Monthly Newsletter

As we eagerly await the arrival of the official first day of Spring next week, Mother Nature seems to have saved her most impressive storms for March. With more snow on the horizon, our partners are seizing every opportunity to embrace the incredible winter wonderland around us. While the pace may start to ease with the onset of spring breaks, our partners are gearing up for an array of exciting end-of-school-year trips and programs, both within Garfield County and afar.

Check out the updates and opportunities below, and we hope to see you out there enjoying the great outdoors!

We all Grow Better Outside

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Winter at BUE was full of exciting adventures and learning opportunities. Fourth graders embarked on a snowy journey to Grand Mesa, sponsored by Parachute Kiwanis Club, where they explored winter ecology through snowshoeing and engaging activities. Meanwhile, CFL students immersed themselves in animal studies, with first graders discovering animal adaptations alongside service K9s and kindergarteners visiting local farms to meet a variety of animals. Even our youngest learners in Pre-K got hands-on with interactive shelter lessons led by Ari.

Beyond the classroom, our outdoor programs flourished, offering expanded skiing lessons and outdoor PE trips. Students honed their winter survival skills and enjoyed outdoor activities at Grand Mesa and Powderhorn Mountain Resort. These experiences not only enriched their education but also nurtured a deeper appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation among our students.

In ACES class at KSE, Kindergarteners have been practicing their animal winter survival skills; their personal favorite is hibernation. As an introduction to pollination, second grade students dissected flowers on Valentine's Day. The third grade classes have been exploring space. They "made" and viewed constellations right under their desks! Fourth graders have just finished studying reptiles and made posters to show what they learned about different reptile groups and their characteristics. In fifth grade, students learned about photosynthesis and food chains, and then planned and constructed terrariums.

Schools across Re-2 have been embracing exciting opportunities to delve into the wonders of the snowy winter landscape. From 4th-grade ski days at Sunlight Mountain Resort to snowshoeing adventures throughout the county, students have been immersing themselves fully in the season. A quick thank you to ACES for their support in facilitating some of these enriching programs!

As we approach spring break, the pace may be easing, but anticipation is building for the adventures that await. Post-break, we're gearing up for thrilling camping excursions to the desert, exhilarating challenge course days, and unforgettable experiences on our local waters with fishing and rafting opportunities. Brace yourselves for an epic conclusion to the school year ahead!

Take a tour of Middle Colorado Watershed Council’s River Stop river interpretation center at the Rifle Rest Area on April 11 and then settle in to hear about low-tech stream restoration. Jackie Corday, a Colorado-based water and land attorney and natural resources consultant, and Abby Burke, Senior Managerof the Western Rivers Program Audubon Society, will take a deep-dive into evaluating and implementing low-tech stream restoration techniques. Stream restoration can benefit the stream system with an ecological lift and increase water availability and forage for agricultural producers, but techniques need to also take into account the 2023 Colorado legislation (SB23 270) that protects downstream water rights owners. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 12. You need to register to hold seats for the event: https://www.midcowatershed.org/events

Calling all teens with a passion for rivers, fly fishing, and conservation! Registration is live for Colorado Trout Unlimited Camp's River Conservation and Fly Fishing experience. Tailored for youth aged 14-18, this inclusive camp offers more than just a week in the mountains near Almont, CO. It's an opportunity to build lasting friendships and explore the interconnected beauty of conservation and fly fishing. Apply now and be part of the adventure! Scholarships are available. https://coloradotu.org/youthcamp

Garfield County Outdoors is a proud Generation Wild community and is made possible through the generous support of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).