YVSC

Mica Gardenscapes Yampascaping Plant Sale
2023-06-10 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Main Street Park, Corner of Sharp Ave and Main St
On Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., YVSC is excited to partner with Mica Gardenscapes, located in Oak Creek, on an upcoming plant sale. Find us on the corner of Sharp Ave. and Main St. With a focus on perennials, natives, and drought tolerant species, Claire Scanlon, owner of Mica Gardenscapes, and YVSC will be on hand to help you select plants to create a beautiful Yampascape. Yampascaping is the process of transforming a yard or other piece of land into one that is more appropriate to the Yampa Valley region. It brings the floral communities we find on our trails and along our rivers to the land around our homes and businesses, which in turn conserves water, stabilizes soil, reduces weeds, and provides food for birds and pollinators.

YVSC Community Meeting
2023-05-24 13:00 - 14:00
Please join us for our next YVSC Community Meeting on May 24, 1-2 pm, which will provide an overview of the 2020 City/District Water Conservation Plan and key water conservation opportunities YVSC, the City and MWWSD are moving ahead on this summer. Information will be shared about the forthcoming rain barrel group buy, Yampascaping resources and events, water scheduling, and more. Julie Baxter, City Water Manager, and Frank Alfone, District General Manager, will join YVSC as Featured Speakers. Register to join below, you must be registered to attend and we hope to see you there.

Navigating EV Charger Installation at Multi-Family Units and Lodging
2023-05-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Centennial Hall, 124 10th St
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is picking up pace! HOA and lodging managers, you can make your complexes and hotels more attractive to customers and residents by installing EV chargers on your properties. Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is partnering with Clean Energy Economy for the Region to host a hybrid workshop on May 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall. During this event you will have the opportunity to learn all about how EV charger installation can be easy and affordable through available grants and products. Thank you to our partner

Yampa Valley Geothermal Workshop
2023-05-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Bud Werner Memorial Library – Library Hall, 1289 Lincoln Ave
Geothermal energy will play a key role in the energy transition of the Yampa Valley. Our expert speakers include Matt Sares, Chief Hydrogeology Section, Colorado Division of Water Resources who will address geothermal regulations including ground-water protection. Dr. Paul Morgan, Senior Geothermal Geologist at the Colorado Geological Survey and faculty member of the Colorado School of Mines Center for Space Resources, will discuss the geology of Steamboat Springs and Geothermal Energy Office will present on Colorado’s geothermal energy vision and funding opportunities for geothermal energy. Former Governor Bill Ritter of the Center for the New Energy Economy will moderate this event. Thank you to our sponsors

Electric Shuttle Ride and Drive
2023-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds, 401 Howelsen Pkwy
Does your business use fleet cargo or passenger vans? Have you been wondering how or if electric vehicles might work for you? Now is your chance to find out! YVSC is partnering with Colorado-based Lightning eMotors to host an Electric Shuttle Ride and Drive event on Tuesday, April 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Howelsen Rodeo Grounds. Fleet managers will have the opportunity to test drive a Lightning ZEV Zero Emission Class 4 Shuttle Bus to get a better understanding how electric vehicles can work for you and your business. Visit the registration link below to sign up for the event. Thank you to our partner

Zero Waste Stations at Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series
2023-04-02 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-03-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Steamboat Ski Resort Base Area
This year, YVSC is excited to support Steamboat Resort in scaling up their Zero Waste practices even further by providing Zero Waste services at the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series starting in March, and there are paid opportunities to help! Concerts will be every Saturday and the last two Sundays of the Season at the base area starting March 11th from 3-5 p.m. Apply at the link below to join the crew, and get paid $20 per hour to help make these fun events more sustainable! You’ll learn, connect and importantly help catalyze actions that protect this community we live in. Please contact Dakota Dolan, Zero Waste Coordinator, with questions, (970) 871-9299 ext. 114 or dakota@yvsc.org.

Colorado Gives Day
2022-12-06 00:00 - 23:59
Schedule your donation Did you know that by making a donation to YVSC on Colorado Gives Day this year, you can create a lasting positive impact on the Yampa Valley for years to come? Your donation will enable YVSC to take action while growing programs, partnerships, and education along our five priority areas: Resilient Land & Water, Waste Diversion, Energy, Transportation, and Community Engagement. The time to act is now. Through your support, you can help YVSC reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience in the Yampa Valley. Use the link below to donate today.

ReTree Spruce IPA Release Party at Mountain Tap
2022-10-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Mountain Tap Brewery, 910 Yampa St
Trees are good for more than just creating shade and sequestering CO2. They also make delicious beer! This year, we’ve partnered with Mountain Tap to create our ReTree Spruce IPA made from locally sourced Colorado spruce tips. Join us as for the release of this special brew on Friday, October 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Mountain Tap. With every sale of our ReTree Spruce IPA, $1 is donated to YVSC!

Routt County Commissioner Candidate Sustainability Hearing Forum
2022-10-19 13:00 - 14:00
This month’s YVSC Community Meeting, which will be held on October 19 from 1-2 p.m., will feature the Routt County Commissioner Candidate Sustainability Forum. As we know, our elected officials are important decision-makers when it comes to what gets prioritized and accomplished. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear the Routt County Commissioner Candidates, Sonja Macys and Kathi Meyer, respond to questions about environment and sustainability issues. The Sustainability Forum is a Q&A with Commissioner Candidates. YVSC will be soliciting questions from partners and community members through October 14. If you have an environmental or sustainability question you would like the Commissioner Candidates to respond to, please send them to info@yvsc.org. To join the Forum, register here. You must be registered to attend. The Forum will be recorded; register to ensure you receive the recording. The recording will also be posted publicly on our website following the meeting.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Tree Planting on Elkhead Creek
2022-10-15 09:00 - 23:50
Title: Come plant trees along Elkhead Creek! Short description: Join us to plant trees and restore riparian areas on Elkhead Creek with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Trout Unlimited (TU). Difficulty: Easy (working along a riverbank) Project details: Lower Elkhead Creek is a nine-mile stretch of creek below Elkhead Reservoir, and over the years, has experienced significant bank erosion, channel incision and riparian habitat degradation. Many landowners on Lower Elkhead Creek have been participating in a collaborative effort to restore the Elkhead Creek ecosystem, and Phase 1 of the restoration project currently includes a five-mile stretch of creek directly below Elkhead Reservoir. Working with private landowners, NRCS and TU is teaming with the Yampa Valley Climate Crew to plant native trees and shrubs that will help stabilize the banks and revitalize the riparian area. We will be working within a 1.5-mile stretch of the creek and planting cottonwoods, alders, willows, and chokecherries. We hope that you can join us for a day of tree planting, which will have a positive impact for years to come. A BBQ will also be held for our volunteers as a thank you for their hard work! Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Tree Planting on Trout Creek
2022-10-09 09:00 - 23:50
Title: Come Plant Trees Along Trout Creek! Short Description: Join us to plant trees and restore riparian areas along Trout Creek with Trout Unlimited Difficulty: Easy (working along a streambank) Project Details: Trout Creek flows from Sheriff Reservoir in the Flattops down to the Yampa River at Milner. Along the way some of its stretches have experienced significant bank erosion, channel incision and riparian habitat degradation. The consequences of these losses are numerous, including decreased wildlife habitat, less bank stability, and increased water temperatures. Working with private landowners, Trout Unlimited is teaming up with the Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers to restore Trout Creek on an upper section near Oak Creek. We will plant native cottonwoods and willows that will help stabilize the banks, decrease water temperatures, and revitalize the riparian area. Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Willow Planting at California Park
2022-09-20 08:00 - 23:50
Title: Come plant willows along First Creek in California Park! Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help restore First Creek by planting willows along its bank. Difficulty: Easy (working along a steep embankment) Project Details: California Park is an ecologically important area in Northwest Colorado. It serves as part of the Upper Yampa River Basin and provides miles of stream habitat for native fish populations. However, vegetation loss and erosion threaten some of California Park’s waterways. Currently, First Creek is undergoing a restoration process that will create a more climate-resistant ecosystem by reconnecting the stream to the floodplain. As part of this process, we will be planting approximately 300-500 willows along 5 miles of First Creek to provide bank stabilization and more resilient native fish habitat. Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Reforestation Survey near Rabbit Ears Pass
2022-08-27 08:00 - 23:50, 2022-08-25 08:00 - 23:50, 2022-08-24 08:00 - 23:50
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass! Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts. Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain) Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you! Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Colorado Water Congress's Northwest Colorado Water Event
2022-08-23 08:00 - 10:00 | Steamboat Grand, 2300 Mt Werner Cir
YVSC Resilient Land and Water staff will be at the Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference to participate in the Northwest Colorado Water Event on Tuesday, August 23, from 8-10 am at the Steamboat Grand. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn what is happening with water related projects in Northwest Colorado and can network with local water-related NGOs and agencies. Come learn how YVSC is advancing resilient land and water based solutions in the Yampa River Basin.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration in California Park
2022-08-07 09:00 - 23:50, 2022-08-06 09:00 - 23:50
Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park! Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet meadows. Difficulty: Medium (lifting and carrying rocks, using tools, working alongside streambanks) Project Details: Come help restore wet meadows in beautiful California Park! These ecosystems promote climate-resiliency by storing water on the landscape, and are vital for wildlife habitat including Sandhill cranes, Greater-Sage grouse, elk, deer, and more. However, erosion has disconnected these wet meadows from the floodplain, resulting in decreased water retention and loss of vegetation. They are at further risk of deterioration in coming years from drought and intense rainstorms due to a changing climate. To address these challenges we will use innovative restoration techniques called one rock dams to raise the water table, decrease erosion, and re-establish wet meadows in California Park. Camping is encouraged if you plan to attend multiple days! Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
2022-06-19 08:00 - 23:50
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional! Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments) Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called Zeedyk structures to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat. Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
2022-06-18 08:00 - 23:50, 2022-06-17 08:00 - 23:50, 2022-06-16 08:00 - 23:50
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional! Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments) Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called one-rock dams to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat. Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.

Mica Gardenscapes Yampascaping Plant Sale
2022-06-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Mica Gardenscapes, 101 W Main St
On Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., YVSC is excited to partner with Mica Gardenscapes, located in Oak Creek, on an upcoming plant sale. Find us at 101 W Main St in Oak Creek. With a focus on perennials, natives, and drought tolerant species, Claire Scanlon, owner of Mica Gardenscapes, and YVSC will be on hand to help you select plants to create a beautiful Yampascape. Yampascaping is the process of transforming a yard or other piece of land into one that is more appropriate to the Yampa Valley region. It brings the floral communities we find on our trails and along our rivers to the land around our homes and businesses, which in turn conserves water, stabilizes soil, reduces weeds, and provides food for birds and pollinators.

Facing The Fire: Innovative Uses of Biochar and Permaculture Design to Mitigate Wildfire Risk (Free Presentation)
2022-06-03 18:00 - 23:50 | Colorado Moutain College Allbright Family Auditorium, 1275 Crawford Ave
There is a better way to mitigate fire risk on Western lands, as we embrace the use of fire to limit fire. Learn the latest technology and practices to protect the climate while also protecting our communities. Join Elkstone Farm for a presentation from Dr. Ken Carloni, Gloria Flora, and the PINA team for an overview of the science and technology of biochar and the innovative use of portable kiln field production and on-contour application to protect watersheds. Presentation is free, and donations are welcome. This event is co-sponsored by YVSC. To learn more about the weekend of events visit https://elkstonefarm.com/event/facing-the-fire-innovative-uses-of-biochar-and-permaculture-design-to-mitigate-wildfire-risk/.

Big Agnes Sample Sale at BAP
2022-05-14 10:00 - 16:00 | BAP, 735 Oak St
The annual Big Agnes Sample Sale is just around the corner, and this year, they have generously chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to YVSC. So, come down and shop for quality gear on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. knowing that your purchase is supporting sustainability in the Yampa Valley. For more information, call BAP at 970.879.7507.

Location Change: 2022 Earth Day Celebration
2022-04-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Steamboat Ski Resort Base Area – top and bottom of escalator
This year marks the 52nd year of Earth Day, and YVSC is excited to bring to you an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Steamboat Ski Resort for closing weekend. For this educational and fun family-friendly event, we will bring together our partner organizations that support conservation and stewardship. Children can partake in educational activities. Students will have the opportunity to explore the diverse array of career pathways in the environmental and sustainability fields. And, all attendees will learn about actions they can take that help take care of the Yampa Valley from volunteering to steps at home. Plus, local artist, Jill Bergman, will be selling her beautiful Earth Day prints and posters (pictured at right), the proceeds from which will be donated to local environmental nonprofits.

Solar Energy Overview: For Government, Commercial, and Institutional Facilities
2021-11-18 16:00 - 17:30 | Routt County Commissioner Hearing Room (3rd Floor), 522 Lincoln Ave.
Is solar a good fit for your facility? Agenda: Solar system types and general costs for each type Solar ownership model pros and cons YVEA’s non residential solar polices, procedures, and Qualifying Facility Net Metering Service Highlights of NW Colorado Solar and and Resiliency Project

Electric Vehicle Sessions: EV Charging 101
2021-11-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Centennial Hall, 124 10th St
This session will provide information on how to charge, different types of EV chargers that are available, and charging times based on charging type. Join in person or virtually. The City of Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Electric Association, Northern Colorado Clean Cities, and YVSC have teamed up to hold four educational events to help you understand ownership considerations of EVs, including: the basics and how they work; different models; operating costs; and charging.

Electric Vehicle Sessions: The Ride & Drive Event
2021-10-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Howelsen Rodeo Grounds Parking Lot
This session provides an opportunity to experience electric vehicles from the inside! Advance sign up is required. Please visit the City’s website for information on how to register. 15 minute drive sessions. The City of Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Electric Association, Northern Colorado Clean Cities, and YVSC have teamed up to hold four educational events to help you understand ownership considerations of EVs, including: the basics and how they work; different models; operating costs; and charging.
