious and well-prepared with a working knowledge of backcountry survival. Whether you travel the whole route or just a portion, the experience will stay with you for a lifetime.

Perhaps the most visited jeep trails and dirt roads in the area are located between Ridgway and Ouray, where the landscape transitions into high alpine with expansive views of aspen groves and mountain peaks. For a tranquil drive in the summer, Owl Creek Pass provides a scenic 45 mile journey between the Uncompahgre and Cimarron Rivers that leads to a variety of remarkable 4WD roads in the Silverjack Recreation Area. Among the historic mining roads in Ouray, the classic and magnificent Imogene Pass offers a rough and steep route across the San Juan Mountains, climbing to 13,114 feet from Ouray before dropping into the town of Telluride.

And this is just a taste of the vast network of off-roading opportunities in the Uncompahgre Valley. Grab a map, do some research and make your own adventure.

4WD TRAIL ETIQUETTE

The vehicle traveling up the hill has the right of way

Yield to mountain bikes, hikers and horses

Don’t stop on blind corners or in the middle of a trail

Stay on marked trails, tread lightly and follow Leave No Trace

Let oncoming traffic know how many rigs are in your group

Respect seasonal wildlife closures

water, water everywhere

WRITTEN BY TANNER BANKS MAIN PHOTO BY JASON HATFIELD

Many people who call this valley home may already realize the benefits of the Uncompahgre River, thanks to our abundance of recreational opportunities, but the importance of the river extends far beyond recreation. If we take a moment to internalize the role water plays in our day-to-day lives, it becomes apparent that water - specifically for those living in the Uncompahgre Valley - should be revered like gold

The Uncompahgre River’s headwaters originate from two prominent drainages: Red Mountain Creek and Canyon Creek, joining at Box Canyon Falls in Ouray. The “Unc,” as it’s often slangily referred to, cascades north where it meets the Gunnison River. In that 75-mile stretch, it goes to work every day to serve its community.

Come spring, the river displays a greenish-yellow to a reddish-yellow coloration. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a recent phenomenon or something caused solely by historic mining in the headwaters. Seasonal shifts in color is caused by the increase in metals concentration, particularly iron and zinc, entrained with spring snowmelt.

In fact, the Ute Indians dubbed this river the Uncompahgre, which has been variously translated to dirty water or red water among other translations, which suggest that the river has, for time immemorial, been off color so to speak. It isn’t a huge leap to come to the conclusion that Red Mountain Creek and the upper reaches of the Uncompahgre are influenced more by natural geology than the impacts of historic land use.

This is not to say the headwaters of the Uncompahgre are not imperiled by the onslaught of mining for precious metals such as gold and silver, but the distinction is important. Red Mountain is aptly named due to the weathering of predominantly iron pyrite, which stains orange as it oxidizes. So, while restoration of degraded landscapes in the headwaters is important, the natural weathering and deposition of sediment from Red Mountain also contribute to the environmental conditions.

the upper Uncompahgre watershed and its surrounding areas by storm. Thanks to the mighty river, the upper reaches of the Uncompahgre Valley bustled with people who dreamed of striking gold. Flash forward to today, and the Unc’s headwater streams serve less as the heartbeat for hard rock mining and more as an artery that guides visitors to the unmatched beauty of the northern San Juan’s high alpine landscapes.

Locals and keen tourists may notice the Uncompahgre changes from dirty and off-color to a relatively clear river around Ridgway. Tributaries streaming from the face of the Dallas Divide and the Cimarron Range add clean water and the influence of Red Mountain Creek on the Uncompahgre’s water quality diminishes. Ridgway Reservoir, constructed in 1987, further dilutes and sequesters what metals may persist beyond the town of Ridgway.

We can think of the reservoir as a massive sink that improves downstream water quality and creates new economic opportunities for the region. It’s not uncommon to see the reservoir margins teaming with large inflatable surfboards and gatherings of families and friends enjoying beach-side festivities.

Ridgway Reservoir also supports Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tournament. The month-long event was developed to help control various fish populations in the reservoir.

resistance. Of course, human intervention would challenge that theory, but in the case of the Uncompahgre River’s course toward the Gunnison River, the path of least resistance is where the valley widens – somewhere in the vicinity of Colona. Unsurprisingly, as the valley broadens, agriculture becomes the predominant land use.

This is where the Uncompahgre’s water goes to work. Water out of the Uncompahgre is primarily taken up by the East and West Canals, with the Uncompahgre River serving as the central axis. Canals deliver water across the valley bottom to predominantly grow corn, grain, alfalfa, and root vegetables. The Uncompahgre River is the lifeblood of agriculture in this valley, and agriculture is the lifeblood of the Uncompahgre Valley.

The point is that water is of utmost importance, and without it, the world as we know it would cease to exist. Yet this often goes under the radar in our day-to-day life. Farmers rely upon its timely delivery, boaters rely on its seasonal surges, power administrators depend on it to generate electricity. The list could go on.

Ultimately, we rely on water to tell our stories. Maybe the next time you are walking near the Uncompahgre River, take a minute to sit on the bank and recognize that it never takes a day off.

Learn more at Uncompahgrewatershed.org

THE UTE INDIANS DUBBED THIS RIVER THE UNCOMPAHGRE, WHICH HAS BEEN VARIOUSLY TRANSLATED TO DIRTY WATER OR RED WATER

GoWiththeflow

Greek philosopher Heraclitus was right when he said you can’t step into the same river twice, but you can, sort of, do it in the Uncompahgre Valley

WRITTEN BY JOHN ARENAS

As snowmelt from the San Juan mountains turns to rushing waters, outdoor enthusiasts trade their snowboards and skis for river surfboards, SUP boards and kayaks, then head down the valley where the Montrose Water Sports Park awaits. There, on the Uncompahgre River, the snow that was under your skis in January is now the water you’re surfing on.

The park was created to accommodate lots of different kinds of users from go-with-the-flow tubers to adrenalineloving kayakers and river surfers. At 1,000 feet long and with six drop features, it is not only one of the longest runs in the state, but it offers a leisurely trip with natural obstacles, while offering surfers and kayakers the opportunity to surf the waves for a more thrilling experience. It is also ADA compliant with several put-in and take-out ramps making it accessible for the entire community.

Colorado is home to dozens of whitewater parks like this, but what makes the Montrose Water Sports Park

stand out is the fact that the water flows until late fall while other river surfing hotspots are long past their best. That’s because most rivers depend on the rush of spring snowmelt for high waters, so as soon as the meltwater tapers off so does the height of man-made waves. By the time the summer rolls around, the best river surfing is tapped out at most parks. But the Montrose Water Sports Park has a secret tool for keeping the waves big and the surfing groovy all summer long: the Gunnison Tunnel.

Two thousand feet below the surface (at its deepest point), the Gunnison Tunnel diverts water from the Gunnison River and into the Uncompahgre Valley. Through an extensive irrigation system, the tunnel feeds a canal that flows into a section of the Uncompahgre River upstream of the park. As long as the tunnel is open, the park enjoys a consistent flow.

The Gunnison Tunnel was built in 1909, and at the time it was one of the most remarkable and longest irrigation tunnels in the world, transforming the Uncompahgre Valley into profitable agricultural land. It currently supplies water

to more than 80,000 acres throughout the valley. So next time you’re catching a sweet wave in late August, give a nod to this unintended benefit of irrigation. The Ridgway Dam also helps keep the flow steady.

In fact, the park might not exist if it wasn’t for an idea and an invitation, sparked by the desire to help support Montrose veterans. The history of the park’s creation is a great example of how much a small town can accomplish when it rallies around a vision to make things happen. The story starts with Montrose resident Melanie Kline.

In 2012 Kline was starting a non-profit to support returning veterans called Welcome Home Montrose (known today as the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans). After seeing a news story about a Maryland-based group called Team River Runner that brings veterans together to participate in river sports, she was inspired to bring a similar program to support veterans to Montrose.

Kline got in touch with Jared Bolhuis, a member of Team River Runner, and invited him to Montrose to help her launch the operation. It didn’t take long for Bolhuis, who had been a kayak instructor with Team River Runner, to see the potential in the stretch of the Uncompahgre River that runs through Riverbottom Park. He hatched an idea for a water sports park that would be ADA-compliant and

accessible to anyone with a disability, veteran and civilian alike.

Three years, and countless hours of work later, the Montrose Water Sports Park opened in 2015. It was designed by Mike Harvey, who has worked on water sports parks around the country and is the founder of Badfish SUP, one of the original river surfboard companies in Colorado. The City of Montrose, the Montrose Recreation District, and other partners all played important roles in making the park a reality, with funding support from a grant provided by Great Outdoors Colorado.

Today, Montrose residents enjoy the park all season long, but at no time more than during the annual FUNC Fest. Short for Fun on the Uncompahgre, FUNC Fest has established itself as a summer tradition since 2015. It draws in river surfers who seek to claim bragging rights in competitions, as well as families who will make their own claims to fame in the famous rubber ducky races. Food trucks, live music, and other river-themed activities make this a can’t miss summer event on the Western Slope.

Festival-goers are especially amped for the 2022 edition of the festival after the event was canceled in 2020 and last year’s event was held under a caution flag thanks to COVID-19. Scheduled for Saturday August 13th, the festival’s seventh edition is sure to be one for the ages.

ARTS & CULTURE

THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

WRITTEN BY SUSIE BRAKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA PLANTZ

Two words: Treasure Hunt. If these words raise a sense, or even an inkling of excitement, thrifting is probably your jam. For those not in the know, thrifting is the act of scoring sweet deals at second hand stores. From consignment, to antique retail and garage sales, to thrift stores, there is a plethora of outlets for those wanting to get their savvy savings on

There are a myriad of reasons to thrift, each one with its own unique appeal. One of the most implicit reasons is simply the thrill of the hunt. Others may enjoy the feeling of knowing that the item purchased was saved from a slow death in a landfill, especially as trash is a real and growing problem for the planet. When you shop secondhand, you can pat yourself on the back for giving something a second life! Then there is the act of supporting local businesses and nonprofits. Choose the cause or business you want to support and not only shop there, but donate unused items in your own home to them and keep the thrifting loop going.

Another great reason to thrift is the nature of what is on offer. Instead of grabbing a perfectly packaged yet predictable product from a big box store, go for the unique, the one of a kind, the special. Find that funky vintage sweetness and make your wardrobe and home stand out.

Thrifting is also a great way to make your dollars really count. With prices on the rise all around us, why not get that T-shirt for $4 instead of $30? It just makes cents pun most definitely intended.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Make a list. What are you looking for? The magic of thrifting is that you never know what you will find. That can also easily lead toward a sense of feeling overwhelmed. Give yourself the gift of focus and know what you’re browsing for.

Set a timer. Spending an hour searching for finds can happen in the blink of an eye. One could call this power shopping. Give yourself 20 or 30 minutes of focused time.

Be intentional with your purchases. Ask yourself: is this item going to bring you joy or simply add clutter to your home? Put the item in your arms or cart and let the idea of taking it home marinate while you continue the hunt. Do you love it? Do you need it?

HERE BE BARGAINS

Delta has a healthy mix of secondhand stores. Upscale Resale and 4th & Main Exchange boast lots of unique finds, primarily in the antique category. Seeking out a vintage book or just something new to read? More Than Books on Main Street might have just what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to hit the Salvation Army before leaving town.

Montrose is plumb full of nooks and crannies in which to get your thrift on. Habitat for Humanity ReStore has a host of tools, home improvement items, furniture, clothes and more. Heirlooms for Hospice and Second Impressions are smaller, but boast a more organized selection of goods. As the name may suggest, Classy Closet is mainly consignment clothing for both men and women, and let’s not leave out Country Flair Antique Emporium with its multiple booths of antique and craft vendors.

Ridgway and Ouray also have a few hidden gems. Second Chance Thrift Store in Ridgway supports the Second Chance Animal Shelter and has a mix of everything from kitchen items to clothes to gear. The Vault Vintage and Consignment, also in Ridgway, has a somewhat more curated selection than Second Chance, with more oneof-a-kind finds. Red Mountain Trading Post in Ouray has a mix of old and new items, with a preference for old American-made items.

Happy thrifting!

CELLULOID TEMPLES

WRITTEN BY WILLIAM WOODY

When sitting down for a movie, what if the theater itself could transport you to another time and place? From the seats to the decor, historic picture houses and drive-in theaters in Western Colorado have celebrated cinema for nearly a century

There is not a single chain-owned movie theater in the Uncompahgre Valley. The theaters we do have, however, are monuments to a lost time when the theaters themselves were built with themes to symbolize far away places and mirror the magic of the silver screen.

In the 1920s the motion picture industry was booming. With soaring revenues independent promoters raced to build the most lavish, elaborate, attractive theaters. The Uncompahgre Valley was no different.

On October 1, 1928 the 400-seat Egyptian Theatre opened on Main Street in Downtown Delta. The elaborate decor inside, including custom made curtains detailing Egyptian themes, became an instant hit with movie goers.

A year later on October 31, 1929, the Fox Theater in downtown Montrose opened a single screen theater with about 700 seats. The theater was built with a Moorish/Middle Eastern theme that survives to this day. Over the ensuing decades two additional screening rooms were built, the Little Fox and the Penthouse theaters.

Both theaters were designed by Denver architect Montana S. Fallis, who also designed the Mayan Theatre in Denver. Both the Egyptian and Fox have undergone renovations since they first opened, with an aim to preserve as much of the 1920s theme, while modernizing the theaters themselves with digital projection equipment to keep up with the latest technology.

The valley also has a pair of still operating drive-in movie theaters, the Star Drive-In Theatre in Montrose and the Tru Vu Drive In Theatre in Delta. The Tru Vu was built in 1956 on eight acres, and has a capacity of about 300 cars. The Star is the nation’s oldest drivein still owned and operated by the founding family; it’s one of only nine in Colorado still showing movies to people watching from the comfort of their vehicles.

In 2022 the Star will open for its 73rd season. George and Elizabeth DeVries, built the theater in 1949 in a field that was then at the edge of town. “Dad put everything the family had to build this place,” Pam

COLORADO DRIVE INS STILL OPEN

Best Western Movie Manor: Monte Vista

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In Theater: Minturn

Comanche Drive-In: Buena Vista

Denver Mart Drive-In: Denver

88 Drive-In: Commerce City

Holiday Twin: Fort Collins

Mesa Drive-In: Pueblo

Star Drive-In: Montrose

Tru Vu Drive-In: Delta

DeVries Friend fondly recalls. “I can remember my grandmother — my father’s mother — telling me this was the stupidest thing, why would he go out on a limb and risk all of his savings to build this place. He wanted to open a bar or a drive-in.”

The first movie that played at the Star was “The Younger Brothers,” a 1949 Western about a pair of outlaw siblings who rode with the notorious gang led by Frank and Jesse James but are trying to go straight.

From the birth of the drive-in movie theater — in 1933, in Camden, N.J. — to its mid-20th-century peak in popularity, the outdoor icon has become a symbol of Americana and a time capsule of cultural heritage.

In 1958, at the height of drive-ins’ ubiquity, America boasted more than 4,000 in operation. Today, there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 300.

STEP BACK IN TIME

WRITTEN BY LAUREN WALCH

One of only nine Old Spanish National Historic Trail interpretive sites, the museum is a replica of a fort built in 1828 by Antoine Robidoux, a fur trader of French-Canadian origin who later became a Mexican citizen in Santa Fe. Established near the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers while the region was still part of Mexico, the original fort was a hub for trade and

travel routes, notably the Old Spanish Trail (OST) and the Santa Fe Trail. At its peak, it employed between 15-18 men, and provided trade opportunities for travelers and native Utes alike. The fort was abandoned in 1844 when it was burned to the ground after fighting broke out between the Utes and Mexicans and the majority of the fort’s inhabitants were killed.

The OST and Santa Fe Trail both passed nearby the historic fort. Used primarily between 1830 and the late 1850’s, the OST established a trade connection between the settlements around Santa Fe, New Mexico, and southern California. Mexican trader Antonio Armijo led the first successful commercial caravan in 1829 over the nearly 2,700 miles of grueling terrain, following a network of indigenous footpaths and earlier exploratory trade routes, including those of Dominguez and Escalante. The Santa Fe Trail, opened in 1821, connected Santa Fe to Missouri. Like the OST, it followed routes established by the native peoples, and was used primarily by commercial traders and settlers until the completion of a railroad to Santa Fe in 1880 made the trail all but obsolete.

While the exact location of the original fort has been lost, the museum has done an excellent job of capturing what life would have been like during the fort’s operation. There are several buildings ranging from a blacksmith’s shop to a kitchen, complete with an horno, a traditional outdoor beehiveshaped adobe oven. Witness the simple living of the trapper’s cabin, and don’t miss the trade room, where you can learn about the types of goods that would have been bartered for at the fort, many of which were brought from the East on the Santa Fe trail.

The Fort, located at 440 North Palmer Street, is co-administered by the BLM and NPS, and is open MondaySaturday from 9 – 5, with school tours available in April, May, September, and October. There is a visitor center with a bookstore and gift shop, and it is also a certified Public Lands Information Center where you can find information on public lands with maps, park passes, and permits available. Explore the fort to experience the living history of the mid-1800’s, learn about the history of trade and exploration in the area, and gain a new appreciation of the history of our region. The cost of admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 12-18, free under 12, and a $15 family group rate.

Fortuncompahgre.org

Travel back to the 1800's with a visit to the Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center in Delta

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

WRITTEN BY JEFF SUTTON

The Ouray International Film Festival is entering its third year, and the excitement in the valley is palpable

IMAGE COURTESY OF RICHARD BITTLES VIA CANVA

It’s not an everyday occurrence that the film industry descends into a tiny mountain town to share the latest and greatest offerings available

OIFF was founded in 2020 by Terry Kiser, Jacob Abell, and Jared Lacroix. The festival has grown from its simple beginnings to a festival chock-full of expert discussion panels and jury-selected movies screened at the historic Wright Opera House.

The face of the festival is award-winning actor Terry Kiser. Kiser has a lifetime membership in The Actors Studio that is backed by over 140 acting credits This includes 'Rachel, Rachel' (directed by Paul Newman) and the title role in 'Weekend at Bernie’s.' Kiser also serves locally on the board for the Wright Opera House.

This marks the first year that the festival will run for four consecutive days, June 23rd through the 26th. It kicks off with a screening of the award-winning film 'Disfluency' about the journey of a young woman who, due to an unexpected trauma, must retreat from college to her parents’ house and focus on allowing herself to confront the future. Disfluency will be followed by Zaire Love, showing a selection of her short films followed by a Q&A with the festival’s Scholar-InResidence, Skinner Myers.

Zaire Love is an award-winning filmmaker, musician, writer and TEDx speaker who attempts to honor, amplify and preserve the stories and voices of the Black South, particularly those hailing from Tennessee and Mississippi. Her work combines the lives of everyday black Southerners with the ideals of imagination, creativity, and endless possibility. In 2021 Zaire was the recipient of the IF THEN x HULU grant that she used to produce the short film 'SLICE' about the unique, black, swim culture of Memphis, Tennessee.

Friday kicks off with the film 'A Home Called Nebraska' that details the experiences of those involved in the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. Next up is the first of three blocks of short films that will continue on Saturday and Sunday. This will lead into a special engagement featuring Scholar-In-Residence Skinner Meyers, who will discuss his research into Black Cinema, exemplified by screening multiple examples of his work, and then conclude with a panel discussion.

Friday evening the festival will bring the public together by hosting a free screening of 'Spirit of the Peaks' in Ouray’s Fellin Park. The selection of the feature is especially poignant to the Uncompahgre Valley as it is about both skiing and the native Ute culture. The story combines the history and past injustices committed towards the Utes alongside a new found

cultural awareness as seen through the eyes of Hunkpapa Lakota skier Connor Ryan. As he ascends and skis the region’s peaks then delves through the history of the Native Ute people, there is a hope that all is not lost for the future of the original protectors of our local lands. Saturday will have a Q&A with the filmmakers and athletic teams of Spirit of the Peaks after the second short film selections are screened.

This year, the Director Spotlight Ceremony will highlight Jim Cummings. Cummings’ feature debut, 'Thunder Road,' expands upon his award-winning short film of the same name. The film follows a police officer from Texas who comes to terms with the death of his mother and the overall effects it has on both his life and personal relationships. Following the screening, Brian Tallerico who is the editor of RogerEbert.com will lead the discussion with Cummings about the film. Tallerico is a heavy hitter in the industry, with such credits under his belt as President of the Chicago Film Critics Association, contributor for Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Vulture.com, and The Playlist, along with being the co-producer of the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

Saturday night will continue the tradition of the Patron and Sponsor Gala that is held at the Kiser Ranch. This will be open to all patron pass holders as well as the artists, filmmakers, and sponsors. There are also special screenings that will be kept under lock and key until the event is underway.

An experimental film block curated by artist-inresidence, Jonathan Rattner from Vanderbilt University, will kick off the final day of the festival. This will be followed by the last block of short films that will include the Sundance Film Festival Selection 'Champ' by writer director Hannah Peterson. The votes will then be cast and tallied in anticipation of the award ceremony.

Abell talks of the future of the OIFF and how it has become more than just something for Ouray. Abell, a graduate of Ouray high school before getting his PhD from Vanderbilt University, is proud that over the last three years they have reached out and brought in more filmmakers from Grand Junction and Denver to represent Colorado. Plans are in the works to open up the opportunity for more Coloradans to become involved in and experience OIFF live and in-person by taking the show on the road with a brand new traveling exhibit. The traveling pilot program being introduced will present speakers along with highlights from previous years’ festivals and is planned to kick off sometime around Labor Day on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Ourayfilmfestival.com

PAINTING WITH LIGHT

The Uncompahgre Valley is one of the best places in the country for nature photography. With easy access to both mountains and desert landscapes, deep canyons and lush valleys, waterfalls and badlands it’s a photographers’ paradise. Better yet, the dramatic change of seasons sparks new creative opportunities four times a year. It’s an area ripe with potential for creating beautiful images, as long as you have the drive to get out there and capture it

Nature photography isn’t easy. Anyone who has attempted to capture an epic sunset only to return home with dark or blown out images can attest that it isn’t as simple as point-andshoot. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to begin the hobby. Camera gear is more accessible than ever (even cell phones are now a great option) and easier to use. There’s also a wealth of information available to help you learn the basics. Plus, there’s plenty of fun platforms to share your work with others. But where to start? Well, if you’ve ever looked out at the San Juan Mountains during sunrise, or watched the sun cast shadows cast across the adobes, and

wondered how you can do this place justice in a photograph, these tips are for you.

Undoubtedly the most important aspect of taking great photos is shooting in good light. In the simplest terms, that means going out to shoot during sunrise and sunset (and roughly the hour before/after). While there are plenty of excellent photos that have been taken at any time of day, shooting during sunrise or sunset is your best bet for coming home with good results. wExceptions could be when a storm blows through in the middle of the day or when frost lingers through the morning.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN BALLARD & NICOLE ALBRECHT

After light, arguably the next most important element to photography is composition. This is one of the hardest things to learn and it can often feel overwhelming. Many photographers are eager to capture every aspect of a beautiful scene, but it’s critical to keep it simple. Make sure that you know exactly why you are taking the photo, what the subject is, and that there are very few other elements in the scene other than that point of interest. The other supporting elements should be simple and clean with the purpose of adding to, not distracting from, the main focus.

After you’ve found great light, and have a strong simple composition, the next step is camera

setup. Know the equipment you are shooting with, and while beyond the scope of this article, here is a very basic place to start. Manual mode is often the best method for shooting on a tripod in very low light situations such as early morning and late evening with the aperture in the F 5.6 to F 11 range, ISO set to 100 and shutter speed set to the correct exposure based on how the image looks on the screen and the histogram. However, when shooting hand-held (or even on the tripod) you can use Aperture Priority mode to let the camera do some of the work for you and find close to the correct shutter speed, adjusting accordingly. This allows you to spend less time changing settings when subjects are moving through the scene.

A great trick for capturing landscapes is a technique known as bracketing. This involves taking three to five images (cell phones included) and afterwards using an editing program such as Lightroom to create one final image that combines the foreground and sky at the right exposure, so not too dark or too bright. One image should be taken bright, another darker, and the last right in the middle. This essentially allows your camera to capture the world more similarly to how your eyes see it.

What happens after you take a photo is equally as important as the steps leading up to it. For fine art photography (as opposed to journalistic) post-processing is a critical part of the craft. This is where you can determine the best crop, emphasize focal points, balance exposure, etc. You’ll want to download an editing program such as Adobe Lightroom, which can be used on the computer or phone. The more you shoot and edit afterwards, the better you’ll become at seeing the final edited version in your mind’s eye before you even click the shutter. Knowing what’s possible and how the final result will look is key to how you’ll shoot in the field.

Like so many things in life, it’s important to have the right tool for the job. Good quality camera gear will have a direct relationship with the quality of images you produce. While camera bodies vary widely, a mid-range, wide angle and telephoto lens are ideal for nature photography. If this hobby is your passion, shoot with the best gear you can afford. But keep in mind that learning the art and technique of photography, along with putting in the hard work of finding beautiful locations, is far more important than the equipment you are

using. These days, many incredible images are taken on a cell phone.

At the end of the day, make sure that you take everyone’s ideas (including these) as a suggestion rather than a hard and fast rule. Always feel free to do your own thing and never let yourself be put in a box. Listen to others’ ideas, mesh everything you hear together, then make it your own — allowing you to have your own unique creative vision. The same goes with the “rules or principles” of photography that have been around for years. This is art after all.

OURAY MOUNTAIN AIR MUSIC SERIES

The ever popular series of free concerts in Ouray’s Fellin Park returns with five concerts each Thursday in June. The series also highlights local nonprofits in the beer tent, with all tips going to that week’s nonprofit. Good music, good causes, and a stunning location. What’s not to like?

GEAR FOR BEER

Outer Range, Montrose County School District’s new outdoor learning center, is hosting a gear drive and fundraiser in partnership with San Juan Brews and yours truly on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 2-7pm in Centennial Plaza after the Farmer’s Market. Donate gently used gear and get a beer token.

SWEET SWEET CORN

Also returning this year is the Olathe Sweetcorn Festival. Downtown Olathe turns into a true festival with all the corn you can eat as well as live music, vendors of all kinds, and a water fight. This year it takes place on Saturday, August 6th.

MONTROSE SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Another series of free concerts, the Montrose Summer Music Series returns this year at a new venue: the brand new Montrose Rotary Amphitheater. Concerts are on the first Fridays of June, July, August, and September. Gates open at 5pm and the music gets going at 6pm.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

NATURAL BORN MOVERS

WRITTEN BY GABRIEL BACA

Sometimes described as Crossfit for hippies, on the surface, MovNat appears to be yet another program that aligns itself with the golden age of functional fitness training, but its roots are different from that of Crossfit or TRX.

MovNat is a school of physical competence for the real world, entirely based on the practice of natural movement skills, i.e. movements that the human body was designed to perform.

Founder of MovNat, Erwan Le Corre, hit the mainstream in 2008 with his video, “The Workout The World Forgot.” With over a million views, Erwan demonstrated his ability to run, swim, climb, jump, and move in the most picturesque outdoor environments. It was epic, and people caught on to the idea of “exploring your true nature.”

At the time, MovNat may have appeared to be similar to Parkour – a physical discipline made famous in 2004 by David Belle and the jaw dropping stunts filmed in the movie “District 13.” While the two disciplines are similar in origin, Parkour tends to be more focused on overcoming obstacles in the urban environment using locomotive skills, while MovNat also includes lifting, carrying, throwing and catching.

This philosophy of real world-use is where MovNat has commonalities with other mainstream functional fitness programs. Like Crossfit, MovNat teaches lifting movements like the deadlift, push press, and the clean and jerk. However, MovNat teaches these movements utilizing sandbags or other oddly shaped objects, such as rocks

GET INVOLVED

Intro to MovNat classes are now offered at the Montrose Rec Center. Classes will emphasize natural movement skills and highlight the MovNat domains on walking, running, balancing, jumping, crawling and more. Quite possibly the funnest “fitness” class you’ll ever take.

and boulders found outdoors. “The aim is not caloric expenditure, aesthetics, or one-repetition maxes, but rather becoming adaptable at moving well in various environments through the practice of movements that are natural and inherently human,” said John Wagner, MovNat Level 2 Certified Trainer at the Montrose Rec Center.

Over the years, MovNat has evolved into a mindful practice emphasizing awareness, body-mind connection, as well as a connection with nature. It’s a training that you’ll be able to use to not only better your life, but also the lives of those whose paths cross your own.

Montroserec.com

RURAL PHILANTHROPY

WRITTEN BY KILEEN MARIE DONNELLY

The Western Slope of Colorado is a region rich in non-profits and other charitable organizations that help provide services to its many rural communities. According to Montrose Community Foundation, there are over 250 non-profits located in Montrose County alone, with Ouray and San Miguel counties also hosting large numbers of 501c organizations

In an effort to support these non-profit and community groups, the Community Resource Center (CRC) is hosting one of their twice-annual conferences, Rural Philanthropy Days, on the Western Slope this Spring. The San Juan Rural Philanthropy Days conference is part of a statewide initiative to offer skill-building, collaboration, and funding opportunities to nonprofits and community organizations.

CRC has been working across the state of Colorado for over 40 years with a mission to build capacity within the nonprofit sector and build a better Colorado with strong and resilient communities. Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) is a cornerstone of their efforts and has been held for over 30 years.

CRC has three goals for hosting the RPD event. They hope to increase access to resources that support operations and social impact in rural non-profits, get grant-makers engaged with rural Colorado leaders to better understand regional issues, and enable rural communities to have the resources needed to collaborate on a regional scale.

There are eight regional chapters within the Community Resource Center’s scope. The main chapter for the Uncompahgre Valley is the San Juan RPD. The chapter is part of the Rural Action Network (RAN) and covers Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. Returning to the San Juan region after five years, the Rural Philanthropy Days conference is planned to be held June 7-9 in Ridgway. This year, the theme of the San Juan conference is Communities in Transition.

At the conference, attendees will take part in workshops covering all facets of nonprofit work, this includes the opportunity to network and build relationships with potential funders and collaboration partners, as well as explore the beautiful scenery of Ridgway and the surrounding area. There is an emphasis on rural resiliency and investing in small communities as well as the creation of a strong network of funders for programs in need.

The town of Ridgway is looking forward to hosting the event, which was originally slated to take place in 2021 but was pushed back due to the Covid-19 epidemic. Ridgway Mayor John Clark said “The RPD Conference will provide Ridgway an opportunity to showcase our rural community and highlight the diverse nature of the San Juan region. Ridgway is a destination full of rich history, an array of arts and culture, and home to an engaged and friendly community.”

The event is open to local leaders, business owners, philanthropists, and community groups within the San Juan Region. CRC also grants an opportunity for locals to learn more about their regional nonprofits and how to support them. First-time attendees will have a special training at the beginning of the event, with returning attendees encouraged to attend as well. The conference will conclude with a driving tour of the West End.

For more information about the conference as well as registration, visitcrcamerica.org.

GIVING BACK

WRITTEN BY WAYFINDER STAFF

One of the newest non-profits in the Valley, Faultless, is dedicated to protecting the children in our communities through various programs that press home the importance of speaking out about and being educated about body safety, digital safety, grooming, sex trafficking, sexual assault and cyber bullying. Faultless is also dedicated to changing laws that don’t do enough to protect children. Faultlessedu.com

For the past 28 years, Second Chance Humane Society has served the tri-county region with a mission to connect pets, people and community, while saving lives. There are several options for those who want to volunteer including working at the two thrift stores (Ridgway and Telluride) or at the shelter itself. Adoptmountainpets.org

Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building one-to-one mentoring partnerships between young people and responsible, caring adults. Youth with a mentor in the Partners programs benefit from increased self-esteem, academic improvements, pro-socio bonding. Visit Partners-west. org to learn about how to get involved.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) serves abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes and find themselves in the courts and child welfare system through no fault of their own. After a background check, interview and training, volunteers participate as child advocates. Visit casa7jd.org/ volunteer to learn more.

Voyager Youth Program, based in Ridgway, seeks to inspire Ouray County’s youth to achieve healthy lives through prevention education programs and enrichment activities. . Started in 1997 to give kids something to do when not in school, today Voyager provides programs that have the same mission but incorporate the latest research. Visit Voyageryouthprogram.org to learn more.

This article is just a smattering of the non-profits we have in the valley. We will be adding them - and more - to an online directory, so send us an email or a message on social media to let us know about other non-profits we can add.

Scan the QR code to see the directory on the Wayfinder website.

Many of us want to give back to the communities we live in, and thankfully there are lots of non-profits that address all kinds of issues. So whatever issue you care about there is probably an organization in the area for you

WILD MILD TO

The Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program manages healthy wild horses and burros. Created to implement the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act passed by Congress in 1971, the program has seen nearly 50,000 wild horses and burros removed from public land

The Mustang Heritage Foundation helps find forever homes for as many of these horses as it can. One way it does that is through TIP (Trainer Incentive Program), a training and adoption program that engages talented horse trainers nationwide. Approved TIP trainers gentle and halter train BLM-branded wild horses and burros, then market and find new homes for them

TIP Challenges are competitions that allow competitors to showcase the talents of their wild horses or burros. TIP Challenge competitors adopt or purchase their competition animal and gentle it in-hand in preparation for the in-hand only TIP Challenge event

“Wild to Mild” is a local TIP challenge that culminates with a performance at the Montrose County Fair

Bloom Where You’re Planted

Each issue of Wayfinder has a sort of unofficial theme with a spine of stories flowing through the magazine Issue #6 is going to be all about plants in all their guises. We’ll talk about flowers, vegetables, plant-based meals, beer and wine, how to effectively plant and grow all kinds of things in our area, foraging, and lots of other great stuff.

We will, of course, continue to make Wayfinder better - and for us that means more representative of the area we live in both in terms of once and contributors - and at the same time reach more people, both in the valley and around the country. And, now that the magazine is established, we are going to be reworking

the website and ramping up our social media presence.

In the same way as plants thrive with a fertile medium to grow in, we like to think Wayfinder is blooming because of the fertile medium of the Uncompahgre Valley: the people, the places, the things and the general awesomeness of this place.

As always, comments, thoughts, opinions, remarks, and suggestions are welcome. Send them to contact@ wayfindermagazines.com. If you’re interested in having the print version of Wayfinder mailed directly to your home or office, visit wayfindermagazines.com/ subscribe