Page B
Science is our mechanism to inspire wonder and appreciation of nature.
Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia. Photo taken at Hallam Lake as part of ACES’ Hallam Lake Bioblitz project in June 2019.
Page C – ACES Annual Report 2020
About ACES Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a nonprofit environmental science education organization with three locations in the Roaring Fork watershed: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and the Catto Center at Toklat. Making more than 125,000 annual education contacts, ACES reaches Colorado residents and visitors through guided hikes, environmental science lessons in schools and in the field, kids camps and adult classes, public lectures, community events, environmental education consulting, and more. Our programs focus on ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, forest and ecosystem health, land restoration, and environmental civic leadership. ACES also partners with land trusts, public agencies, government entities, and other non–profits to collaborate on regional land stewardship efforts. Projects include restoration and cooperative management on open space, public lands, and private lands under conservation easement.
Trustees Daniel Shaw, Chair
Jerry Murdock
Sam Brown
Robert Musser
Neal Dempsey
Walter Obermeyer, Treasurer
Andy Docken
Ben Pritzker
Ryan Elston, Vice Chair
Barbara Rosenberg
Mark Hamilton
Sheri Sanzone
Reenie Kinney
Ashley Schiff Ramos
Leslie Lamont
Rachel Sherman, Secretary
Kim Master
Maile Spung, Officer
Diane Moore
Colter Van Domelen
Gina Murdock
Page 1
Table of Contents About ACES Letter from the CEO Land Stewards First, Farmers Second Green Time vs. Screen Time Living a Year at the Catto Center at Toklat Natural Solutions Events Financials 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign Membership Legacy Planning Our Donors Administrative Staff & Partners Where We Work
Page 2 – ACES Annual Report 2020
01 04 06 09 12 15 18 20 21 22 23 23 26 27
Generations of ACES alumni gather together at the Catto Center at Toklat for a special celebration in honor of ACES’ 50th anniversary in September 2019.
Page 3
The Time the Earth Stood Still LETTER
FROM THE
CEO
The COVID–19 pandemic has allowed our planet to take a short
world is to reclaim the planet we have trashed given the chance.
breath – while we hold ours. It has taught us something about the
We have seen how clear the waters of Venice can become in the
power of nature and the fragility of our lives.
absence of motorboats, how clean the skies from New Delhi to New
Trying to conduct even the most perfunctory daily functions – coordinating work and family responsibilities, maintaining mental and physical fitness, and even getting food on the table – without coming
York can become in the absence of cars, and how audible the songs of birds are in the absence of commercial activity. Fourth, COVID–19 taught us that in this bizarre and newfound battle
within six feet of another human – is not easy. But these will only be
between politics and science, science wins. Just as our leaders had to
temporary.
learn that the epidemiological science around COVID–19 was real, scary,
While the pandemic will have many lasting impacts on all of us, I have four hopeful observations. First, the unwavering altruism and community spirit shown by
and accurate, our leaders will also learn the same applies to climate science. Science, not politics, must direct our policies, whether it be
residents of the Roaring Fork Valley. Local philanthropists, including
COVID–19 response or climate change mitigation. We are learning the
ACES donors, raised $3.5 million in only a few days for the 2020 Rescue
hard way that we must trust environmental scientists as we do doctors
Fund. Aspen, Pitkin County, and Snowmass governments dedicated
and professionals who have decades of education and work experience
$7 million to help locals through financial uncertainty.
in their fields. Science must be the foundation of our health and
Neighbors helping neighbors. Teachers helping students. Our tireless medical workers giving everything they have. Financial
environmental policies. Anything less is irrational or demagogic. At ACES, we know we must live in harmony with natural systems in
assistance. Food access. Human grit! These humanitarian efforts
order to not only survive, but also prosper since “our economy is the
represent Aspen and our valley–wide communities at their best,
wholly owned subsidiary of the environment.” ACES’ job is to teach
revealing our true character.
people about that connection.
Second, while this outbreak is unlikely to lead to long term change
As you’ll see in this report, ACES has had one of its most mission–
in land use, air and water pollution, and carbon emissions (e.g. carbon
driven years ever. We celebrated our 50th anniversary and are now
emissions dropped only 1.3% during the 2009 financial crisis; scientists
80% toward completion of our $12.5 million capital campaign. With
today predict a carbon reduction due to this pandemic in 2020 of 8%),
these funds, we will be providing new environmental science education
I witnessed something that suggests we could someday solve the
at schools in Rifle, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, and more. These
climate crisis.
classes may contain a future president or an environmental visionary!
Solving it will require literally every government on earth and all
We will be expanding our outdoor field science programs to more
their citizens to unite on dramatic carbon reduction efforts and vast
underserved communities. We will renovate the Catto Center at Toklat
upscaling of renewable energy. This has always seemed impossible.
to become a world class wilderness retreat center, where we will
But this pandemic has shown us something remarkable about our
change minds by changing hearts. We are restoring aquatic habitat
will to survive that we may have never seen in human history.
at Hallam Lake and reintroducing native cutthroat trout. In addition
It suggests that, if and when we set our minds to something, we can
to growing even more local, sustainable food, we will create online
unite as global citizens of our one and only planet around a cause that
regenerative agriculture education that will span the globe. And,
threatens all life as we know it. We can do it. We will do it!
we will improve upon our physical facilities that, like our organization,
Third, while the coronavirus will not reverse the ravages of climate change, it is allowing us to see with our own eyes how quick the natural
Page 4 – ACES Annual Report 2020
are 50 years old.
Science, not politics, must direct our policies, whether it be COVID–19 response or climate change mitigation.
During this time of change, like all species, we are adapting. Our staff is resilient. Our morale is high. The work to protect our natural world is ongoing because you can’t “cancel nature.” The human race cannot stay cooped up indoors forever - but we can use this moment to rethink our relationship to nature. We can ponder what it truly means to share the planet. We can resolve to change the way we live. There is no “social distance” required between humans and the natural world. It is the one place we don’t have to hold our breath.
Chris Lane Chief Executive Officer
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Land Stewards First, Farmers Second H O W R E G E N E R AT I V E A G R I C U LT U R E
CAN
SAVE THE
PLANET
Jason Smith, Rock Bottom Ranch Director
It’s 5 am, and I can’t sleep. Coronavirus. Climate change. Newborn lamb #118 and her challenging start to life. Our unsustainable industrial agriculture system. These are the thoughts that run through my mind before I’ve even
Early on in my farming career, I realized that livestock services were more valuable than their products. Ruminants like cattle and sheep, for instance, are our lawnmowers. When frequently rotated through different pastures, ruminants eat the grass and fertilize the soil:
opened my eyes. But mostly, my head is filled with thoughts of my two
which produces more grass,
daughters, Addie and Ella, and what their future will look like. At Rock
which pulls carbon from the atmosphere,
Bottom Ranch, the agriculture team’s work explores food systems as
which makes the soil healthier,
part of our organization’s larger environmental dialogue and, hopefully,
which grows more grass, and so on.
teaches our visitors and students to rethink the role of agriculture in solving environmental challenges. A few years ago, Alyssa Barsanti, Agriculture Manager, coined the
The whole cycle is a self–sustaining process that works in harmony with natural systems rather than attempting to control them. Simply put, the potential of a well–managed parcel of land to sequester carbon,
phrase “Land Stewards First, Farmers Second.” For us, this means an
maintain ecological health, and grow healthy food outweighs the
approach to land management in which we let the land tell us the next
emissions from livestock (when raised in a regenerative manner), so in
steps. We don’t consider ourselves chicken farmers or cattle farmers or
the end we have a net negative carbon result.
sheep farmers; we’re land stewards.
Page 6 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Chickens provide another essential service at the ranch. Our laying hens follow the ruminants in this rotation; chickens’ natural inclination to scratch the ground while looking for bugs, larvae, and seeds distributes manure left by our ruminants, while also providing them mini–protein meals. Not only does this help to fertilize the pasture, but also cleans and sanitizes the area. While delicious, we consider our farm–fresh eggs – a $30k annual income–generating byproduct – secondary to chickens’ valuable ecosystem services. When raised in a regenerative manner, both livestock and vegetables have the potential to actually reverse carbon emissions by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere into the soil. Regenerative vegetable practices include reduced or no tillage, diverse cover crops, in–farm fertility, no pesticides or synthetic
We don’t consider ourselves chicken farmers or cattle farmers or sheep farmers; we’re land stewards.
fertilizers, and multiple crop rotations. In 2019, we made a drastic overhaul to our vegetable production system by switching to a reduced and no–till system. By narrowing aisles and decreasing bed size, our cultivated area shrunk by 20%, yet yields increased compared to 2018. The secret to carbon sequestration is perennial polycultures focused around grass. A side benefit to managing with regenerative “tools” is that they can provide meat, milk, and fiber as byproducts of their work – something tractors and hay baling equipment cannot do. When we’re able to harness the science behind the natural systems of regenerative agriculture, my fears for my two daughters’ futures subside and my hope grows. With any luck, their food over the next century will not deplete the soil, pollute rivers, or heat up our planet. And I will sleep better. Sometimes past 5 am.
POULTRY SANITIZE & DISTRIBUTE
Our Regenerative Agriculture Work At Rock Bottom Ranch, ACES models regenerative agriculture
RUMINANTS EAT GRASS
production systems that prioritize land stewardship, ecosystem health, carbon sequestration, and animal welfare. Our vegetable and livestock productions systems are based on natural cycles and designed to mimic nature. ACES is leading the charge on developing models for replicable, regenerative agriculture where food production can actually restore soil biodiversity and positively affect our climate. Our systems are designed to maximize land productivity, while constantly taking steps to improve soil health. When managed in a
CARBON IN SOIL IMPROVES HEALTH
GRASS SEQUESTERS CARBON
holistic manner, livestock are critical to the process of nutrient–cycling and carbon sequestration. We raise a diverse array of livestock including:
growing season at our 6,400 ft. elevation, we utilize energy–efficient
sheep, cattle, laying hens, broilers, and rabbits.
season extension structures including a seed propagation house and
We also grow over 50 varieties of vegetables with intensive, efficient,
three hoophouses. All of our houses are passively heated and allow
and regenerative practices. Our production uses a low–till approach
us to produce year–round, without the need for any fossil fuels or
to minimize soil disturbance and preserve soil structure. To extend the
supplemental heat.
Page 7
Page 8 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Green Time vs. Screen Time WHY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION During her first summer as an ACES Educator, Phebe Meyers,
MATTERS There’s plenty of research showing that nature is an enriching
who’s now ACES’ Community Programs Senior Manager, was leading
environment. A 2014 UCLA study found that after just five days of
a group of 7– and 8–year–olds around Hallam Lake when one of them
face–to–face interaction at a nature camp without any screen time,
pointed out a plant and asked what it was. Phebe didn’t know, but
preteens were more able to read human emotions, which is important
before she could search her field guide, another student piped up with
in developing social skills. British researchers found that people who
the correct answer.
spend time in natural places are more likely to be conscientious about
Years later, a group of 10– to 14–year–old girls came back from Women of the Wild, an all–girls, weeklong backpacking trip. While they
the environment, and adopt more green practices. Bestselling author Richard Louv compiled a body of research for his
all tackled challenges like developing their wilderness skills, they had
book, Last Child in the Woods, which makes the case that connecting
also formed a support system, with even slightly more experienced girls
kids with nature is essential for healthy physical and emotional
finding themselves in leadership roles, and inspiring and empowering
development. Louv coined the term “nature–deficit disorder,” which
each other.
links the lack of vitamin N (nature) to myriad childhood development
Most of us know intuitively that spending time in the outdoors is better for kids than staring at screens all day. There’s plenty of science
issues, including increasing obesity, depression, and attention disorders. Recent research also shows how screen time can negatively impact
to back that up. But what’s less intuitive – and less studied – is the
green time. A 2018 study found that as students spend more time on
power of human relationships in outdoor settings.
screens, their connection to nature decreases. That’s partially because
“If kids are engaging together with the natural world around them and sharing each other’s curiosities, that’s a unique experience that hopefully will inspire them,” says Phebe. “Our educators provide the
of the addictive nature of screens, which inhibits youth from connecting with nature, according to Canadian researchers. And as today’s kids spend more and more time on screens – a 2019
support and space for this learning to happen, but the kids interacting
report from Common Sense Media found that teens average around
with each other is just as important.”
seven and a half hours of screen time per day while tweens (ages
Neuroscience tells us that the human brain rapidly develops for the
8 to 12) consume a little under five hours – there are other negative
first several years of life, when billions of neural connections are made.
consequences. Teens with high screen use are over twice as likely to
Kids with early childhood education are much more likely to graduate
be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, while even moderate use of
high school and college, and enriching environments with engaging
screens is shown to lower children’s psychological well–being. It goes
relationships result in better emotional, cognitive, and executive
without saying that spending a lot of time on screens is also detrimental
function.
to physical health and social engagement.
ACES environmental education programs get kids outside for 28,000 hours annually. Not only does this provide a unique outdoor “classroom” for learning, but also has been linked to healthy physical and emotional development.
Page 9
The Roaring Fork Valley offers abundant opportunities for kids to get outdoors and away from screens – and ACES is no exception. Our summer and school–year educational programs are rooted in science but driven by broader principles: promoting fun in the outdoors, letting curiosity drive learning, and shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. “By knowing what’s around you, you have more of a connection to it
School–year programs, which are more standards–based, focus on experiential learning of earth and life sciences. There’s both classroom learning and outdoor time, including field trips for each grade level. ACES education programs offer brand new experiences for some kids, whose time outside may be otherwise limited to playgrounds and backyards. With those experiences comes new perspectives: Once
and want to steward it,” says ACES Education Director, Andrea Aust. “Our
kids learn about plants or animals, they might be more aware of them
goal is to educate for environmental responsibility.”
wherever they go. And they just might feel comfortable and confident
During ACES summer programs, kids learn to be outside in all conditions. If it rains, educators set up tarps or find trees to shelter under. Kids are allowed – and encouraged – to get dirty; on overnight
to explore their own backyards – turning over rocks to see what’s under them, identifying squirrel and deer tracks, or building forts in the woods. Above all, it’s a shared experience. Provided with the level
programs they have the option to sleep under the stars. The theme–
playing field of the great outdoors, kids deal with interpersonal
based programming is flexible and encourages self–discovery, allowing
conflicts, share knowledge, and learn how to help each other.
a group to veer off the day’s hiking plan if they want to delve deeper into
Connecting with each other and to nature drives home the idea that
the Hallam Lake ecosystem, for example.
we’re all in this together.
At Rock Bottom Ranch, ACES education programs explore the role of food systems and help students better understand the connection between a healthy ecological system and healthy food.
By knowing what’s around you, you have more of a connection to it and want to steward it.
Page 10 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Our Ecological Literacy Work ACES students explore the
ACES Ed inspires students to ask questions about the natural world and connects them with the environment through robust regional
pond at Hallam Lake during a summer program.
partnerships. Every student at our three partner schools – Aspen Elementary, Basalt Elementary and Crystal River Elementary – visits their ACES Ed classroom weekly and receives seasonal field science programs. ACES Ed also provides weekly in–classroom environmental science programs in western Garfield County, now in its second year, as part of Garfield County Outdoors, a grant–funded initiative made possible by Great Outdoors Colorado. ACES recently completed construction on the Children’s Garden at Rock Bottom Ranch and developed new curricula to further integrate agriculture education into our in–classroom and field programs. ACES is currently revising our curriculum to align with the Next Generation Science Standards and the 2020 Colorado Academic Standards in science, providing crucial science instruction to students and aiding schools in implementing these standards. By offering standards–aligned in–classroom instruction paired with field experiences, we believe that the unique structure of ACES Ed can serve as a model for environmental education throughout the state and nation. For Roaring Fork Valley high school students, ACES also leads Tomorrow’s Voices each semester: a college–level course with a focus on social justice and environmental stewardship. Encouraged to listen to each other, speak their minds, and consider their broader civic roles, Tomorrow’s Voices students develop critical thinking skills and the agency to effect positive change. ACES’ community programs combine environmental science education with outdoor exploration, transforming the local environment into a community classroom. Community programs provide engaging opportunities for participants ranging from pre–K through adults. Participants form lasting friendships as they share immersive and informative experiences in nature, while developing a sense of place, curiosity about their surroundings, and passion for lifelong learning.
The Numbers 1,600 students received weekly environmental education in the classroom
5,200 student experiences in field science programs 40 students participated in Tomorrow’s Voices in 2019 28,000 hours that kids spent outside $15,000 dollars offered in scholarships 18 field sites 35+ Summer Educator–in–Training Volunteers 140+ species of birds identified during ACES’ birding classes
Page 11
Living a Year at the Catto Center at Toklat
REFLECTIONS
FROM AN ACES
ACES staff share a meal with visiting environmental experts outside of the Catto Center at Toklat.
NATURALIST
Olivia Niosi, ACES Naturalist
Was this going to be something like Leopold’s Shack, Thoreau’s Walden Pond cabin, or the Murie Ranch? New to town, I wasn’t sure. But the moment I arrived at the Catto Center at Toklat I knew I had made the right choice. The beauty. The history. The plea to help protect the place.
My first few weeks at Toklat were spent learning how to get warm water in the shower (derived from the magic of the pilot-lighted stoves), listening to Trevor’s stories of the place, and somehow answering the ooohs and ahhs from guests who walked in the door. Every week, I met someone who was a respected artist, ecologist,
I shyly opened the doors through a leather shop that stung my nose
philosopher, or outdoors person. I lived with Nika, an avid trail runner
and into a cold, large living room. I was greeted by a hurried Trevor, the
and thru–hiker. I attended a drum–making workshop Trevor hosted in
caretaker, who showed me my room, told me to get unpacked, then
memory of his late mentor. I sat around a fire with people who helped
we’d get to work. We needed to carry some wood and pipes up to the
start ACES and had deep roots with both Toklat and Aspen. I met Eddie
intake of Devaney Creek – the source of both our water and electricity.
Running Wolf, a talented Native American wood carver. Stuart and
Trevor explained that the big snow year’s peak water was approaching,
Isabel Mace mentored so many people in the art and conservation
possibly the next day, and might overwhelm our micro–hydroelectric
world in their family home, Toklat, and here I was decades later hearing
generation system. Not even five minutes up I felt my heart racing, my
their voices, their stories. Meeting these inspiring people made me
lungs burning, and my forehead sweating. I realized maybe I wasn’t
realize that by living here, I was joining their unique community that
invincible to this whole altitude thing. We fixed the flow gate, walked
celebrates a connection to nature through many forms. I also shared
back down, and shared some beers around the pond. This was going to
a love for this place and grew tremendously over the summer. I was
be an alright place.
gaining so–called “Stuartship” for the Castle Creek Valley.
Page 12 – ACES Annual Report 2020
I didn’t know what I was going to do, become a poet or author?
Powder days at the ski resorts were few and far between. The longer we
Thru–hiker? Summit all the peaks? Continue teaching others about
stayed up here, the farther town got. We really were in our own world.
the natural world? How am I going to leave my mark on Toklat like
This was going to be a secluded place.
it has on me? This was going to be a powerful place.
As quickly as winter came, it went. The coronavirus came to
When fall off–season came, I found myself alone at Toklat. I no
town, the mountains closed, and our nature tours were cancelled.
longer had the people who made it special; it was just me, the wood,
It was abrupt, confusing, and hard to comprehend. But Toklat had
and the occasional mouse. It was an odd time and a beautiful time.
prepared us, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. We were
I saw my first real fall ever. Watching all the aspens turn from green
already professionals at entertaining ourselves without the luxuries
to strong gold in just a few days reminded me of my time here passing
of TV or internet. We already knew what it felt like to not go to town
quickly. I hiked to the top of Ashcroft Mountain and was so struck
for weeks. So there we were, making puzzles, going through the VHS
by my new view of the valley that I didn’t even think to take a single
collection, writing, reading together in the geranium room, going out to
picture. This was going to be a changing place.
cross–country ski, snowshoeing, cooking, painting, drawing, organizing
Winter came quickly. Toklat got even colder, the valley turned white, and suddenly I had four roommates again. The holidays
the library, maintaining trails, and shoveling lots and lots of snow. I feel rooted here. I feel the potential for me to continue
consisted of us naturalists taking turns giving nature tours and hosting
growing. To become what, I don’t know. But I realize that I’ve joined
people at Toklat. We talked to people for hours on end, retelling the
this Toklat community just as I am – someone trying to connect others
Mace story, and never tiring of sharing the valley. Our alarm clocks
to nature through shared experiences, continuing my own small steps
turned to coyotes howling each morning. We watched moose recreate
toward finding ways to protect this planet, and growing my deepest
in the willows just outside the door. Everyday we saw new tracks
passions for ecology and storytelling. This is going to be a hard
and could tell a new story as to the nightly happenings of the valley.
place to leave.
I was gaining so–called “Stuartship” for the Castle Creek Valley.
ACES’ Catto Center at Toklat provides a unique “window into wildness,” helping visitors to experience a connection to the natural world and to understand the rich ecological diversity of the upper Castle Creek Valley.
Page 13
The Catto Center at Toklat The Catto Center at Toklat, an iconic wilderness retreat center, embodies ACES’ environmental ethic and spirit of stewardship. Since the late 1940s, the Catto Center at Toklat has been a place of quiet refuge where visitors can engage in thoughtful inquiry and reconnect to the natural world. Originally built by the Mace family, the Catto Center at Toklat continues to act as a gathering place for community members and visitors alike, offering a space where people can come together to reflect, rejuvenate, and feel inspired by the local environment. Visitors find their way to the Catto Center at Toklat for a variety of reasons, whether as part of a professional retreat, workshop, community potluck, field science class, to visit with one of our seasonal artists in residence, or simply to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Castle Creek Valley. But no matter how or why they arrive, visitors leave this special place with a renewed sense of connectedness to the land and appreciation for the value of environmental stewardship.
Our Naturalist Program Work
The Numbers
spend the next two and a half months guiding hikes and providing educational outreach for both
440 Naturalists trained by ACES since 1987 3,849 tour participants at the Maroon Bells/
visitors and residents at iconic sites throughout the Aspen area.
Snowmass/Aspen Mountain in summer 2019
Each June, ACES trains 16 new Summer Naturalists – enthusiastic college graduates who
Through training, individual research, and guiding, Naturalists develop a deep knowledge of local ecology, environmental issues, human history, and the physical landscape. Over the course of the summer, Naturalists learn to use storytelling to explain a range of subjects, inspiring a connection to the Aspen area for over 42,500 locals and visitors in 2019. While at ACES, Naturalists often develop greater understanding and passion for the subjects they are most interested in as they plot their own career paths. For more than 30 years, this ever–growing group of ACES alumni has gone out into the world effecting change. As scientists, teachers, land managers, policy makers, non–profit administrators, and sustainability experts, Naturalists further ACES mission when they bring their knowledge, communication skills, and appreciation of the natural world to new communities.
An ACES Naturalist leads a tour along the edge of Maroon Lake, sharing information about natural history, local ecology, and more.
Page 14 – ACES Annual Report 2020
The 2016 Hunter–Smuggler prescribed burn triggered new growth in aspen and gambel oak, helping to restore ecosystem health by improving wildlife habitat and creating age and species diversity.
Natural Solutions PROTECTING OUR FORESTS TAKES ON A NEW MEANING IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE In the quest to prevent warming
Most people know that trees are good at
reforestation require large amounts of
from reaching two degrees Celsius above
taking in carbon, but not all forest solutions are
land not currently managed as forests, and
pre–industrial levels, the emphasis has largely
created equal. Planting trees in areas where
planted forests do not achieve the critical
been on reducing man–made emissions. But
none were before (afforestation) and restoring
biodiversity found in natural, intact forests.
in recent years, natural solutions – Mother
cut down or degraded forests (reforestation)
Nature’s ways of sequestering atmospheric
are bandwagons even the Trump administration
carbon – have gotten increasing attention
has embraced – when he pledged the US to
from scientists and other climate advocates.
the World Economic Forum’s One Trillion Trees
forests pulling the most carbon from the
initiative earlier this year.
atmosphere are old, intact forests, and
Natural solutions to climate change include restoring wetlands and mangroves,
But forests grow very slowly – plant a
The most important thing we can do is to protect the forests that we have. This idea of proforestation – that
that keeping those forests intact offers the
improving soil quality, and a gamut of
tree now and it could be decades before it
most immediate benefit for the climate – is
strategies around forests.
matures – and we need to draw down carbon
supported by scientists broadly and forest
immediately. Other hurdles: Afforestation and
managers locally.
Page 15
The most important thing we can do is to protect the forests we have.
In a June 2019 paper published in the
Preserving forests in the Roaring Fork
journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change,
Valley watershed has been a longtime goal
Tufts University professor William Moomaw
of many local government agencies and
and his co–authors write: “Proforestation
nonprofit organizations, but only in recent
provides the most effective solution to
years has climate become a component of the
dual global crises – climate change and
partners’ objectives.
biodiversity loss. It is the only practical,
Launched in 2014, the Hunter–Smuggler
rapid, economical, and effective means for
Plan is a 20–year effort to improve forest
atmospheric carbon dioxide removal among
health and habitat (and recreational
the multiple options that have been proposed
opportunities) on some 4,700 acres adjacent
because it removes more atmospheric carbon
to Aspen, on Smuggler Mountain, and in the
dioxide in the immediate future and continues
Hunter Creek Valley. Proposed by ACES, the
to sequester it long–term.”
plan’s partners include the City of Aspen,
It’s a solution that the Roaring Fork Valley,
Pitkin County Open Space, and the US Forest
surrounded by thousands of acres of public
Service. Projects have included work on a
land that hold swaths of intact forests, is
lodgepole pine forest to repair damage from
particularly suited to focus on. According to
and prevent future pine beetle infestations,
ACES’ 2014 State of the Forest Report, local
manually thinning out old gambel oak stands
forests absorb on average more than 280,000
to encourage new growth, and a prescribed
tons of carbon per year.
fire in spring 2016.
On our timescale, we want to preserve the
The fire, which treated about 900 acres of
carbon that’s on the landscape right now, and
gambel oak and aspen forest, stimulated new
there’s value in that here in the Aspen area.
plant growth, produced a mosaic vegetation
Page 16 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Shyla Raghav, Vice President of Climate Change at Conservation International, speaks to a sold–out crowd in Aspen on “Reimagining Climate Change: How We Can Turn Our Despair Into Hope” as part of ACES’ Jessica Catto Dialogues speaker series.
Gary Tennenbaum, Director of Pitkin
pattern for diverse habitat, returned needed
Ragav, who helped negotiate the Paris
nutrients to the soil, and cleared out
County Open Space, notes that while it’s not
Climate Accord and has been working on
hazardous fuels. A scientist monitoring results
possible to restore the land completely to
climate change mitigation and adaptation for
of the fire found that burned aspen tree plots
what it was before human habitation – climate
over a decade, offered this message of hope
produced nearly 37 times more suckers, or
change has already depleted natural water
in February when she spoke as part of ACES’
shoots, than unburned plots.
supplies to some extent, for example – the
Jessica Catto Dialogue Lecture Series.
Four years later in the burn area, it’s obvious where the burn was because there’s
Open Space program is adapting to include a climate focus. “When I started 17 years ago, the whole
a ton of new growth there. It’s more difficult
“One of the most encouraging things about climate change is we have these solutions at our disposal – we know what they are,” she
to see the carbon benefits – which come
thing was about habitat and wildlife, but
from preventive measures such as staving off
we’ve since realized that all these things are
beetle outbreaks and large wildfires.
connected to climate,” he says. “Now, our
emissions come from poor agricultural
told the Aspen audience. As much as one–quarter of global
world is finding a metric to address climate
practices and deforestation, Ragav said – so
for the White River National Forest, and his
change through open space management
changing those bad habits can help turn
team have conducted prescribed fires with
while protecting scenery and wildlife.”
things around.
Jim Genung, the zone fuels specialist
While results are encouraging on a local
similar results in many parts of the White
In fact, restoring native cover could
River National Forest, including around Basalt
level, it’s important to keep in mind that
account for one–third or more of the solution:
Mountain, Avalanche Creek in the Crystal River
natural solutions – even on a global scale –
reducing emissions to zero by 2050. Ragav
Valley, up Cattle Creek, and outside of Rifle
won’t resolve climate change on their own. To
also emphasized that these solutions can and
and Eagle. Big game returned to the hillsides
truly address climate change, we must take
need to start on a local level, which means
of the Basalt Mountain prescribed fires, he
a holistic approach, which includes dramatic
everyone can get involved in some way in
notes.
reductions in fossil fuel and other greenhouse
their own backyard.
Pitkin County Open Space is another partner
gas emissions paired with natural solutions. But Shyla Ragav, Vice President of Climate
in natural habitat planning. A 2015 prescribed fire
In a nutshell, says Ragav, “When we invest in nature, we’re not only investing in climate
on Filoha Meadows, an Open Space property
Change for Conservation International, is
change solutions. We’re investing in our
near Redstone, ushered in plenty of regrowth
optimistic about the potential of natural
resilience. We’re investing in a more stable
among the gambel oak and aspen that is prime
solutions because they haven’t been
and secure future for humanity.”
elk and bighorn sheep habitat.
considered that seriously until recently.
Our Forest & Climate Work ACES’ Forest & Climate Program was founded to better
In addition, ACES guided adults and children into the Lake Christine
understand and address the alarming trends we see in Colorado’s
burn area following the 2018 wildfire to see how local forest ecosystems
forests. Our work includes restoration, education, research, and
respond to that type of disturbance. Through these community
monitoring. On–the–ground restoration projects are located in the
education programs, ACES provided a window into the diversity created
Hunter–Smuggler area, education and monitoring utilize Colorado’s
by wildfire and the amazing capacity for ecosystems to recover. ACES’
Forest Health Index (foresthealthindex.org), and ACES conducts research
Forest & Climate Program also continues to produce educational
with the help of our Forest Forecast Model (forestforecasts.org).
material to help the local community connect with our forests. This year,
In 2019, ACES completed the first–ever species inventory or “Bioblitz” of the Hallam Lake nature preserve. Over a three day period, scientists
ACES published our first local tree guide, as well as the sixth annual State of the Forest Report for the Roaring Fork watershed.
from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program documented over 300 species, creating a valuable set of baseline data. Moving forward, this information will help ACES’ staff to become better stewards and educators of the nature preserve.
The Numbers 38 individual Forest Health Indices for watersheds across Colorado 70 people guided through the Lake Christine burn area 144 species of plants at Hallam Lake 300 species documented in 2019 Hallam Lake Bioblitz
Page 17
Events Our events do more than bring our community together; they are a celebration of those who take action and effect positive change in the world.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival This annual film festival fundraiser showcases inspiring films in support of ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices program while celebrating environmental filmmakers, pioneers, and activists.
Fall Colors Potluck Each September, ACES’ annual membership potluck at the Catto Center at Toklat invites guests to experience the peak of fall colors in the Castle Creek Valley.
Stars Above Aspen Last year, ACES partnered with Aspen Skiing Company to host a celebration of astronomy for over 1,000 guests on the top of Aspen Mountain.
Raptor Fair Last July, this educational community event featured personal interactions with over a dozen raptors, including a Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Red–tailed Hawk, and Snowy Owl for over 400 guests.
Farm to Table Dinners During last summer’s growing season, ACES celebrated regenerative agriculture at Rock Bottom Ranch with a series of elegant, locally–sourced meals.
Harvest Party Last October, ACES welcomed 1,400 guests to Rock Bottom Ranch to honor the harvest season with pumpkin–carving, apple– pressing, live music, a pie baking contest and more.
Picnic on the Preserve ACES kicked off the summer season last June with our annual celebration of ACES membership at this picnic–style dinner at Hallam Lake featuring a plant–rich meal from Rock Bottom Ranch.
Evening on the Lake Last year, ACES celebrated our 50th anniversary with a benefit featuring a locally– sourced meal from Rock Bottom Ranch to support our environmental science education programs at the Hallam Lake nature preserve.
Page 18 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Earth Day ACES celebrates Earth Day every day, but especially on April 22nd by bringing the community together and inspiring action to protect our Earth that sustains us all.
50th Anniversary Events Last year, as we celebrated ACES’ 50th Anniversary, we partnered with other landmark Aspen nonprofits to celebrate mind, body, spirit – and the natural world.
Paul Hawken Public Lecture ACES and the Aspen Institute partnered to bring environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author Paul Hawken to discuss Project Drawdown – a list of comprehensive solutions to climate change – to a sold–out audience at Paepcke Auditorium.
Music Inspired by Nature ACES and Aspen Music Festival and School partnered to bring our community “Music Inspired by Nature,” featuring Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring as well as pieces from Rachmaninoff and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
Art for ACES The Aspen Chapel and ACES both celebrated our 50th anniversaries in 2019. In honor of this milestone, the Aspen Chapel Art Gallery sponsored a special show with ten local artists who created works inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Speaker Series ACES Speaker Series feature scientists, adventurers, and other experts – giving them a platform to share their passions while inspiring, informing, and empowering attendees. Many of our lectures are available to stream at aspennature.org. Naturalist Nights This year, scientists shared engaging presentations about local ecology, natural history, environmental issues, and more, including topics like “Too Hot To Trot: Pika Ecology in a Time of Global Change” and “Border Wall Impacts on Wildlife, Wilderness, and Communities: A View from Both Sides.”
Potbelly Perspectives This year, we heard stories of endurance, community building, and wild experiences from local adventurers, including Jordan Curet’s “Discovering the Yukon Wilderness by Paddleboard” and Nika Meyers’ story of “Setting the Unsupported Female Fastest Known Time on Vermont’s Long Trail.”
Jessica Catto Dialogues This year, ACES hosted Reverend Lennox Yearwood Jr. from the Hip Hop Caucus and Shyla Raghav from Conservation International for thought–provoking and engaging free public lectures. These two leaders inspired us to view environmental justice and climate solutions through new lenses, while providing ideas for ways to take action. Wild Perspectives ACES’ inaugural year of Wild Perspectives in Snowmass provided an opportunity for the community to gather and listen to experts share stories on everything from the history of skiing in Snowmass, to forest health, to birding, to activism.
Page 19
Financials Total revenue for the 2018/19 fiscal year totaled over $9m, of
Revenue & Other Support
2019
2018
2017
which approximately $4 million was operating income and $5 million
Contributions
6,816,383
1,786,257
1,017,546
was from donations and pledges to the 50th Anniversary Capital
Endowment
455,000
440,000
430,000
Campaign. The increase in operating income from the previous year
Membership Income
216,854
212,459
183,202
Admission & Tuition
765,079
667,935
678,131
Other Income
730,627
424,615
356,719
Investment Income
61,822
11,100
8,395
Total Revenue
9,045,765
3,542,366
2,673,993
in excess of expenses for ACES’ operating budget totaled over
Expenses
2019
2018
2017
$1 million for the fiscal year.
Educational Expense
1,958,548
1,973,889
1,803,376
Management & General Expenses
483,90
257,384
321,668
Fundraising Expenses
516,116
367,345
243,767
Total Expenses
2,958,565
2,598,618
2,368,811
Excess of Revenue over Expenses
6,087,200
943,748
305,182
Assets
2019
2018
2017
Cash & Cash Equivalents
5,238,565
5,227,868
4,303,697
Pledges Receivable (net)
4,101,654
777,642
995,534
Inventory
22,686
22,686
22,390
Investments
3,818,392
609,986
603,331
Land, Building & Equipment (net)
7,313,898
7,680,004
7,459,754
Total Assets
20,495,195
14,318,186
13,384,706
Liabilities
2019
2018
2017
Accrued Expenses
218,548
104,990
92,031
Note Payable
330,309
354,058
377,285
Total Liabilities
548,857
459,048
469,316
Net Assets
2019
2018
2017
Undesignated
5,041,478
735,904
7,081,895
Invested in Land, Buildings,
6,983,589
7,325,946
1,883,495
With Donor Restrictions
7,921,271
5,797,288
3,950,000
Total Net Assets
19,946,338
13,859,138
12,915,390
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
20,495,195
14,318,186
13,384,706
was from greater participation in our community programs such as our kids camps, Naturalist programs, and agriculture program and from the Evening on the Lake fundraiser that celebrated ACES’ 50th anniversary. With slightly less than $3 million in total expenses, revenue
Revenue & Other Support Contributions Endowment Membership Income
Admission & Tuition Other Income Investment Income
Without Donor Restrictions
Equipment (net)
The financial statements of ACES were audited by Reese Henry & Company, Inc. A copy of the complete Independent Auditor’s Report and 990 are available on the
Expenses Educational Expense Management & General Expenses Fundraising Expenses
Page 20 – ACES Annual Report 2020
ACES website.
50th Anniversary Capital Campaign Last year, in honor of ACES’ 50th anniversary, the Board of Trustees and ACES’ CEO Chris Lane launched a $12.5 million capital campaign. Today, over 80% of the goal has been reached thanks to inspired leadership giving during the “quiet phase.” The community phase will unfold over the next year to ensure that ACES’ facilities are safe and up-to-date, that vital educational programs reach as many people as possible, and that our beloved sites are protected for the enjoyment of all. As we look to the future, we recognize that our work has just begun. Through an in-depth analysis of what we want to accomplish in the next 50 years, ACES’ staff and board have identified three priority areas of focus:
Community Building Connecting People to Nature at the Catto Center at Toklat Helping influencers of all ages understand humanity’s unique connection to the natural world and its life–supporting and economy– sustaining systems is one of the most direct ways to protect the global environment. ACES’ wilderness retreat center, the Catto Center at Toklat is where we will provide that connection. Surrounded by wilderness and disconnected from a wired world, a renovated Toklat will feature a restored ecology center, artist– and scientist–in–residence programs, natural and historic heritage library, and a wilderness convening space for citizens, children, community and business leaders, policy–makers, teachers, and nonprofits.
Education Building the Environmental Science Education Movement As a beacon of science–based environmental leadership and education for all ages, our place–based science education will cultivate
Protection and Restoration Leading Collaborative Efforts in Ecosystem Restoration and Land Conservation Through our Climate & Forest Department, ACES will restore natural habitats and ecosystems throughout the region, including ACES sites. We will serve as a model for restoration efforts, ecological health, climate education, and outdoor community classrooms, providing cutting–edge, science–based information to the public. This will include assessing the state of our forests and ecosystem health through on–the– ground restoration work, in–depth science analysis, data sharing, and collaborations with universities, government agencies, and other NGOs.
Specific Initiatives Community Building Renovation of Catto Center at Toklat Hallam Lake Visitor Center Improvements Local Food Production Infrastructure
$6,100,000 $1,425,000 $700,000
Education ACES Educator Housing in Carbondale Increased Environmental Education for Children Sustainable Agriculture in Schools National Farmer Training and Education Program Classroom Technology and Quantitative Metrics Outdoor Environmental Education for Downvalley Schools
$750,000 $600,000 $550,000 $750,000 $100,000 $125,000
Protection and Restoration Hallam Lake Aquatic Habitat Restoration Regional Forest Health Restoration Bioblitz Species Inventory and North Star Preserve
$750,000 $250,000 $125,000
When ACES moves forward with our campaign, we hope you will join us to “Protect the Future”. More details on these initiatives can be found at protectingthefuture.org.
community consciousness and environmental stewardship on a local, state, and national level, advancing our mission beyond our physical boundaries and into underserved communities and schools. We will contribute to a national agenda for increased environmental science education. In an effort to teach the world to rethink farming and food, we are transforming Rock Bottom Ranch into a national center modeling regenerative food systems. ACES will create food–literate citizens by: investing in infrastructure to demonstrate scalable, replicable systems of regenerative agriculture, creating a national farmer training program, and teaching these systems to both adults and students.
Thank you to the donors that have donated to ACES’ 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign “Protecting the Future” as of May 31, 2020. Leadership Campaign Gifts Anonymous (2) Currie and Tom Barron Carolyn Bucksbaum Catto Shaw Foundation Mel and Adam Lewis Gina and Jerry Murdock Penner Family Foundation Margot and Tom Pritzker Capital Campaign Gifts Nancy Sweet Adams Allison Teal and Sam Brown Michael Carricarte Charlie Cole Sally Cole Jan and Neal Dempsey Lissa Ballinger & Andy Docken
Fidel Duke Kim and Mark Hamilton The Woody & Gayle Hunt Family Reenie Kinney and Scott Hicks Leslie Lamont and Lance Luckett Malott Family Foundation Nancy Meinig Diane Moore and Joel Sax Marcie and Robert Musser David Newberger Helen Ward and Wally Obermeyer Ben Pritzker Ashley and Mike Ramos Barbara and Donald Rosenberg Sheri Sanzone and Chris Bendon Lisa and David Schiff The Wade Family The Rob & Melani Walton Foundation Becky and Craig Ward
Page 21
Membership Donor Circles ACES’ Donor Circles members are knowledgeable, powerful voices for the environment, both in the Roaring Fork Valley and across the nation. Donor Circles members donate $1,200 and above each year, and they see their investments making a tangible difference, shaping our future for generations to come. Donor Circles members enjoy special opportunities to meet with visiting environmental leaders and speakers, as well as priority registration to events and programs, and invitations to unique events and receptions. To further recognize their generosity, Donor Circles members are recognized in ACES’ Annual Report and on our donor wall at ACES’ Hallam Lake visitor center.
Donor Profiles
Young Environmental Advocates (YEA) ACES’ Young Environmental Advocates, also known as “YEA” members, represent the next generation of environmental leaders who are ready to take action when and where it’s needed most. For individuals between 18 and 30 years of age, ACES offers a special $25 membership level with the goal of creating opportunities for young people to deepen their connection to nature through events, workshops, and ACES’ annual speaker series. YEA members are invited to socialize and network at ACES’ programs and events, while building a knowledge base that enables them to address today’s environmental issues in an informed and engaged manner.
Hensley & James Peterson
Alex Hager
“We believe ACES is making a profound and vital contribution to our community through creating environmental education, stewardship, and awareness of our natural world for the future of our planet.”
“I’m a firm believer in the power of storytelling as a tool to learn about the world and bring people together. I first got involved with ACES by attending and volunteering at Potbelly Perspectives. It’s one of my favorite winter rituals – getting in a room with a bunch of like–minded folks who share a passion for the natural world and hearing stories from people who have gone on extraordinary journeys.”
James and Hensley Peterson’s long history with ACES is something to celebrate. James joined the ACES Board of Trustees in 1994 and served as Board Chair for five years of his seven–year term. During this time, he was motivated to address ACES’ need for staff housing and began a successful capital campaign to raise funds for housing, including the Treehouse and Straw Bale structures at Hallam Lake and
Alex Hager moved to the Roaring Fork Valley last fall. He joined ACES as
Naturalist housing at Hunter Creek. In 1999, he and the board completed
a YEA member in the winter of 2019 and volunteered at our winter speaker
a campaign for the acquisition of Rock Bottom Ranch. After retiring from
series, Potbelly Perspectives. In his free time, Alex loves hiking, practicing
the ACES board, James served as a founding board member on the
Spanish, and reading poetry. He supports ACES because it brings people
ACES Endowment Fund. Hensley, a talented book editor, joined the ACES Board of Trustees in 2000 and served on the executive committee for six years. During her time on the ACES board, Rock Bottom Ranch was conserved with Aspen Valley Land Trust and the Field Study Center was established. During this time, ACES also acquired a wilderness lodge which would become the Catto Center at Toklat. After retiring from the Board of Trustees, Hensley continued to be an advisor on the Toklat Council. James and Hensley are still actively involved as Donor Circles members.
Page 22 – ACES Annual Report 2020
together to celebrate the awesome power of the natural world. For more information on ACES membership, please visit www.aspennature.org or contact Development Director, Christy Mahon, at 970.925.5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org.
Elizabeth Paepcke Society Leave a Lasting Legacy Many of our supporters choose to leave a gift to ACES in their wills or trusts to protect our environment for future generations. You can, too. When you do, you’ll be playing a key role in sustaining ACES’ mission, expanding its programs, and ensuring its future. To learn more about planned giving through ACES’ Elizabeth Paepcke Society, please contact Development Director, Christy Mahon at 970.925.5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org.
Our Donors Thank you! We would like to express our gratitude to the contributors who generously supported ACES annual fund, summer benefit, and special projects and programs between the dates of November 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019. Recognition in the ACES Annual Report is a benefit of the Bighorn Sheep membership level ($300) and above. ACES’ 50th anniversary “Protecting the Future” campaign gifts are listed separately. Chairman’s Circle ($50,000 and above) Anonymous (3) Jan and Neal Dempsey Ann and John Doerr Jessica and John Fullerton Melony and Adam Lewis Melinda and Norman Payson The Walton Family Foundation Restorer’s Circle ($25,000 – $49,999) Anonymous (2) Jackie and John Bucksbaum Fidel Duke Suzanne Farver and Clint VanZee Malott Family Foundation Lisa and Willem Mesdag Margot and Thomas Pritzker Barbara and Donald Rosenberg Elisha and Jeff Zander
Benefactor ($10,000 – $24,999) Anonymous (4) Aspen Community Foundation Lydia and Bill Addy Connie and Buddy Bates Amy Margerum Berg and Gilchrist Berg Jackie and Mike Bezos Ella and Scott Brittingham Sarah Broughton and John Rowland Jess and Bill Budinger Zoë Baird and Bill Budinger Michael Carricarte Ruth Carver City of Aspen Sarah Challinor Lauren and Ryan Elston The Environment Foundation Kristen and Wally Graham Margot and Richard Hampleman Annabelle Bond and Ken Hitchner
Carol and Michael Hundert Soledad and Bob Hurst Shana and Clint Johnstone Allison and Warren Kanders Reenie Kinney and Scott Hicks Rachel and Rick Klausner Margaret and Daniel Loeb Leslie and John McQuown Andrea and Bobby McTamaney Gina and Jerry Murdock David Newberger Helen Ward and Walter Obermeyer Ilona and Chad Oppenheim Christina and Tad O’Donnell Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund RCG Fund Alex and Gunnar Sachs Lisa and David Schiff Singing For Change Tori and Vincent Smith Jill Soffer and Steve Elder Becky and Christopher Steere Brittany and Colter van Domelen Melani and Rob Walton Tillie Walton Innovator ($5,000 – $9,999) Anonymous Argonautica Currie and Thomas Barron The Baum Foundation Karen Brooks Alison Teal and Sam Brown Ruth H. Brown Foundation Carla and John Brozovich Sylvie and Gary Crum Dee and David Dillon Muffy and Andy DiSabatino Laura Donnelley Marcy and Leo Edelstein Judith Fisher Nancy Furlotti Patricia Goudvis Mary and Jim Griffith Julie and Jim Hager Lelia and Bill Harriman Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman Jamie and Bush Helzberg Annie and Jerry Hosier Ellen and Bill Hunt Linda Lay Barbara and Jonathan Lee Jonathan Lewis and Mark Zitelli Toby Devan Lewis Shelly and Tony Malkin Gloria and James Marcus Kim Master and Noah Lieb Laurie and John McBride Anne McNulty Diane Moore and Joel Sax Marcie and Robert Musser The Pathfinder Fund Benjamin Pritzker Betty and Lloyd Schermer The Schuster Family Foundation Rachel and Tony Sherman Michelle Smith Katherine Tomford and David Grossman The Knapp Fund Becky and Craig Ward
Beau Wrigley Sara and Nat Zilkha Advocate ($2,500 – $4,999) Bessie Minor Swift Foundation Clint and Nancy Carlson Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw Kristina And William Catto Becky and Jeff Berkus Sallie and Thomas Bernard Jamie Brewster McLeod and Glen McLeod Morgan Henschke and Matthew Brown Amy and John Charters Rona and Jeff Citrin Tom and Megan Clark Charlie Cole Ann Dahmer and Kevin Geiser Linda and Ben Davis Marsha and David Dowler Jennifer Dubrul Nicholas and Maja Dubrul Terry Durham Cinda and Donnelley Erdman Shel and Clayton Erikson Joan Fabry and Michael Klein Susan and George Fesus Kristen and Andrew Firman Andi and Jim Gordon Sherri and Dean Goodwin Michelle and Perry Griffith Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Diane and Jack Kennedy Bill and Sheila Lambert Francine and Tag Liebel Fredericka and David Middleton Nancy and Joe Nevin Ann and Bill Nitze Marina and Charles Nitze John Norwood Nancy Paley Hensley and James Peterson Karen Herrling and Daniel Porterfield Bob Purvis Susan and Rod Ralls Lorraine and Mark Schapiro Phyllis and David Scruggs Jill St. John and Robert Wagner Carol and Jim Swiggett Allison and Ben Tiller Lucy Tremols and Galen Bright Steward ($1,000 – $2,499) Anonymous Pamela Alexander Valerie Anderson and Lester Houtz Anne Austin–Clapper Claudia and Richard Balderston Elizabeth Ballinger Holly and Albert Baril Cara and Robert Barnes Linda Bedell Meredith Bell Jessamy and Todd Bennett Barbara and Bruce Berger Susan and Maury Brochstein Chelsea and James Brundige Marla and Lawrence Butler Terri and Tony Caine Cynthia Calvin and Mac McShane
Page 23
Julie Case Katherin and David Chase Lisa Chiles Janet Clark David Corbin Sally Cole April and Eric Cotsen Carol Craig Bobbi Cunningham and Michael Ortiz Heather Dempsey and Massimo Mallamace Laurel Gilbert and Bruce Etkin Muriel and John Eulich Filipa and Joshua Fink Barbara Fretz Ashley Friedman Michael Fuller The Gaglione Family Gary Gerst Molly and William Gilmore Rachael Glassman Dr. Lisa Braun Glazer and Dr. Jeff Glazer Joanna Golden Jan and Ron Greenberg Jody Guralnick and Michael Lipkin Joan Harris Barbara and Gerald Hines Angela and Henry Hite Johnanna and Todd Hoeffner Katie and Rob Holton Tavia and Clark Hunt Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone Sandy and George Kahle Cindy Kahn and Steve Marker Laura and Mike Kaplan Katherine Kendrick Laura and Gary Lauder Kayla and Jim Lehmann Suzanne Leydecker Kathy Lemieux–Rodman and William Rodman Darlene and Victor Liss Peter Looram Sam and Peter Louras Elizabeth and Adam Lowenstein Diana and Carl Luikart Pete McBride Nancy Meinig Lindy and Tom Melberg Sarah Meserve Martha and Adam Metz Lee and Sandy Mulcahy Ann Mullins Lynn Nichols and Jim Gilchrist Diane Oshin and Sidney Mandelbaum Jan and Jim Patterson Suzanne Pfister Ali and David Phillips Emily and Philip Ring Louisa and James Rudolph Kaja Rumney Mary Schmidt–Libby and Russel Libby Carole and Gordon Segal Jennifer and Daniel Shorr Wendy and Mike Sidley Peggy and Ted Smith
Bill Stirling William Stolz Hilary and Dave Stunda Patricia Tisch Cathy and Peter Toren Barbara Trueman Ruth and Bob Wade Alexa Wesner Lara and Marc Whitley Tamara and Frank Woods Alison and Boniface Zaino Heidi Zuckerman Black Bear ($600 – $999) Vanessa and Karl Adam Joanne and David Applebaum Gina Arcic Beekman Gina Berko and David Fleisher Molly Brooks Chevy and Jayni Chase Julie Comins Pickrell and Greg Pickrell Deborah Copito Pat Damoorgian Andy and Brian Davies Christopher Ellis–Ferrara Marianne Farrell and Dierdre Venables Darlynn and Tom Fellman Orly Friedman Karen and John Gray–Krehbiel Nicholas Groos Susan Helm Kristen Henry Jessica Herzstein and Elliot Gerson Constance Hoguet Neel and Richard Neel Kate and Matt Holstein Janis and George Huggins Barbara Reid and David Hyman Andrea and Elle Inhoffer Rusty and John Jaggers Chandra Johnson Christine Karnes Marianne and Richard Kipper Leslie Lamont and Lance Luckett Diana and Chris Lane Fonda Paterson Clarisse Perrette Holly and Karl Peterson Katherine Avilla Peterson Lynn and John Phillips Margaret Sheridan Amanda Simmons Warren Stickney Ben Tomkins Linda and Dennis Vaughn D. J. Watkins Bighorn Sheep ($300 – $599) Sherry and Duane Abbott Stephen and Helene Abelman Lizbeth Adams Rajan Ahuja Julie and Harrison Augur J. G. Augustson Lisa and George Baker Barb and Rick Beckwitt Lucy and Rick Belding Joanna Bennett
Page 24 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Summer and Eric Berg Paula and William Bernstein Andrew and Kathy Berkman Carla and R. Stephen Berry BF Foundation Kristen and Charles Bieler Liz and John Bokram Louise Brainard Hoversten and Phil Hoversten Paula Brodin Donna and Kenton Bruice Andrea and Chris Bryan Lee and Keith Bryant Terri and Tony Caine Lynn and William Carter Castaways Foundation Cristal Clarke Alison Coenen Abrams and Dale Abrams Pamela and Donald Conover Marcia Corbin Bonnie and Ken Davis Karen Davis Dusty and Alexis Diaz Andy Docken Mary Dominick and Sven Coomer Carol Donnally Pam and Ken Dunn Kristin Ericson Carol Fant Carol and Jim Farnsworth Liz and Eric Feder Lynne Feigenbaum and Steven Wolff Jonathan and Stefanie Fillman Patty and Peter Findlay Nanette B. Finger The Fink Family Sara F. Finkle Donald Fleisher Edmund Frank Kristina Fraser Jordan and Pete Gaston Alyson and Justin Gish Jayne Gottlieb Eileen and Richard Greenberg Jane and Allen Grossman Christie Hefner Janet Henick–Popescu and Eduard Popescu Noelle and Cecil Hernandez Ruth and David Hoff Karen and Jefferson Hughes Diane and William Hunckler Chonnie and Paul Jacobson C. Jeannine Johnson Kathleen and Warren Jones Denise Jurgens and Kevin Messerschmidt Nanci and Rick Kalayama Nancy and Mitch Kantor Jaqueline Kaplan and Chad Clark Leslie Kaplan Deborah Kotzubei Judith R. Kravitz Anne Kerr L’Heureux and Matthew L’Heureux Dominique Kun Lee and Zachry Lee Suzann and James Levine
Jenn and Clay Likover Kim Lubel Charles Lucarelli Clayton Maebius Patricia Marino Susan and Lawrence Marx Joe and Jennifer Mason Jacqui Matthews Michael McCrea Ravé Mehta Marjory Musgrave and Frank Peters Amy Nathanson Ilona Nemeth–Quasha and Alan Quasha Michelle and Michael Payne Donna Peak Brooke A. Peterson and Carol Hood Peterson Lori and Tom Pevny Ali and David Phillips Jodi and Bill Pinkham Simon Pinniger and Carolyne Roehm Garrett Reuss Paula Rhodes Myra and Robert Rich Janie Rich Munro and Scott Munro Phillip and Emily Ring Janet A. Roberts and Larry D. Fredrick Marvin Rosenberg Sarah and Adam Roy Lauren Salzer Jennifer and Joseph Samaha Linda and Jay Sandrich Sheri Sanzone and Chris Bendon Shereen and Jordan Sarick Kirsten and Chad Schmit Robert Schultz Susan and W. Ford Schumann Darlene and Jerome Schwoerer Barry Seager Nancy and Barry Shapiro Layne and Michael Shea Rene Sheikh Candace and Daniel Sherman Ellen Silver Terri and Rich Slivka Wendy and David Smith Clifford and Natasha Stowe Suzanne Wolff and Gary Tennenbaum David Trujillo Robin and Peter van Domelen Anne and Frank Vicino Eliza and Ryan Voss Elizabeth Weaver and Michael Marek Susan Welsch Barbara and Charles Winton Susan Wolf and Doug MacLean Paula Zurcher
Corporate Sponsors Our corporate sponsors are making our community a more sustainable place. These donors contributed to ACES and/or sponsored an ACES event between November 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019. Visionary ($10,000 and above) Alpine Bank Black Diamond/Mountain Khakis Blackrock, Inc. Climate Champion ($5,000 – $9,999) American Solutions for Business Aspen Thrift Shop Bethel Rentals Forum Phi Firstbank Halcyon Productions The Little Nell Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Pioneer ($2,500 – $4,999) Aspen Rotary Club Aspen Sojourner Aspen Sports Aspen Times Bristlecone Mountain Sports CCY Architects Christie’s International Realty Aspen Lululemon Athletica L’Hostaria Margerum Wine Company Monkey House Carbondale Olivela, Inc.
Post Independent Reese Henry and Company, Inc. Woody Creek Distillers Trailblazer ($1,000 – $2,499) Craig Ward | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s Carlson Vineyards Chris Klug Properties Clark’s Market Gorsuch Harriman Construction Hopkins Carley Ken Ransford PC Kissane Viola Design Koru Ltd KSPN Lead with Love Of Grape and Grain Patagonia Snowmass Club Ute Mountaineer WJM Design ZGtec Partner ($500 – $999) Aspen Chapel Aspen Daily News Aspen Hatter
Aspen Public House Aspen Valley Services Blazing Adventures Breckenridge Brewery Brunelleschi’s Chris Cohen Photography Elena Gonzalez Gran Farnum Holland + Hart Hollyhock Farms Holy Cross Energy Mile High United Way Mountain Chalet Aspen O2 Aspen Olive and West Photography Patagonia Snowmass Pitkin County Landfill Studio B Architects Two Leaves & a Bud Tea Company Whole Foods Market Roaring Fork Zim Consulting Supporter ($300 – $499) Cold Mountain Craft Mineral + Mine Neil–Garing Mountain West Insurance Stan Clauson and Associates
Events like ACES’ Picnic on the Preserve, an annual celebration of membership, are made possible thanks to support from our corporate sponsors.
Page 25
Administrative Staff Andrea Aust, Education Director
Jim Kravitz, Naturalist Programs Director
Phebe Meyers, Community Programs Senior Manager
Alyssa Barsanti, Agriculture Manager
Chris Lane, Chief Executive Officer
Katie Schwoerer, Finance & Operations Director
Grayson Bauer, Hallam Lake Site & Programs Coordinator
Bowman Leigh, Marketing Manager
Jason Smith, Rock Bottom Ranch Director
Derek Ferguson, School Programs Manager
Christy Mahon, Development Director
Emily Taylor, Development Manager
Ali Hager, Events & Donor Outreach Manager
Adam McCurdy, Climate & Forest Programs Director
Partners ACCESS Roaring Fork Adams State College AJAX Sleepaway Anderson Ranch Arts Center The Art Base Ashcroft Ski Touring Aspen Art Museum Aspen Chapel Aspen Community Foundation Aspen Education Foundation Aspen Elementary School Aspen Fire Department Aspen Global Change Institute Aspen Historical Society The Aspen Institute Aspen Public Radio Aspen School District Aspen Skiing Company The Aspen Times Aspen Valley Land Trust Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club Basalt Education Foundation Basalt Elementary School Basalt High School Cactus Valley Elementary School Cap K Ranch Citizens Climate Lobby
Page 26 – ACES Annual Report 2020
City of Aspen City of Aspen Parks & Open Space City of Aspen Environmental Health Clean Rivers Initiative CO Alliance for Environmental Education CO Mountain College CO Natural Heritage Program CO Parks and Wildlife CO State Forest Service CO State University Community Office for Resource Efficiency Crystal River Elementary School CU Succeed Program East West Hospitality Elk Creek Elementary School EverGreen ZeroWaste Fat City Farmers The Forest Conservancy Garfield County Outdoors Glenwood Springs Post Independent Grassroots TV Great Outdoors Colorado Holy Cross Energy Independence Pass Foundation Kathryn Senor Elementary School Lead with Love Limelight Hotel
The Little Nell The Nature Conservancy Pitkin County Pitkin County Healthy Rivers & Streams Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Protect Our Winters Ritz Carlton Club Roaring Fork Anglers Roaring Fork Audubon Roaring Fork Conservancy Roaring Fork High School Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Transit Authority Rotary Club of Aspen Snowmass Tourism Town of Snowmass Village U.S. Forest Service U.S.F.S. White River National Forest University of Colorado Upper CO River Interagency Fire Management Unit WE–cycle Western Colorado University Wilderness Workshop
Where We Work Eagle
Glenwood Springs
Rifle
Carbondale Basalt ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch
Aspen ACES at Hallam Lake
Marble
ACES at The Catto Center Tolkat
Paonia
Aspen Area American Lake Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Aspen Community School Aspen Country Day Aspen Elementary School Aspen High School Aspen Meadows Trail Aspen Middle School Aspen Mountain Buttermilk Mountain Castle Creek Valley Cathedral Lake Catto Center at Toklat The Collective Snowmass Crater Lake Early Learning Center East of Aspen Ashcroft Ghost Town Hallam Lake Hunter Creek Maroon Creek Trail Maroon Lake Mt. Tots Preschool North Star Nature Preserve Red Butte Ritz Carlton Club Snowmass Nature Trail Snowmass Rabbit Run The Cottage Preschool U.S. Forest Service Office Weller Lake Wildwood
Basalt Area Basalt Elementary School Basalt High School Basalt Middle School Blue Lake Preschool Cornerstone Christian Academy Glassier Open Space Rock Bottom Ranch Spring Creek Woods Easment Carbondale Area Carbondale Community School Carbondale Middle School Colorado Mountain College Colorado Rocky Mountain School Crystal River Elementary School Roaring Fork High School Ross Montessori School Waldorf School of Roaring Fork Valley Eagle Area Brush Creek Elementary School Glenwood Springs Area Glenwood Springs Elementary School Glenwood Springs High School Glenwood Springs Middle School Riverview School Saint Stephen’s School Skylark School Sopris Elementary School St. Stephen’s School Sunlight Ski Area Two Rivers Community School Yampah High School
Marble Area Marble Charter School North Fork Valley Area North Fork Montessori Paonia Elementary School Rifle/New Castle Area Cactus Valley Elementary School Coal Ridge High School Elk Creek Elementary School Graham Mesa Elementary School Kathryn Senor Elementary School Rifle Middle School Riverside Middle School Wamsley Elementary School Other Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Denver) Denver University Great Sand Dunes National Park Logan School Meeker High School Mesa County Mount Princeton Ridgway State Park Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Annual report photos courtesy of ACES staff, Aspen Historical Society; Cassatt Collection (located on page 23), Chris Cohen Photography, Olive & West Photography, and Peter Feinzig. ACES would also like to thank Catherine Lutz for her contributions to ACES annual report.
Page 27
You protect what you love. You love what you understand. You understand what you are taught. Baba Dioum, Senegalese Forestry Engineer
Page 28 – ACES Annual Report 2020
Dragonfly, Order: Odonata (Anisoptera). Photo taken at Hallam Lake as part of ACES’ Hallam Lake Bioblitz project in June 2019.
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID GLENWOOD SPGS, CO PERMIT NO. 90
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