ACES 2012 summer brochure

ACES

summer 2012

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

www.aspennature.org 970.925.5756

Coming Home By Chris Lane, CEO I moved to Aspen in the fall of 1990 as a young environmental engineer.

Within weeks of settling here, I volunteered at ACES staining old wicker snowshoes and helping feed raptors. That winter, to my delight, I participated with ACES and the local Audubon Society on the annual Christmas Bird Count.

My entire life I’ve been fascinated by birds. My youth was spent exploring the backwoods of Tennessee and Florida stalking rare species with my binoculars, Peterson checklist, and Sibley behavior guide in hand. As a teenager, I raced homing pigeons and dreamed of being an ornithologist.

A young and cocky birder, I figured I knew everything about western birds. I was quickly “outgunned” and humbled by local ACES’ bird aficionados who could spot the subtle differences between a Barrow’s Goldeneye and a Bufflehead, a Flammulated and Pygmy Owl, and a Spruce and a Blue Grouse – all at 400 meters! These were “my people.”

John Denver’s ‘Rocky Mountain High’ song describes my feelings best, “He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he’d never been before.” I knew I was truly home in Aspen when I found ACES. I spent the next several years working on natural resource and land management issues with the Sierra Club and on energy, climate change, and resource efficiency for IRT Environment, a consulting spin-off of the Rocky Mountain Institute.

Ten years later, I stood atop Aspen Mountain one summer day learning the ecological intricacies of pine beetle infestation and tree diseases with Tom Cardamone, ACES’ longtime Director. I had been hired as Aspen Skiing Company’s first director of environmental affairs and, to my good fortune, working with ACES was in my job description. That experience with Tom never left me. Tom has that magical way of affecting people.

But soon after, corporate America beckoned and I spent the next twelve years working as vice president of sustainability for Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the country’s largest national park and resort management company. My job was to ensure environmental sustainability at many of our nation’s most treasured areas - our national parks. I spent those years trying to infuse ACES’ ethos - that through ecological understanding and knowledge come responsibility and action - into corporate America and our national park system.

During my years working in the world of corporate sustainability, I never forgot my ecological roots that drove me in my free time to get lost in the nooks and crannies of Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley. These roots spawned at ACES more than two decades ago.

ACES’ work in recent years with clean energy, climate change, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation

continues to open up new chapters in our ability to further educate the world about protecting the ecosystem services upon which we all depend. And now, I look forward to ensuring that ACES’ legacy continues to grow and prosper.

As the song says, “You know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...” Today, I am “ecologically rich” now that I have come back home to the ACES family.

Thank you for welcoming me.

ACES for the First Time An Unexpected Turn of Events

-Tom Cardamone Looking back thirty seven years, it should have come as no surprise that an unexpected turn of events would set Jody and myself on a path we were destined to follow. And it all unfolded so quickly.

The Aspen Institute guests

we had accompanied to

a Toklat cookout in July

1975 were returning to

town at nightfall. Jody

and I lingered by the

glowing fire pit with

Stuart Mace, Toklat’s

host, cook, and bard who

was also a founding trustee of ACES. He’d asked us to stay, clearly wanting to talk about something important.

Sparks flew up from the fire into the darkness, merging with the steady, sparkling stars.

“I’d like you to meet Mrs. Paepcke in the morning,” Stuart said to Jody, who’d just graduated from Cornell with a degree in Environmental Education. ACES was searching for a NaturalistDirector, and Stuart was quick to see the potential in Jody.

(Married to Jody less than a year and with a science background as well, I was a prerequisite, as ACES trustees thought a couple would be more stable than a single individual).

The next morning was brilliant blue, crisp for July with heavy dew on the Paepcke garden lawn. We walked with Elizabeth beneath towering blue spruce, a luminous weeping willow, a pair of unusually luxuriant bristlecone pines, then turned before a perfectly symmetrical white fir to step down onto the weathered gray deck of her Hallam Lake overlook.

The lake glistened with sunlight. Great spreading cottonwoods along the river were alive with birds. Jody and Elizabeth’s blue eyes were bright with a shared, palpable reverence for the wild landscape below.

With Elizabeth we talked about the possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. Were we up to the task? Could we commit?

There was no question, no hesitation. We were home.

Note: Jody Caudill Cardamone was born in Aspen in 1953. She met Tom in 1972 working together on the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness proposal.

They married in 1974 and moved to Hallam Lake in August 1975.

Staff Tracks A few hundred people first experienced ACES as a naturalist or educator when they arrived from far away to spend three months, or three years with ACES. Time at ACES provided experience to practice the craft of organizing thoughts and communication with others. Skills gained here have helped these individuals do some amazing things. We caught up with a few ACES alumni to see what they are up to.

Phil Higuera was a naturalist for ACES in 1998.

He is now an Assistant Professor at the University

of Idaho. His specializes in forest and fire ecology,

paleoecology and environmental change. Phil

earned his PhD in Forest Ecology from the University of Washington. His research focuses broadly on how climate, vegetation, and human activities influence, and interact, with fire occurrences. He looks at the question of how forest ecosystems will respond to ongoing and future environmental change? Phil is often found backcountry skiing.

Jen Kretser was a naturalist for ACES in 1995.

She is now Director of Programs for The Wild

Center in the Adirondack Park in New York.

Jen oversees all education program development

and interpretive programs. She also served as Director of Education for the Adirondack Mountain Club for seven years and was the 2006 recipient of the ADK Education Award and the 2007 EPA Region 2 Environmental Educator Award.

Mark Lantz worked for ACES from 1996-1999

as a naturalist and as an educator. After moving

back home to Massachusetts Mark founded Cozy

Home Performance, a company that provides air

sealing, energy assessments, and diagnostics that help customers save energy and money. Mark, who is deeply committed to sustainable practices, is a BPI Certified Building Analyst, Heating, and Envelope professional. Mark still finds time to bike, run, and ski all over New England.

Dana Gunders worked for ACES as a summer

and winter naturalist in 2000-2001. She is now

a Project Scientist with the Natural Resources

Defense Council’s Food and Agriculture program

in San Francisco. At NRDC Dana investigates where our food comes from, where it goes and what safeguards are in place to ensure a system that will nourish us in the best way possible. Check out Dana’s blog, that focuses on food waste, at switchboard.nrdc.org/dgunders.

What is ACES?

education

leadership Catto Center at Toklat learn partnership birds of prey Hallam Lake restoration tours evening programs nature hikes Spring Creek stewardship agriculture Rock Bottom Ranch naturalist community science field programs wild lands green energy ecology volunteer

ACES for All Ages Do you remember your first visit to ACES? For the past forty years, Aspen Center for Environmental all Ages

Studies has offered a multitude of programs to residents and visitors of the Roaring Fork Valley. Part of the magic of ACES lies in the depth and variety of our offerings, experiences, and memories. So what does ACES mean to you? As you enjoy flipping the pages of this summer’s brochure, take a minute to remember how you felt the first time you visited one of our four ACES sites, or a highlight from an ACES program you’ve participated in over the years. We trust you will think fondly of your time with us, and we hope you’re excited for more! We treasure this chance to grow with you and we’re confident that from age two to ninety-two, we have something for you!

Hikes & Programs

Daily Hikes and Programs

June 16th - September 3th Aspen Mountain Walk

Meet at the top of Aspen Mountain to enjoy a naturalist-guided walk, surrounded by inspiring views. Offered every day from 11am - 3pm. Free!

Snowmass

• Snowmass Nature Trail Walk: 10am, daily. Meet outside the Ice Age Discovery Center on the Snowmass Village Mall. Free!

• Rabbit Run Walk: 1pm, daily. Meet at top of the Elk Camp Gondola. Free!

• Ice Age Discovery Hike: 1pm, Tuesday - Saturday, meet at the Ice Age Discovery Center on the Snowmass Village Mall. FREE!

Maroon Bells

• Crater Lake Hike: 10:15am and 1:15pm, daily.

• Landmarks in Time Walk: 10:15am and 1:15pm daily.

Meet at the Maroon Bells Information Center. Free!

Sunset Beaver Walk

Join an ACES Naturalist and explore the nature preserve at sunset. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm. Free!

Eagles, Hawks, and Owls

Take part in this close-up encounter with our resident birds of prey. One-hour program for all ages.

3pm daily at Hallam Lake. FREE! $3 adults, $2 kids, ACES members free.

The Green World Day Hike

This hike has it all! Wander up the Castle Creek Valley with a Naturalist and experience stream-side trails, beaver ponds, wildflower meadows, a stop at the Ashcroft Ghost Town, and lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. This four hour tour covers 3.5 miles of easy terrain. The $75 cost per person includes a knowledgeable guide, beautiful scenery, and a gourmet lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Call 925-5756 for reservations.

Private, Custom Hikes & Programs ACES offers private naturalist-guided hikes and family adventures designed specifically for you. Full day hikes focus on wildflowers, birds, history, geology, or photography.

Moderate hikes and family adventures focus on basic naturalist knowledge and activities.

Call 970.925.5756 for reservations. $40 per hour per guide.

Strenuous Full Day Hikes American Lake • Cathedral Lake • Lost Man Trail

Easy to Moderate Hikes and Walks for All Ages and Families

Evening Hikes with ACES NEW!

summer

5:30pm - 8:30pm, $15, $10 Evenings are the BEST time to walk around and explore! Come join ACES naturalists on short hikes that will shed a new light on the places that you may already know.

• Hallam Lake like You’ve Never Seen it Before, Wednesday, May 23 Jim Kravitz, Director of Naturalist Programs • A New View of Castle Creek, Tuesday, June 19 Howie Kuhn, Toklat Steward • Red Butte, a Little Hill with a Big Story, Tuesday, July 24 Jim Kravitz, Director of Naturalist Programs

Morning Birding

with Rebecca Weiss Hallam Lake: June 7, 12, 21, 26, July 5, 10, 19, 24, August 2 Rock Bottom Ranch: June 14, July 12 6:30am - 9am, $20, $15 Join ACES naturalist Rebecca Weiss throughout the summer to discover the valley’s abundant bird life. Birders of all levels are welcome. This series is designed to enhance your knowledge, skills, and passion whether you are just beginning or already adept at identifying birds by their songs!

Know Your Trees

July 2, 9, 23, August 6, 20, 4pm - 5pm, FREE Firs, spruces, aspens, and cottonwoods. How many trees do you know? ACES Naturalists, Tom Cardamone and Jim Kravitz, will lead hour-long walks around Hallam Lake to identify native trees.

Hike with a Purpose NEW! Wednesdays, June - August, 9am - 3pm $20, $15 ACES & partner organization members Do you want to be an environmentally engaged citizen? ‘Hike with a Purpose’ as you join us on some of the classic Aspen trails. Walk away with an added layer of understanding about the places around us. ACES naturalists and invited local experts will share their knowledge on fascinating topics like forest health, understanding mountain weather, Wilderness, civics, the history of land use, how to be safe in the mountains, and more.

• Hike with a Purpose: Restoration, America’s Next Best Idea June 20 - Tom Cardamone, ACES Chief Ecologist • Hike with a Purpose: Hunter Creek – From City Limits to Wilderness June 27 - Jim Kravitz, ACES Director of Naturalist Programs • Hike with a Purpose: Healthy Forests July 11 - Tom Cardamone and Kate Holstein, ACES

Hunter Creek • Weller Lake • Snowmass • Snowmass Ice Age • Linkins Lake • Ashcroft • Aspen Mountain • North Star Preserve

• Hike with a Purpose: Civics and the Environment July 18 - Willard Clapper and AO Forbes, Tomorrow’s Voices

Family Adventures at Hallam Lake

• Hike with a Purpose: Mountain Sense August 1 - Maile Wade, Ute Mountaineer

Best of ACES • Beaver Program • Birds of Pray • Stewardship Projects

Photo Hikes American Lake • Cathedral Lake • Lost Man Lake • Maroon Bells Hunter Creek • Independence Pass

• Hike with a Purpose: Understanding Mountain Weather August 8 - Ryan Boudreau and Cory Gates, AspenWeather.net • Hike with a Purpose: Why Wilderness?

August 15 - Will Roush, Wilderness Workshop

Adult Classes

highlights*

Rocks and the Stories They Tell NEW! Mike Zawaski July 11-12, 8am - 5pm, $150, $120 Did you know that Colorado has been covered by oceans multiple times, that we had a volcanic eruption only 4000 years ago, or that we were once located at a collision point of two of the Earth’s plates? Join geologist Mike Zawaski to learn about the rich geologic history of CO! In addition to in-classroom learning, half of the course will be spent investigating local rocks to apply our new knowledge exploring the geologic history of the area. 1 College credit available

Bugs in the System: The Ecology of Insects

Dr. Boyce Drummond July 19-20, 9am - 5pm, $150, $120 Don’t let bugs bug you. Harvard biologist E. O. Wilson calls insects “the little things that run the world.” Come learn why in this two-day exploration of the behavior, ecology, and incredible diversity of insects and their relatives in the Roaring Fork Valley. 1 College credit available

Song of the Alpine

Dr. Joyce Gellhorn July 25-26, 9am - 5pm, $150, $120 Explore Colorado’s alpine tundra, the land of spectacular scenery and environmental extremes above the trees. Learn about the unique adaptations of plants and animals that are successful in this extreme environment. Focus on various plant communities in the alpine, characteristics of alpine plants, and how to identify them using dichotomous keys. We shall also discuss some of the environmental issues facing alpine species.

1 College credit available

Mushrooms and Lichen of Colorado

Vera Evenson and Dr. Scott Bates August 2-3, 9am-5pm, $185, 150, ($95, 75 for individual days) August 4 – Mushroom Fair In this two-day course we will explore the rich fungal flora of Colorado, emphasizing the ecology, natural history, and general biology of fungi. With the expert guidance of mycologists Vera Evenson (Denver Botanic Gardens Curator of Fungi) and Dr. Scott T. Bates (CU at Boulder), you will learn identification techniques, examine mushrooms and lichens in their natural habitats, as well as discover the variety and beauty of organisms in the kingdom fungi. This course is perfect for anyone interested in fungi. 1 Graduate College credit available ACES’ Annual Mushroom Fair, August 4th, FREE!

No Teacher Left Behind: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning

Willard Clapper and AO Forbes August 15-16, 9am - 5pm, $185, $150 Participants in this workshop will explore the demands, needs, and wants of today’s society and how they affect educators. Exploring the dilemma of ascending resultsoriented, institutional expectations versus the passion and professional judgment of our teachers, the course is designed not only for the educators of this valley, but for anyone who cares about living in a productive and sustainable society.

1 Graduate College credit available “Education has as its purpose to help one discover what is important to them and then to find the courage to take their thought seriously.” -Albert Einstein

Adult Naturalist Field School

May Class Title 23

Hallam Lake like Never Before

5:30pm-8:30 $15, 10

Time

Price*

7 12 14 19 20 21 26 27

Morning Birding, Hallam Lake Morning Birding, Hallam Lake Morning Birding, Rock Bottom Ranch A New View of Castle Creek Hike with a Purpose: Restoration...

Morning Birding, Hallam Lake Morning Birding, Hallam Lake Hike with a Purpose: Hunter Creek

6:30am-9am 6:30am-9am 6:30am-9am 5:30pm-8:30 9am-3pm 6:30am-9am 6:30am-9am 9am-3pm

$20, 15 $20, 15 $20, 15 $15, 10 $20,10 $20, 15 $20, 15 $20,10

4pm-5pm 6:30am-9am 4pm-5pm 6:30am-9am 9am-3pm 6:30am-9am 8am-5pm 9am-5pm 9am-3pm 6:30am-9am 9am-5pm 9am-3pm 4pm-5pm 6:30am-9am 5:30-8:30 9am-5pm 9am-5pm

FREE $20, 15 FREE $20, 15 $20,10 $20, 15 $150, 120 $70, 55 $20,10 $20, 15 $150, 120 $70, 55 FREE $20, 15 $15, 10 $150, 120 $240, 200

1 Hike with a Purpose: Mountain Sense 9am-3pm 2 Morning Birding, Hallam Lake 6:30am-9am 2-3 Mushrooms and Lichen of CO 9am-5pm 4 Mushroom Fair 1pm-3pm 6 Know Your Trees 4pm-5pm 8 Hike with a Purpose: Mountain Weather 9am-3pm 9 What Lives Where and Why? 9am-5pm 14 Wildflower Walk with Janis Huggins 9am-3pm 15-16 No Teacher Left Behind 9am-5pm 18 The Hope Mine: Biochar and Reclamation 10am-2pm 20 Know Your Trees 4pm-5pm 22 Hike with a Purpose: Why Wilderness?

9am-3pm *$ per non-member, $ per member

$20,10 $20, 15 $185, 150 FREE FREE $20,10 $70, 55 $70, 55 $185, 150 $20, 15 FREE $20,10

June

July

2 Know Your Trees 5 Morning Birding, Hallam Lake 9 Know Your Trees 10 Morning Birding, Hallam Lake 11 Hike with a Purpose: Healthy Forests 12 Morning Birding, Rock Bottom Ranch 11-12 Rocks and the Stories They Tell 13 What Lives Where and Why? 18 Hike with a Purpose: Civics & Environment 19 Morning Birding, Hallam Lake 19-20 Bugs in the System: The Ecology of Insects 21 Wildflower Walk with Janis Huggins 23 Know Your Trees 24 Morning Birding, Hallam Lake 24 Red Butte, A Little Hill with a Big Story 25-26 Song of the Alpine 27-29 Wilderness Survival

August

Eco-Garden Workshop Series at Rock Bottom Ranch

Participants will learn to grow their own food and care for their garden system using entirely self made and locally available products and holistic techniques!

Rock Bottom Ranch Hallam Lake Free for Community Garden members, Presented by ACES & Aspen T.R.E.E. $10, 5 per class, 10am - 12pm $35, 25 per class, 10am - 1pm • May 5th - Set the Stage June 2nd - Building Garden Beds • June 23rd - Keep Production Going! June 16th - Companion Planting • August 11th - A Mountain of Veggies June 30 - Home Composting

*See full program listings online at www.aspennature.org

Hallam Lake Kids Classes

Hallam Lake Kids Schedule

June Class Title

11-15 18-22 18-22 19-21 25 25-29 25-29 26-28 29

July

2-3 2-3 2-3 5-7 5-6 5-6 10 12 9-13 9-13 9-13 9-13 14 16-20 16-20 16-20 16-20 19 23-27 23-27 23-27 24 26 7/30-8/3 7/30-8/3 7/30-8/3 30-31 7/31-8/2

August

4 4 6-10 6-10 6-10 7 8-10 13-17 13-17 13-17 20-24

Exploring Around #1 Exploring Around #2 Wild Exploration #1 Paint, Nature, Me Day in Olde Ashcroft #1 Discovery Kids #1 Nature & Art #1 World of a Naturalist Maps and Mountains

Time

Price

9am - 3pm $260, 220 9am - 3pm $260, 220 9am - 3pm $260, 220 9:30am - 3:30pm $220, 180 10am - 4pm $55, 45 9am - 3pm $260, 220 9am - 3pm $300, 250 9:30am - 3:30pm $220, 180 9:30am- 3:30pm $75, 60

Age 5-6 5-6 7-8 9-12 7-10 6-7 8-10 9-12 8-10

FOCUS! #1 9:30am - 3:30pm Junior Naturalists 9am - 3pm Survival Skills 9:30am - 3:30pm Wilderness Experience 9:30am - 3:30pm Masters of the Sky 9am - 3pm Snowmastadons 9am -3pm Ashcroft Through the Lens 10am - 3pm Inspired by Ashcroft 10am - 4pm Exploring Around #3 9am - 3pm Wild Exploration #2 9am - 3pm Shelter, Water, Fire, Food 9:30am - 3:30pm Homes and Habitats 9am - 3pm Day in Olde Ashcroft #2 10am - 4pm Exploring Around #4 9am - 3pm Discovery Kids #2 9am - 3pm Aspen Adventure Week #1 9am - 3pm My World, My Word 9:30am - 3:30pm Snakes Alive!

10am - 2pm Exploring Around #5 9am - 3pm Aspen Adventure Week #2 9am - 3pm Wild Art 9:30am- 3:30pm Not so Plein Air Painting 9am - 3pm Snakes Alive!

10am - 2pm Exploring Around #6 9am - 3pm Wild Exploration #3 9am - 3pm Aspen Adventure Week #3 9am - 3pm FOCUS! #2 9:30am - 3:30pm How Much I Matter 9am - 4pm

$145, 120 $110, 90 $180, 140 $240, 200 $110, 90 $110, 90 $75, 60 $75, 60 $260, 220 $260, 220 $300, 220 $300, 250 $55, 45 $260, 220 $260, 220 $325, 270 $300, 250 $55, 45 $260, 220 $325, 275 $300, 250 $300, 250 $55, 45 $260, 220 $260, 220 $325, 275 $145, 120 $220, 180

8-10 5-7 9-12 11-14 5-7 8-10 9-12 8-10 5-6 7-8 9-12 4-5 7-10 5-6 6-7 8-10 9-12 5-7 5-6 8-10 9-12 6-8 8-10 5-6 7-8 8-10 8-10 11-14

Snakes Alive!

10am - 2pm Ashcroft Through the Lens 10am - 3pm Exploring Around #7 9am - 3pm Discovery Kids #3 9am - 3pm Nature & Art #2 9am - 3pm Day in Olde Ashcroft #3 10am - 4pm Alone in the Wilderness 9am - 4pm Exploring Around #8 9am - 3pm Wild Exploration #4 9am - 3pm Organic Art 9am - 3pm Exploring Around #9 9am - 3pm

$55, 45 5-7 $75, 60 9-12 $260, 220 5-6 $260, $220 6-7 $300, 250 8-10 $55, 45 7-10 $240, 200 14-18 $260, 220 5-6 $260, 220 7-8 $300, 250 9-12 $260, 220 5-6

summer My World, My Word

A collaboration with the Aspen Writers’ Foundation 9-12 years, July 16-20, 9:30am - 3:30pm, $300, $250 (ACES & AWF members) Explore your connection to the natural world during this week long writing camp that combines outdoor adventure with the magic of words. Imagine your world and inspire your words in some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain settings, such as the waters of Hallam Lake and Hunter Creek or the peaks of Maroon Bells and Smuggler Mountain. Join us for this wilderness writing experience where worlds and words collide.

ACES Adventure Week

8-10 years, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-Aug 3, $325, $275 9am – 3pm first three days, camping Thursday night Grab your backpack, lace up your shoes, put on a naturalist hat, and experience ACES in a whole new way! Learn to use a map and compass on Aspen Mountain, take special trips to the wild places around Aspen to learn about the local plants and animals, and finally plan your own overnight camping expedition! Learn how to plan your own outdoor adventures for the future – be it a day hike or an overnight camping trip, know how to adequately prepare for and enjoy safe outings in the mountains!

How Much I Matter

11-14 years, July 31 - August 2, $220, $180 9am – 4pm Learn how much YOU matter - what is your individual carbon footprint?

This NEW three-day engaging and in-depth class is for kids who want to make a difference in their own lives and the world. We will learn about responsible everyday practices and how our actions impact the whole ecosystem. Special guests and various field trips are a must as is your own bike and a helmet to get around town.

We have classes & programs for your older kids too!

• Wild Art 9 - 12 years • Paint, Nature, Me Penny Greenwell, June 19 - 21 • World of a Naturalist June 26 - 28

Penny Greenwell, July 23 - 27

• Organic Art Penny Greenwell, August 13 - 17

11 - 14 years

• Survial Skills: the Next Level Simon Harrison, July 2 - 3

• Primitive Wilderness Experience Simon Harrison, July 5 - 7

• Shelter, Water, Fire, Food Simon Harrison, July 9 - 13

• How Much I Matter Aaron Taylor, July 31 - August 2

• Ashcroft through the Lens July 10, August 4

14 - 18 years

• Alone in the Wildernerss,Young • My World, My Word Adult Wilderness Survival Skills Aspen Writers’ Foundation, July 16 - 20 Will Cardamone & Joe Carlson of W.I.L.D. August 8 -10

*See full program listings

Rock Bottom Ranch Kids Classes

highlights* Farm and Wilderness Camp

Farm and Wilderness Camps are weekly programs that offer THE BEST of RBR! Divided into various age groups, your kids will grow up understanding what it takes to be a farmer, rancher, explorer, and naturalist in the Roaring Fork Valley. From RBR Explorers to Ranch Hands, each class will focus on specific skills and activities most appropriate for that age so that they will be prepared for their next Farm and Wilderness adventure.

RBR Explorers, NEW! Ranch Naturalists, NEW! Roosters Goat Ropers Ranch Hands, NEW!

5 years 6-8 years 6-7 years 8-10 years 11-14 years

Photo Explorations, a photo workshop

A Photo Workshop with Catherine Adams 7-10 years, July 16-18, 9am - 3pm, $180, $150 Grab a camera and come to RBR to photograph and explore the character of the ranch. This hands-on photography workshop opens opportunities to express your child’s viewpoint, communication, artistry, composition, and looking beyond the obvious. Age-appropriate camera techniques and skills are taught along with on-site critiques. If you wish, your child’s favorite photographs will be posted on the Gregg Adams Photography website, www.visualizeaplace.com, encouraging young photographers’ self esteem while enabling them to share their vision with others!

Barnyard Art 9-12 years, July 30 - August 3, 9am - 3pm, $300, $250 Put your smocks and ranch boots on and get ready to create art projects inspired by the wetlands, the cottonwoods, the garden and the farm animals! From silk paintings to creative works of art and beyond – we’ll mix and match art media as we learn about the day-in-the-life of a ranch. RBR educators will share their passion about the ranch and the natural world and you get to interpret the newly gained knowledge into inspiring works of art under the guidance of a local artist. Get ready to have some fun with Barnyard Art! Sustainability Through the Camera

A Photo Workshop with Catherine Adams 9-12 years, August 13-15, 9 am – 3pm, $170, $150 Grab a camera and come to RBR to photograph, discover, and learn how we can lead and teach others about a “sustainable lifestyle” through the lens of a camera.

We will learn how to help our planet by photographing the gardens, animals, and the sustainable lifestyles at RBR. Children will have the opportunity to interpret their images and write captions so that they can reach out and help protect our world by living in harmony with our natural environment. We will teach age-appropriate camera mechanics and techniques while nurturing and advancing each child’s abilities, vision, and creative communication skills. On-site critiques, downloading images, and editing image files are also a part of this class. If you wish, your child’s work will be posted on the Gregg Adams Photography website, www.visualizeaplace. com, encouraging young photographers’ self-esteem while enabling them to share their vision with others!

Rock Bottom Ranch Kids Schedule JuneClass Title

18-22 RBR Explorers #1 18-22 Ranch Naturalists #1 18-22 Ranch Hands #1 25-29 Roosters #1 25-29 Goat Ropers #1 27-29 Ranch Hands #2

July 2-3 2-3 5-6 5-6 9-13 9-13 11 11-13 16-18 16-20 16-20 16-20 23-27 23-27 25-27 30-3 30-3 30-3

Farm Crafts and Folklore Good Olde Days Gnome Homes Wild Wetlands Roosters #2 Goat Ropers #2 Snakes Alive!

Ranch Hands #3 Photo Explorations RBR Explorers #2 Ranch Naturalists #2 Ranch Hands #4 Roosters #3 Goat Ropers #3 Ranch Hands #5 Barnyard Art RBR Explorers #3 Ranch Naturalists #3

August 1 6-10 6-10 6-10 11 13-15 13-17 13-17

Time

9am - 1pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm

$200, 170 $260, 220 $300, 250 $260, 220 $260, 220 $180, 150

Price

Age

9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 3pm

$110, 90 $110, 90 $110, 90 $110, 90 $260, 220 $260, 220 $55, 45 $180, 150 $180, 150 $200, 170 $260, 220 $180, 150 $260, 220 $260, 220 $180, 150 $300, 350 $200, 170 $260, 220

5-7 8-10 5-7 8-10 6-7 8-10 5-7 10-13 7-10 5 6-8 10-13 6-7 8-10 10-13 9-12 5 6-8

$55, 45 $260, 220 $260, 220 $180, 150 $55, 45 $170, 150 $200, 170 $260, 220

8-10 6-7 8-10 10-13 5-7 9-12 5 6-8

Snakes Alive!

10am - 2pm Roosters #4 9am - 3pm Goat Ropers #4 9am - 3pm Ranch Hands #6 9am - 3pm Snakes Alive!

10am - 2pm Sustainability through the Camera 9am-3pm RBR Explorers #4 9am - 1pm Ranch Naturalists #3 9am - 3pm

Volunteer at RBR!

5 6-8 10-13 6-7 8-10 10-13

Wednesdays, May through September, 10am – 1pm, FREE Calling all people, big and small, to come volunteer at Rock Bottom Ranch this year! We’re starting a new garden volunteer program on Wednesdays and would love all the help we can get.

Projects will include planting, watering, building, and weeding so bring your gloves and get to work! Be ready to volunteer and yes, bring your kids with you!

An RBR educator who will do some fun kid-oriented volunteer projects with an added sprinkle of fun!

Please bring a bag lunch.

online at www.aspennature.org

Kids Drop-in Series

Hallam Lake Kids

Ages 4-5: 9:30am - 11:30am Ages 6-8: 12:30pm - 2:30pm $20 for one drop-in class OR buy a 5 class punch-pass for $85, $75 ACES members Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

BE A NATURALIST Naturalist Tool Belt Jun 18, Jul 19, Aug 13

WORLD OF WATER Busy Beavers Jun 19, Jul 20, Aug 14

ASPEN ANIMALS Burly Bears Jun 20, Jul 21, Aug 15

SKY MASTERS Hunters Jun 21, Jul 22, Aug 16

ANCIENT DISCOVERIES Native People Jun 22, Jul 23, Aug 17

Every great naturalist needs tools! Explore Hallam Lake using microscopes, binoculars, field guides, and more!

There’s never a dull moment for ‘Nature’s Builders!’ Experience a day-in-the-life of beaver, learn the beaver song, and explore a dam.

Muddy Buddies Jun 26, Jul 24, Aug 21

They are big and burlylearn about our favorite local creatures, the black bear, as you explore the preserve through their eyes!

What makes a bird a successful hunter? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of birds of prey like our resident Golden Eagle!

Aspen has been a meeting place for centuries. Join us as we explore Hallam Lake and learn about its early visitors.

Predators and Prey Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22

Swimmers Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 23

Ancient Giants Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 24

Walk this Way Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 20

Come walk this way with Think it’s just an icky pile an ACES naturalist! Follow of mud? No way- there’s tracks and explore the clues more than meets the eye in that animals leave behind! your favorite mud puddle.

Prepare to get wet!

Green Machine Jul 2, Jul 30 The trees, the flowers, the grasses... Learn about the plants that make Hallam Lake so green.

Sensational Senses Jul 9, Aug 6 Use your senses at ACES! See, taste, smell, touch, and hear the natural world around you!

Creepy Crawlies Jul 3, Jul 31

Keen eyesight, exceptional hearing, fast feet, or wings or both! Predators and prey need these things to survive!

Scales and Slime Aug 1

Dig for worms, dip for Not all animals have fur! scuds, search for spiders, Come meet ACES’ reptiles and get an up-close look at and amphibians and learn the secret and not so creepy just how important these world of insects. scales and slime are!

Water Ways Jul 10, Aug 7

Antlers and Horns Jul 11, Aug 8

What direction does water Is it an elk antler or a travel? Ever want to build mountain goat horn? Is your own dam? Trace it made of bone or hair? water’s journey from stream Come learn about the local to lake in this splashy class! hooved animals and their crowns!

Some birds are built for air From dinosaurs, to and water- come to Hallam mastadons, to giant beaver, Lake to find out just what come learn about the makes these animals splash ancient giants that used to and quack all day long! roam Colorado!

Singers Jul 5, Aug 2

Mammoth Mania Jul 6, Aug 3

Every bird has a beautiful song to share! Learn about some of our favorite bird songs in this tweet worthy class!

Put on a scientist’s hat and delve into the recent discoveries at Snowmass Village! Learn about the prehistoric creatures that roamed here.

Nesters Jul 12, Aug 9

Rock’n Roll Jul 13, Aug 10

Birds don’t have a house with a roof or airconditioning to stay cozy!

Join us to explore the different kinds of nests and why they work.

Step into the role of a geologist for the day as we learn about the rocks and fossils around Aspen. Rock on!

Extended day option with Camp Ecology!

This summer, ACES is partnering with Camp Ecology, a day camp since 1997, to extend your kid’s day in nature. Hallam Lake Kids morning session can turn into a full-day adventure for four and five year olds for an additional cost and registration through Camp Ecology. After Hallam Lake Kids morning session at Hallam Lake, a Camp Ecology instructor will pick your child up for an afternoon full of fun. Camp Ecology registration will be available at ACES during morning drop-off and payment will take place at afternoon pick-up at Camp Ecology.

For more information about the partnership call ACES at 970.925.5756 To learn about Camp Ecology visit campeco.com

Kids Naturalist Field School at Hallam Lake

CORE and City of Aspen present Green Drinks at ACES with a tour of Hallam Lake

Adult Naturalist Field School, Mushrooms and Fungi of CO class

Rosy Paint Brush, Castilleja rhexifolia

ACES environmental education field program at Maroon Bells

View of Aspen from Smuggler Mountain where ACES is part of a community effort behind the Hunter Creek-Smuggler Mountain Cooperative Plan Jim Kravitz leads an Adult Naturalist Field School Class up Independence Pass

Kids Naturalist Field School at Rock Bottom Ranch

Oaxacan rugs, woven by Toklat Artist in Residence, Elena Gonzalez

ACES Educators Jamie and Eagle grab the spotlight with ESPN’s Sal Masakela Rock Bottom Ranch mother goat and kid

A group explore restoration options at ACES’ newest site, Spring Creek

Pollination in progress; bumble bee on Subalpine Larkspur ACES’ classroom at Aspen Elementary during the spring 2011 AMS mural painting project

ACES Tomorrow’s Voices teachers Willard Clapper and AO Forbes.

ACES Family Classes

Families in Nature

All Ages Saturdays, June 23-August 11, 9:30am - 11:30am, $15, $10 per person Your kids are born naturalists, but are you? Come explore alongside your children; little people are big examples of how to be in nature. See your natural surroundings with the fresh eyes, curiosity, and imagination that children instinctively have. Come away with ideas and resources to continue exploring the great outdoors. Many classes are instructed by ACES naturalists who, now parents themselves, are also learning from their own kids.

June 23 Observations Skills, Garry Pfaffmann, Difficult Campground Experience all that nature has to offer by engaging all of your senses.

Activities include a variety of scavenger hunts, interactive predator/ prey games, age-appropriate journaling and artistic creativity using natural objects.

June 30 Living Simply, Rebecca Weiss, Hallam Lake Learn tips and creative approaches to simplifying family life in order to lighten your impact on the earth, reduce your budget and find more ways for meaningful engagement with your family.

July 7

Family Saturdays at Hallam Lake

All Ages Every Saturday, June 16-August 25, FREE While in Aspen make sure you discover Hallam Lake – a secret place right behind the post office. This 25-acre preserve has been home to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for over 40 years, so come visit us to complete your Aspen family experience.

Join us for fun educational programs on Saturdays: 10am – 12pm – Pond Dipping station 3pm – 4pm – Eagles, Hawks, and Owls

Family Farm Days at Rock Bottom Ranch

All Ages Saturdays, 5/19, 6/16, 7/21, 8/18, 9/15, 11am - 1pm No registration necessary, $20 suggested donation per family Family members of all ages will enjoy this glimpse of farm life. Take a tour of the farm… there is fun to be had by all! Each Saturday will have the same basic activities but will vary seasonally.

Snakes for Everyone, Kearns Kelly, Hallam Lake Let’s face it, you see a snake and, wanted or not, your reaction is clear - you either love it or… not! Where does our fear of snakes come from? Is it instinctual or a learned behavior? Why do children seem to have more fascination than fear of this captivating creature? Join Kearns Kelly who understands that his passions of sharing snakes with children means including their parents as well.

July 14 Sense of Wonder, Rebecca Weiss, Northstar Beach Identify aquatic creatures, construct coves with sand, float leaf and twig boats, and enjoy the serenity of ‘the beach’ at North Star Nature Preserve. Kids and parents together will open their senses and enhance their connection with nature and its many wonders where the river laps at the shore.

July 21 Nature Journaling, Penny Greenwell, Hallam Lake Come to ACES and spend relaxing and introspective time with your child. Record your impressions, experiences, and images from nature into sketches, drawings, poems, words, and paintings, individually or as a family. Spend an inspiring morning with Penny Greenwell exploring the magic of journaling.

July 28

Water Creatures, Garry Pfaffmann, Northstar Beach Have a blast exploring in, on, and around the Roaring Fork River.

Activities include aquatic insect collection and observation, raft building and racing (little mini-rafts with willows), animal sign exploration, and a riverbank restoration project.

August 4 Up Close and Personal, Garry Pfaffmann, Hallam Lake See the best of Hallam Lake Nature Preserve with an up-close look at the animals of ACES. Activities include introduction to on-site animals, bird study, terrestrial insect investigation, and a few quiet moments to allow the wild nature within the preserve to reveal itself.

August 11 100 Years Ago, Penny Greenwell, Hallam Lake Can you imagine what families in Aspen did on Saturdays 100 years ago? What has changed? What’s the same? Come join us for this fun and inventive outing with your kids. Be ready to play and learn some 100-year-old games!

Garden and Me at Hallam Lake

with Eden Vardy of Aspen T.R.E.E. Ages 1-3 with Mom and/or Dad $10 per family per class Mom and Dad, don’t be afraid! Bring your babies and kids into the garden and learn alongside Eden Vardy of Aspen T.R.E.E. who keeps diggin’ around his garden with his baby son. You will learn tricks and tactics while introducing your little peanut to the world of gardening!

Planting Session: Mondays, 10am - 11am June 4, Preparing the Garden June 11, Planting June 18, Watch it Grow!

Harvesting Session: Mondays, 10am - 11am August 20, Harvest!

August 27, Food for Tots September 10, Goodnight Bed

AC

ACES Green Meter ES

Attention: Reducing CO2 Emissions is Not Easy

By Jim Kravitz

What is ACES to me? It is a place of community connection: where people and wild things meet. In this role it is paramount that ACES sets good examples while helping to build a community of motivated, capable, and knowledgeable environmental stewards.

In 2008 ACES committed to becoming Carbon Net Zero by our 50th anniversary in 2018. This is a great goal for ACES because not only will we reduce CO2 emissions and save money, but we will also be able to use the projects to educate our community and visitors.

After making significant reductions in emissions and cost from 2009 to 2010, thanks to the first heat pump at Hallam Lake, in 2011 the trend reversed. ACES’ four-site organizational totals:

Most of the cost increases result from high-priced propane which heats Rock Bottom Ranch and Toklat. Hallam Lake, the ACES site with the most programming, has been the focus of ACES energy committee to-date. In January, a second heat pump at the Hallam Lake caretaker unit went online which will further reduce Hallam Lake’s emissions and cost in 2012.

Year Metric Tons CO2 2009 150 $31,698 2010 132 $29,999 2011 139 $33,506

Energy Costs

Rock Bottom Ranch’s significant education and agriculture program growth has meant increased energy use. We will focus our energies on Rock Bottom Ranch next as we move towards our carbon neutral goal. A proposal by ACES “high school group” has recommended radical efficiency measures to be implemented in the coming year at Rock Bottom Ranch.

The Hallam Lake visitor center will soon display a new energy monitoring system. With it, we will be able to pinpoint opportunities for future savings, and provide tools to help our community become energy literate. ACES green energy initiatives would not be possible without many generous individuals, organizations and foundations who believe in the power of leading by example. We have a long way to go, but the ACES I know, the one that aims to get better each year, will succeed.

Caretaker Heat Pump

In early January, ACES second heat pump went online at the Hallam Lake caretakers unit. The new Climate Master water-to-air heat pump takes advantage of the constant heat of the earth, saving money, and reducing ACES greenhouse gas emissions.

John Hines, ACES Project Manager, does the electrical work for the new heat pump.

The heat pump works like a refrigerator in reverse. In a refrigerator, heat is transferred out, while in a heat pump, heat is moved in. Our heat pump pumps hundreds of gallons of 48ºF spring water from Hallam Lake, takes a little bit of heat out of this water and returns it to the lake only a few degrees cooler at 45ºF. The refrigerant in the heat exchanger (a series of tightly wrapped coils) heats up after coming into contact with the spring water. The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the spring water then vaporizes into a gas. The gas is compressed and heats another set of coils. Constant air blows over these hot coils and that heated air is distributed throughout the house’s new ducts. Voila!

ACES Leadership & Action Programs Bill Mckibben

I came to Aspen to be an ACES naturalist in the summer of 2007. My coworkers and mentors were my partners in exploring the natural world and pursuing the opportunities our valley has to offer. Now, as a full time staffer, I am lucky enough to work on programs that provide the chance for locals and visitors to engage in our community, just as ACES did for me.

Jessica Hobby Catto Volunteers at ACES

Our leadership programs work towards building a community of motivated, capable, and knowledgeable environmental stewards. Our Jessica Catto Leadership Dialogues bring leaders like 350.org’s Bill McKibben, to inspire and engage our citizens in the environmental issues of our time. Tomorrow’s Voices is dedicated to cultivating responsible citizenship in our valley youth and young adults. Volunteer opportunities abound, providing hands-on experience in stewardship, and ways for locals to contribute to our community. The Environmental Apprenticeship allows local high school students to learn about environmental vocations, helping direct our best and brightest to the fulfilling career of environmental science.

Aspen has long been a leader, promoting the idea of a life focused on mind, body, and spirit.

To me, ACES is a community touchstone, a place that brings people together to explore nature, inspires people to learn and take action, and gives us the tools we need to be engaged environmental stewards. Take a class with us, a hike, or just stop by the nature center.

We have something for everyone!

- Olivia Siegel, Community Outreach and Programs

Through ACES new For The Forest programming, we are striving to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the forest. We’re working hard to protect local ecosystems, reduce wildfire danger, watershed-damaging erosion, and the short-term carbon emissions that result from unnatural insect infestations and arboreal diseases. Our long-term goal is to safeguard the pristine beauty of our mountains and forests for future generations, so they can enjoy them as much as we do. Several For the Forest events, classes, and projects are under way this summer at ACES! - Kate Holstein, FTF Programs Director

Forests at Risk, Stewardship and Sustainability in a Changing World

Biomass and Biochar These projects are innovative, exciting, and necessary steps for the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado. Both provide important pieces to limiting the negative impacts of climate change while simultaneously restoring forest health and sustainability.

The Hope Mine project in Aspen is a successful demonstration of the effectiveness of biochar.

ACES looks forward to engaging in additional biochar projects this year.

2010

2011

Hope Mine biochar project with FTF. www.biocharreclamation.org

In 2012, ACES will be looking at biomass and biochar opportunities in an effort to: • Decrease hazardous fuels/mitigate wildfire • Increase age/species diversity in forests • Increase biodiversity • Provide green energy • Provide green jobs • Sequester carbon

June 25, 2012 This public symposium will focus on critical forest sustainability and management issues in an era of unprecedented environmental change.

Participants will include senior United States Forest Service (USFS) policy makers, scientists, representatives from major conservation organizations, private sector leaders, and elected officials. The issues: climate change, its consequences for western ecosystems, and the need for collaborative public/ private partnerships to protect and preserve our lands!

The Hunter Creek-Smuggler Mountain Cooperative Plan As the leading effort behind the Hunter Creek-Smuggler Mountain Cooperative Plan, ACES is excited by the project that uses community and stakeholder collaboration to plan for USFS lands in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). The plan covers over 4,000 acres on the White River National Forest adjacent to Aspen that have high recreational use, wildlife, and ecosystem values.

The Hunter-Smuggler Plan is currently in the master planning phase of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. A draft of the plan is taking shape through a collaboration of all community stakeholders.

Following the draft’s completion, the suggested projects will be evaluated through the public NEPA process. ACES will use the outcome of the NEPA process to guide future restoration projects in the Hunter-Smuggler area.

Monitoring the Health of our Forests

by John S. Bennett ACES Special Executive Consultant

Since my first ACES ecology course in the early 1970’s (taught by Stuart Mace), ACES has always been a place I go to learn fascinating new things about the natural world. Today, in addition to its many community programs, ACES is undertaking new environmental initiatives, such as an innovative project to monitor the health of our local forests and streams.

Climate change is seriously affecting the forests of the West. As temperatures rise, the dramatic early effects are apparent.

We’ve witnessed the countless millions of forested acres devastated by the mountain pine beetle epidemic, whose roots lie in warmer temperatures along with well-intentioned fire suppression that created unnaturally overgrown forests. As the University of Montana’s Dr. Diana Six points out, a two-degree temperature increase will double reproduction rates for many insects. Some tree species, like the whitebark pine in Wyoming and Montana, may never recover from the beetle epidemic, which bodes ill for grizzly bears that depend on the whitebark’s seeds.

Rising temperatures and drought are also likely culprits behind Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD), which killed over a million acres of Colorado’s beloved aspen trees. Around 80% of SAD occurred in areas that scientists believe will be unsuitable for aspens later this century, and they predict the loss of 2/3 of Colorado’s aspen trees by 2060.

The hand of climate change is apparent also in new “megafires” sweeping the West. Over the last twenty years, our wildfire season has grown by 78 days (over two and one-half months!).

Last summer’s Wallow Fire in Arizona was the largest in that state’s history, as were the Texas wildfires.

Creating a Forest Health Index In the face of these profound changes, monitoring forest and riparian ecosystem health here in the Roaring Fork Valley is critical. ACES is creating a Forest Health Index to gauge the overall health of Roaring Fork forests, as well as trends affecting their future. We’ll publish this Index in an annual State of the Forest Report each fall.

With help from the Aspen Global Change Institute, we’ll measure bio-climatic variables like temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, and frost-free days – the drivers of ecosystem change.

By detecting changes outside the range of normal variability, this bio-climatic monitoring will act as a valuable leading indicator of things to come.

In addition to these drivers of ecosystem change, we’ll also monitor their effects by collecting data on things like wildlife populations, stream health, forest insects and disease, dust-on-snow events, and spring snowmelt rates. Much of this data already exists, but we’ll pull it together in one place to create an annual snapshot of Roaring Fork forest and ecosystem health.

Goals of the Forest Health Index The annual Forest Health Index will help inform adaptive management efforts to increase forest resiliency, improve wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire danger in our valley. It will also alert us to potential issues with the water chemistry in our rivers, which can be affected by faster snowmelt rates.

Most of all, the annual State of the Forest report will be a powerful communication tool to inform and engage the public on forest health and conservation issues that profoundly affect our valley.

Shorter winters, quicker spring snowmelt, changing precipitation patterns, and warmer river temperatures will inevitably change our valley. Our best chance for successful adaptation will lie in careful monitoring, early detection, and an informed public.

America’s Next Best Idea

by Tom Cardamone ACES President & Chief Ecologist

Wallace Stegner described our National Parks as “the best idea we ever had.”

It is unique and remarkable to the rest of the world that we have protected our natural treasures as National Parks, Monuments, Forests, Grasslands, and Seashores. Twelve percent of the American landscape is federally protected, and a third of that is Wilderness. These priceless sanctuaries for biodiversity, Stegner reminds us, also represent the wild landscapes, which “formed our character … and shaped our history as a people.”

Yet three quarters of America’s landscape is tamed and dedicated to food and fiber production, running at crosscurrents to the equally important protection of environmental health, including native plant and animal populations. Our need to increase the productivity of agricultural landscapes has shifted from small, diversified farm enterprises, with hedgerows and woodlots, to fenceline-tofenceline industrial enterprises. Natural biodiversity and the precious ecological capital of deep, rich soils are diminished in the effort to get more out of less.

The scattered islands of protected federal lands dotting the American landscape become more isolated as farm practices are less accommodating to wild species.

An ecologically informed agriculture, which values nature as an ally, is a more durable, long-term strategy. America’s agricultural landscape (75% of our land) needs sensitive stewardship to keep those valuable islands of protected lands (12%) viable.

Here in western Colorado the wild/agricultural relationship is reversed, with 85% of the landscape under federal protection, half as Wilderness. The agricultural landscapes are the scattered islands, small elements in the wild landscape often providing critical connectivity between public lands, and winter range for elk and deer. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by so much beauty and wildness. With that comes stewardship responsibility. A closer look, however, reveals trouble in paradise. Protected lands are ecologically unraveling, their health visibly declining in a slide accelerated by climate change.

The challenge of restoring health and balance is an opportunity, an invitation really, to participate in what David Brower called CPR for the Earth: Conserve, Protect, and Restore. In Nature’s Restoration, Peter Friederici asserts that ecosystem restoration “perfectly weds the intellectual [mind] and the physical [body], it represents a new covenant between people and nature…making life more meaningful [spirit] and restoring ecosystem health…Restoration is going to become one of the dominant ecological and social movements of the twenty first century.”

Restoration is ‘America’s next best idea.’ Restoring the balance of natural communities is at the heart of ACES mission, and will increasingly become the focus of my energies.

ACES’ capacity to educate and inspire people to protect and restore the environment, is getting a great boost with Chris Lane at the helm. This is truly a stroke of good fortune!

To participate with me, or for citations & sources, find me at tcardamone@aspennature.org

ACES’ Membership Groups There are many ways for donors to learn more about the environment and become intimately involved with ACES. ACES’ affiliate member groups provide opportunities to connect with the ACES community through special events and other unique programs. Find a group that works best for you and join today!

DONOR CIRCLES ACES recognizes those generous donors who are committed to the ACES’ mission and support ACES through significant gifts of $1,200, or more. In appreciation and recognition of their leadership and generosity, Donor Circle members enjoy special opportunities to meet with environmental leaders, scientists, and pioneers, as well as premium access to ACES’ programs and events. Through inspiring lectures, engaging receptions and dinners, customized educational adventures and Naturalist Field School classes, Donor Circle members find themselves a part of a community of knowledgable people who care about our environment.

Elk $1,200-$2,499 Lynx $2,500-$4,999 Peregrine Falcon $5,000-$9,999 Mountain Lion $10,000-$24,999 Restorer’s Circle $25,000-$49,999 Chairman’s Circle $50,000 and above

ACES is excited to announce new additions to our Donor Circles membership groups:

RESTORER’S CIRCLE

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

Restorer’s Circle members truly make an impact. Leading by example, members inspire action and are an integral part of

ACES’ conservation, education, and

leadership programs. Under the guidance

of Tom Cardamone, ACES’ President

and Chief Ecologist, members have

exclusive opportunities to underwrite

restoration and conservation projects, the

ability to be effective stewards of our

natural environment, and much more.

Created for the express purpose of engaging donors in future plans for our four remarkable sites and ecosystem stewardship for environmental education purposes, the group is designed to give each member unparalleled access to ACES’ vision, leadership, and programs.

The Chairman’s Council is a special group of people who have chosen to translate their passion and caring for the natural

world into a gift that provides

substantial support for not only

ACES, but for future generations.

Members engage in ACES’

visionary ideas and provide

significant support each year

to help the Aspen Center for

Environmental Studies fulfill its mission. This pinnacle of membership provides our most loyal supporters and generous leaders the opportunity to help ACES pursue its bold commitment to sustaining a healthy environment.

For more information or to discuss membership in ACES’ Donor Circles, please contact Christy Mahon, Development Director at 970.925.5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org

thank you to our many contributors

save the date!

ACES Annual Membership Dinner Monday, June 18, 2012 The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies relies upon the generosity of members and donors, each year, to provide environmental education to the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities. We would like to recognize the following individuals, families, businesses, and organizations for their extraordinary support of ACES between March 1, 2011, through February 29, 2012.

2012 Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffery Berkus

Vice-Chair Bobbi Ann Houstma

Treasurer Michael Fox

Secretary Suzanne Farver Gretchen Bleiler David Corbin John Doerr Alison Eastley Piper Foster Mark Fuller Alex Hill Louise Hoversten Bill Hunt Cindy Kahn Patrick Kelly Melony Lewis Mirte Mallory Amy Margerum Gina Murdock Jerry Murdock Margot Pritzker Will Roush Bill Stirling Tillie Walton

Chairman’s Circle $50,000 and above Anonymous Edward P. and Vicki Bass John and Ann Doerr Gates Family Foundation Malott Family Foundation Adam and Melony Lewis Jerry and Gina Murdock Walton Family Foundation Restorer’s Circle $25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous Aspen Community Foundation Mr. Henry Catto Jr. Catto Charitable Foundation Mrs. Jane B. Dunaway Mrs. Tena Dunaway Farr Suzanne Farver and Clint VanZee LEAX Controls Mountain Lion $10,000-$24,999 Anonymous City of Aspen Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Barron Margaret DeWolf, The Nick DeWolf Foundation The Environment Foundation Mr. Peter Lewis Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund Mr. and Mrs. S. Robson Walton Robert, Dirk, Daniel & Leslie Ziff, The Leslie and Daniel Ziff, Dirk Ziff, and Robert Ziff Foundations Ann Ziff Peregrine Falcon $5,000-$9,999 Jeff and Becky Berkus Jackie and Mike Bezos Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy Bill and Jess Budinger, The Rodel Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Cotsen Gary and Sylvie Crum Ellen and Bill Hunt, Oak Lodge Foundation Kuyper Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Werner Neuman, Neuman Family Foundation Lynda and Stewart Resnick, Resnick Foundation The Thrift Shop of Aspen Paula Zurcher

Lynx $2,500-$4,999 Alpine Bank Colleen and Bradley Bell, Bell Family Foundation Ms. Sharon Bistline Mr. and Mrs. Andy DiSabatino Mr. and Mrs. David Dillon Michael and Robin Fox Lynn Nichols and Jim Gilchrist Julie Goldstein and Tony O’Rourke, RCG Fund of Rose Community Foundation Mrs. Paul W. Guenzel Robert and Soledad Hurst Ms. Shana B. Johnstone, Shenandoah Foundation Reenie Kinney and Scott Hicks, Ronald and Eva Kinney Family Foundation Mark Lantz Mr. Leonard A. Lauder, The Lauder Foundation Amy Margerum Willem and Lisa Mesdag Bob Purvis, Chinook Charitable Foundation Mr. Selim K. Zilkha Elk $1,200 - $2,499 John and Jackie Bucksbaum Laurel and John Catto Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw Adam and Mary Cherry David Corbin Antonia P. DuBrul Barbara Dunaway Mr. and Mrs. Donnelley Erdman George and Susan Fesus Mark Fuller Mary and Jim Griffith Juliane M. Heyman Mrs. Phyllis Hojel Michael and Carol Hundert, Norman M. Morris Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John McBride, McBride Family & Airport Business Center Foundation Ms. Ann Nichols Ken and Emily Ransford Reese Henry and Company, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schermer, Adler Schermer Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David T. Schiff, The Schiff Foundation Ryan and Anda Smalls Bruce and Nancy Stevens Bob and Ruth Wade

Karen and Bayard Hollins, The Elizabeth Foundation Clark and Tavia Hunt Rusty and John Jaggers Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone Kiryle Foundation Allison and Warren Kanders Charles Kingsolver Heather and Martin Kohout Peter Looram Mary Jo McGuire, William F. O’Connor Foundation The McQuown Family Elizabeth and Kent Meager Ralph Melville, Mountain Chalet Aspen Sarah Meserve David Newberger Patagonia Norman and Melinda Payson James and Hensley Peterson Sara Ransford, Arches Foundation Mrs. Mary Hugh Scott, The Mary Hugh Scott Foundation Phyllis and David Scruggs Ellie Spence Mr. Bill Stirling Linda and Dennis Vaughn Howard and Anne Weir Buzz and Alison Zaino

Bighorn Sheep $300-$599 Anonymous Duane and Sherry Abbott Aspen Allergy Conference, Colorado Allergy Society Donald Austin, Jr., The Austin Memorial Foundation Town of Basalt Ginny and Charles Brewer Town of Carbondale Lisa Chiles Thomas and Noel Congdon Ms. Marcia Corbin, Corbin Family Fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey Jan and Joel Dembinsky Mary Dominick and Sven Coomer Foster Ducker and Pam Brasher Margaret and John Allen Ducker Mr. and Mrs. Llwyd E. Ecclestone Jr. Mrs. M. Joan Farver Kathy and David Finholm Edmund Frank Ashley Friedman Monica and David Golden Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Greenberg Ruth Grinspoon Thomas Hall Black Bear $600-$1,199 Lillian and Gordon Hardy Cara and Robert Barnes Joan W. Harris, The Irving Harris Dina Belmonte Foundation Vivian and Norman Belmonte Kristen Henry Chuck and Marni Bond Susan H. Brady, The Brady Foundation Ned S. Holmes, Ned S. Holmes Charitable Fund R. Malcolm Brown Jefferson and Karen Hughes Matthew and Kay Bucksbaum Barbara Reid and David Hyman Tom and Jody Cardamone Cindy Kahn and Steve Marker Clarissa H. and Henry T. Chandler Kristin and Carl Kalnow Mrs. Carol G. Craig Patrick and Collins Kelly Germaine and Al Dietsch Jim and Jamie Kravitz Laura Donnelley, Good Works Larry and Tracie Kugler Foundation David and Penelope London Leo and Marcy Edelstein Paula and Monty Loud Jamie and Bush Helzberg Judy Hill and Amory Lovins Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hite Gail and Alec Merriam Mr. James Hite, The William H. and Kerry and Ricki Newman Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation

Roberta and Samuel Pepkowitz Barbara and Steven Percy Bill and Susan Plummer Mark and Lorraine Schapiro Sarah Schmidt Mr. & Mrs. W. Ford Schumann, The Susan and Ford Schumann Foundation Deborah Scott Olivia Siegel Lorraine and Pat Spector Dr. and Mrs. Lubert Stryer, Stryer Family Fund of the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Harry and Karin Teague Herbert and Cheryl Towning Doug and Lynda Weiser Kent and Karen Woodard Jennifer Woodward King Woodward William Wrigley, Jr.

Cynthia and James DeFrancia Steve deMontmollin Michael R. Rothrock and Gayleen Dent Deborah Burek and Dirk Detweiler Carol Duell Mrs. Peggy L. Egertson Harry and Judith Ellenzweig Shelley Emerick Gerald and Sandra Eskin Kimberly Estock Judith Barnard and Michael Fain Steve and Debbi Falender Melvin and Theba Feldman Tom and Darlynn Fellman David and Jaimie Field James Finch Jerry and Nanette Finger Sara Finkle Ellen Fisher Mr. & Mrs. John V. Flynn Jr. Ilene and Burt Follman Cutthroat Trout $100-$299 Ted and Marlene Forke Anonymous Piper Foster Ashley and John Adams Heather Fouts B.J. and Michael Adams Ginna and Tim Francis Dan Alpert Marc and Karen Friedberg Rebecca T. Ayres Ms. Dorothy Frommer Marcy Balderson Ricki and Peter Fuchs Buddy and Connie Bates David Gaetjens and Martha Murray John and Mary Ann Beckley General Mills Foundation John and Janie Bennett Patricia Geray Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bergman Cynthia K. Gittinger Susan Bernard Randy Gold and Dawn Shepard Sallie and Thomas Bernard Gary and Barbara Goldstein Drs. Paula and William Bernstein, Paula Mr. & Mrs. Brian Goodheim and William Bernstein Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Greenberg Diana Beuttas The Jewish Community Foundation Gretchen Bleiler Hawk Greenway and Shelley Supplee Tom and Cindy Bloch Jan Clough and Ara Guzelimian Rita Bloom Judy Haas Mel and Paulette Blumenthal Beth Haga John and Shelley Bogaert Rose M. and Dr. Floyd D. Hansen Vandy Boudreau Becky Hellbaum and Fred Hartmeister Courtney Boyd Constance Harvey Louise and Phil Hoversten Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hayes Cathy Brentzel Sue Helm Jeff Brigham and Wendy MacPhail Mr. & Mrs. Eugene D. Hill III Phyllis Bronson Tom and Maureen Hirsch The Scheer/Brown Family Ms. Ann Hodges Keith and Emily Bryant Philip Hodgson Family Mr. and Mrs. James Bulkley Alison Howell Mr. and Mrs. William Burge Ann and Edward Hudson Jr. Ruthie Burrus Chonnie and Paul Jacobson Richard and Nancy Carrigan Jim and Jane Jenkins Ruth and Martin Carver Janet Johnson John and Julie Case Sam and Ann Johnson Luanne Castle Robert Brinker and Pam Joseph Joy Caudill Pajwell Foundation Andrea Cayton Sandy and George Kahle, The Kahle David and Katherin Chase, BF Foundation Foundation KAJX Aspen Public Radio Susan Philp and Lance Clarke The Kanipe Family Ned and Jan Cochran Mark and Marianne Keating Barbara Conviser Phil and Meg Kendall John and Susan Cottle Alex and Scott Kendrick Jennifer Craig Michael and Julie Kennedy Dr. & Mrs. Jack Crandall Mary Jo Kimbrough and Jim Harrison Thomas and Lucy Creighton Jim Kirschvink and Martha Moran Joanie, Guillaume and Alexander Crete Paul and Katie Viola Susan Crown and William Kunkler Diana Tomback and Jim Knowles Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund Tricia and Rich Kolsby c/o Henry Crown and Company Judy Kravitz Mr. James L. Curtis Dr. and Mrs. Tom Kurt Catherine Cussaguet Karyn Lamb Paul D’Amato and Beth Cashdan Kirsten and Alan Langohr Sandy Simpson and Don Davidson Erica Laughlin, The Arch and Stella Fred and Frances Davies Rowan Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Marian Lyeth Davis Scottie & Tom Leddy

Fred and Susan Lodge Leslie Lamont & Lance Luckett Christy and Ted Mahon Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys Dr. & Mrs. David Manchester The Mann Family Del Bentley Julia Marshall Bert J. Maxon Tita Caspar and Dan McCarty Elizabeth and Graeme Means William and Tamme Mellenthin Barry and Peggy Mink Bill and Jane Mitchell John and Caroline Moore Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Morrow Ann Mullins John Neil, Neil-Garing Agency, Inc. Kristin Nelson Alan Quasha and Ilona Nemeth-Quasha Bland Nesbit Dianne Newman Rick and Virginia Newton Cindy Noel and Peter Pierson Donald and Judy Norris The O’Hagan Family Bette Oakes Karin Offield Chuck and Meredith Ogilby Peggy Pace Barbara Page Jean and Allen Parelman Andrew Pargellis and Sandi Nash Buzz Patten and Judy Wender Mark and Laura Patterson Mr. Everett Peirce Fred and Sandra Peirce Tim Perry Mr. & Mrs. William Perry Sarah Pesikoff Frank Peters and Marjory Musgrave Garry and Lindsay Pfaffmann Ali and David Phillips Julie and Greg Pickrell Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Porath Jennifer Preece Steve and Missy Prudden Carol Racine Marianne Ratledge Edie and Donn Resnick Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Robinson Ms. Sue Anschutz Rodgers David and Karla Roth Philip and Marcia Rothblum John and Susan Rothchild, Charles A. Berns and Molly Berns, Family Foundation Sarah Broughton and John Rowland Randall Ruggaard V. Reinaldo and Cynthia E. Ruiz Mr. Richard Scales Auden Schendler and Ellen Freedman Kimberly Schlosser Debra and Dennis Scholl Merlin and Gail Schulze Darlene and Jerome Schwoerer Katie Schwoerer and Anders Gustafson James Scull Harriet Landau and Nathan Segall Richard and Sarah Shaw Michelle Sherlock Sally Shiekman-Miller and Derek Miller Mr. Albert H. Small Mr. John Starr Steve and Sandy Stay Eve Stephens Mike and Kit Strang Larry Talley

Elinor Talmadge Carolyn and Ray Taylor Annie, August and Emily Teague Ms. Mimi Teschner Annie and Mike Tierney Mary Ann Tittle Anne and William Tobey Christian and Susan Touchette Mimi M. and Timothy S. Trombatore Brad Tyndall Charlotte Widmer Varner Vectra Bank Chuck and Linda Vidal Kim Vieira Mrs. Marguerite Villasanta, Dr. Frank C. Marino Foundation Mary Ann and Ted Wallace Jay and Marnie Webster Jr. Betty Weiss Gayle and Richard Wells Susan Welsch Cinder White Lara and Marc Whitley Hans Widmer Everett J Wiehe Mary and Hugh Wise, The Flunison Fund Mare Wolfer & Chad Jenkins, Playgroup Maggie Woods Christopher Wright Pete and Ginny Yang Stephanie Young Katie and Robert Yturri George Zachar Mr. & Mrs. Joe Zanin, Zanin Family Foundation Rachel Zimmerman Red-tailed Hawk $50-$99 Charles Abbott Bruce Adelman Ingrid Adkins Valeria Alberola Marianne and Duane Alexander Paddy and Kim Allen Ashley Allison Silvia Alvarez Ericka Anderson Asale Angel-Ajani and Alan Hanson Diane Argenzio James Arnott Ms. Nadine Asin J. Gary and Jill Augustson Dana and Greg Averbuch Dr. and Mrs. George Baker Stephanie Baker Lissa Ballinger Roxanne Bank James and Virginia Barker Lori Barnhill Taylor and Suzanne Bassett Andy Wiessner and Patsy Batchelder Skip and Donna Behrhorst Ann Berens Lori Berman Stephen and Carla Berry Jean Bertelsen Brigitte Birrfelder Dirk Bockelmann Mary Upton and Mac Boelens John and Liz Bokram John and Valerie Borthwick Becky Bourke Candida Bowe Joe Bob Bower Adrian Bradley Kimberleigh Briggs Elizabeth Brown

Maud Brown The Bruff Family Harrison and Sally Bubb Dr. & Mrs. Craton Burkholder Charla Brown and Rob Burnett Art Burrows Julie Burrus Ms. Barbara Bussell Ms. Kathryn M. Buster Mr. and Mrs. James R. Byrnes Jim and Michele Cardamone Valerie Carlin Michael and Natalie Carricarte William and Lynn Carter Diane Ceo-Difrancesco Donna and Steve Chase Susan Chelec Patricia Chew Yung Mi Choi Deborah Reamer and Andrew Clare Kara and Tim Clark The Clayton Family John and Kelly Close Joanne Coghlan John and Julie Cohen Larry Cohen Robin Cole Mallorie Collier Genna Collins and Jake Moe Geoff and Jill Collins Melissa Condie Erika Corbin Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce Gita Costa Glenda and Jerry Cotner Eric and April Cotsen Catherine and Stephen Cournoyer Kerry and John Coy Barbara Cravitz Ken and Andrea Crouse Matthew Cull Lee and Donna Dale Peter and Catherine Davis Marjorie DeLuca Sharon DeQuine Mr. Dan DeWolfe Irma Deutsch Julia and Allen Domingos Heather Dresser Jennifer DuBrul Merle J. Dulien Alison Eastley Susy Ellison Cheryl and Charles Ernst Maureen Espinoza Jared and Diana Ettlinger Ms. Lee Ann Eustis Kacy Exelbert Chris and Sally Faison Jeffrey Ferrell Sistie Fischer Winston Fisher Katie and David Fitzgerald Sara Fitzmaurice Lorrine Fleischman Rebecca Fletcher Adam and Lindsy Fortier Paul and Susan Foster Gary Fountain and Cindy Burke Kristina Fraser Greg and Kristina Freeman Kristin and Joshua Frieman Katherine Fry Nina Gabianelli Nathan and Christy Garfield Aaron Garland Ms. Sara Garton Mr. Murray Gell-Mann

Mara Gellman Jon Gibans Monique Gilbert Elizabeth Gile and Dave Ratcliff Carolyn and Bob Glah Joel Gorton and Bonnie Magee Shari Gottlieb Ellen Gould Susan Gowen Christine and Lee Grable Amy Gray Renee Green Eliza Greenman Kirk and Petra Gregory Sue Anne Griffith Darryl and Terri Grob Shelly Gross Donna Guerra Janine Gunning Marty Ames and Steve Hach Catherine Hagen Bea Haggerty Kim and Mark Hamilton Margaret and Adam Hancock Jeff Hanle Julia Hansen Kelly Hart Annalisa Helm Christie Henderson Alison Hendry Steve and March Henley Casady Henry James Herrel Preston H. Hill Sacha Haas and Kirk Hinderberger Annaday & David Hiser Virginia and Jan Hmielowski Seth Hmielowski Sharon and Mike Hoffman Jennifer and David Hollander Phil and Gail Holstein Stefani Hood Sue Hopkinson Mark Horoszowski Miles Horton Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Houben Bobbi-Ann Houtsma Robyn Hudgens Mr. & Mrs. George Huggins Alison Irvine Rob Ittner Pauline and Chris James Dylan Johns Karen Johnsen Catherine Johnson Peter and Sandy Johnson Sarah Johnson Mark and Nete Joseph Catherine Muasa and Lucius Juma Tracy and Brian Kapiloff Ms. Jackie Kasabach Karen Kean-Hines Dawn Barton John Keeler Mr. John G. Keleher Garry and Chris Kelly Ginna Kelly Richard Kirk Kerry Kleisner Christa Klimchuk Deborah Konig and Kim Hanson Ms. Linda Koones Lisa Kotz Elizabeth Kremzier Heather and Rocky Kroeger Cari and Jeff Kuhlman Peggy Lacy Don and Joan Larrabee

Kathryn Lasater Tommy Latousek Fiona Lauer Nick and Sarah Lebby Anne Leo Georgina Levey Kimberly Levin Francine and Tag Liebel Ms. Clara Lindner Tracy Lizee Ms. Denise E. Lock Kristen and Matthew Loden Melissa Long Mr. R. Wallace Lord Mr. Thomas Lovejoy Debbie and Steve Lyons Dianne and Timothy Madsen Martha Madsen Laura Maine Laura Makar Sarajane Marell Ms. Nancy Marsh Katherine Sand Joani Matranga Ann McAlpin-Sampsel Hillary McAtee Nicole McDermott Ms. Joelle McDonough Chris and Maddie McDowell Owen McHaney Harold McKelvey Shelley and John McKendry Kim McKinley Jim and Anne Marie McPhee Thomas and Sharon McPherron Mary and Kiefer Mendenhall Amber Michael Andrea Michelson Bruce and Michelle Mielke Mrs. Mary Hyde Millard Michael Monroney Travis and Chris Moore Donald Morgan Ric and Susanne Morrison Ellen and Ben Moss Johanna Mueller Stephanie Munk Sandy and Mary Lynn Munro Pam Cricenti and Andy Munves Erica Murray Melanie Muss Christopher Neral Kori and Steve New Liz and George Newman Allison Niles Susan ONeal Grace S. Oliphant John F. Orman Jr. Laurene B. and Tom Owen Ms. Helen Palmer Denise Spero & Christopher Pargellis Janet Parke Kim Parker Ms. Virginia M. Parker Brandi Parsley Molly and Jon Peacock Nancy Pearce and Bob McDonough Maggie Pedersen Jenifer Blomquist and Paul Perley Christina Person Bernard R. Phillips Suzy and David Pines Carrie Podl David Polovin Maureen and Greg Poschman Helen and Keith Press Ms. Irma Prodinger Gloria Pryzant

Kathryn Rabinow Kala Rachilla Bob and Gabrielle Rafelson Matt Reed Mr. & Mrs. Jon Reveal Kathleen Rye Ms. Rachel Richards Jennifer Riffle Carmen Riley Eric Ringsby Margaret and Dwayne Romero Polly Ross Diana and Randy Rothschild Will Roush Michelle and Jason Rubell Caroline and Andrew Rushing Kristen and Doug Ryckman Heather and Greg Rydell Heather and Ned Ryerson Dr. Teresa Salvadore Tom and Lois Sando Kathleen J. and Anthony J. Schaeffer Dara Schnee Jennifer Schneider Michael and Marilyn Schooling Judith J. Schramm Laura Scott Craig and Robyn Scott Sarah Seiter May and Troy Selby Jeff & Marilyn Seltzer Hannelore and Bob Shanahan Millicent and Frank Shelden Rachel Sherman Beth and Sloan Shoemaker Sarah Shohet Gregory and Gayle Shugars Ruth Shuman Judy and Mark Silver Dr. William S. Silvers Ann Cournoyer and Greg C. Smith Laurie Smith Ann Smulka Art Smythe Beverly Snyder Sally Sparhawk Eric and Bari Stahl Janice Starsnic Derek Stocker Anita and Jim Strickbine Jennifer and Jeremy Swanson David Swersky Melissa Taylor Ms. Lois Teegarden Mark and Lisa Thorpe Jim and Suzanne Thurston Sara and Jason Tie Holly Timms Anais Tomezsko Alan and Nikola Tralins Elizabeth Tripplehorn Brittany Tucker Lea Tucker Ms. Deborah Tullman Jill Uris Paulina Vander Noordaa & Dick Jackson Stefanie Vanover Ellen Vaughan Craig and Becky Ward Tom and Donna Ward Ms. Wendy Weaver Rebecca and Austin Weiss Catherine Wells Stephanie and Clay Wells Casey White Jeff White Amiee White Beazley and Brian Beazley Dan Whitney

Jeanne Wilder Julie and Andre Wille Alexandra Williams Ms. Marilyn Wilmerding Christina Wing O’Donnell Laura Winjum Suzanne Wolff and Gary Tennenbaum Cecilia and Ira Wolfson Heather Stevenson Mike and Kathy Yang Michael Younger Jeanne and Bernard Yurke Anna Zane Andrew and Sheila Zausmer Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson Robert Zupancis In Kind A Great Find Aloha Mountain Cyclery The Aspen Club & Spa Aspen Environment Forum Aspen Magazine Aspen Skiing Company Aspen Wine & Spirits Aspen Yoga Society Avalanche Cheese bb’s Kitchen Berko Brunelleschi’s Dome Pizza Carbondale Recreation & Community Center Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company Independence Run and Hike Jen Leddy Studios KSPN Mountain Valley Textiles Roaring Fork Crossfit Sidney and Barbara Dickstein

Melissa and Tad Foster John Francis Boden’s Butter Helen and Brian Henry Ellen and Bill Hunt Dr. John Kuck Pete McBride Mohawk Fine Paper Mills Mary and Jim Owens Shannon Rengers Sheryl Robinson Tenth Mountain Hut Association Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Co Ute Mountaineer Whole Organic Chef Memorial Henry and Jessica Catto Dottie Fox Nancy Lane Oliver McCauley Carolyn Purvis Rajko Rojs Fay Ward Honoring Louie and Kate Allenbach Jess Bates Maggie Boustead Scott Brown Tim Brown David Corbin Jaren and Bruce Ducker Sarah and Ben Kelly Mr. Allen Levantin Christy Mahon Colleen McCarthy Gina and Jerry Murdock Tim Mutrie Andrew Pargellis and Sandi Nash Donn Resnick Maile Wade

Elizabeth Paepcke Society Named after our founder who began the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies in 1968, the Elizabeth Paepcke Society honors those friends who have generously chosen to provide financial support to ACES through planned gifts or bequest intentions. The Society carries the name of our founder to signal the importance of those who have made provision for long-term support of ACES by making gifts that will extend beyond their lifetimes.

Membership in the Elizabeth Paepcke Society is open to all those who have confirmed outright bequest provisions for ACES, or make or have made a planned gift. Donors interested in discussing a planned gift to ACES should contact ACES Development Director Christy Mahon at 970-925-5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org.

Have you already named ACES in your will? Please make us aware if you have so that we may include your name in the list below.

Anonymous DonorsJim Lestock

Hal Clark Alec and Gail Merriam

Ed Compton Virginia Newton

Al Dietsch Elizabeth Paepcke Don Fleisher Henderson Supplee, III

Carl Kaufman Bettie Willard

100 Puppy Smith Street, Aspen, Colorado 81611 970.925.5756 www.aspennature.org Return Service Requested

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Aspen, CO 81612 Permit No. 43

how to find us Over the past 40 years ACES has meant different things to different people. Local or visitor, 2 or 92... ACES has something for you!

Visit us at any of our four sites to learn more!

Hallam Lake

Catto Center at Toklat

Hallam Lake is located in downtown Aspen at the end of Puppy Smith Street off of Mill Street behind the Post Office.

Toklat is located across from the Ashcroft Ghost Town 11 miles up the Castle Creek Valley from the Aspen round-about.

100 Puppy Smith Street Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm 970.925.5756

11247 Castle Creek Road Call for hours and special programs.

970.925.9157

Rock Bottom Ranch

Spring Creek

Rock Bottom Ranch is located along the Roaring Fork River at the end of Hook Spur Road off of Willits Lane near Basalt.

Spring Creek is located twenty-five miles up the Frying Pan road from the town of Basalt and North 2.6 miles up Eagle-Thomasville Road.

2001 Hooks Spur Road Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm 970.927.6760

Rock Bottom Ranch

Hallam Lake Thanks to ACES staff for the beautiful photography.

Call for hours & special programs 970.925.5756

support ACES As a non-profit organization, ACES’ educational programs, inspiring sites, and conservation work are supported by the generosity of its membership and the community. The public is invited to foster ACES’ environmental work and become ACES’ members by making a tax-deductible contribution.

For information about membership, please visit our website at www.aspennature.org or contact ACES’ development staff.

stay informed In an effort to reduce paper consumption, ACES now keeps the public informed of events and programs through email newsletters and invitations in addition to this mailing.

Please email us at aces@aspennature.org to confirm that you are on our list and would like to receive paperless mailings and newsletters when possible. Thank you!

This brochure is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper. Mohawk Fine Papers generously donated all the paper used for this publication.

Mohawk procures 100% of their manufacturing electricity from emissions-free wind power.

Thank you Mowhawk fine papers

The organizations above partner with ACES and support the summer programs in this brochure.

ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or familial status.