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June 2016
As June arrives, I think back to the many years when ReTree Steamboat was held on the second Sunday in June. As much as I miss the excitement of hundreds of volunteers spreading out through Steamboat to plant thousands of trees, I am proud of the evolution of the program. With a focus on quality of planting, we now host up to 6 different planting events a year, working with Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), schools and other community partners. We're also engaging youth throughout the summer on the long-term care of the trees. This year, our community tree-planting event is on October 8, 2016, working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and CSFS to help restore the banks of the Yampa River at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area. Mark your calendars and
sign up online
to volunteer.
I hope you'll take a minute this June to sit under a tree and appreciate our local community forests.
Happy Summer!
Sarah B. Jones
Executive Director
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Planting the Seeds of Sustainability
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ReTree Steamboat kicked off this May with two school tree-planting events. At North Routt Community Charter School, 150 aspens, plums, dogwoods and wild roses were planted on May 13. More than 70 students, teachers and parents spent the afternoon planting the seedlings as a tribute to teachers and to replace seedlings planted in 2014 that did not survive.
On May 18, students from Steamboat Spring
s
Middle School planted more than 180 trees aro
und the new outdoor theater that is being built at the High School. In the fou
rth year of working together, it has become a tradition for the middle school students to participate in ReTre
e with YVSC and CSFS on United Way's Day of Caring.
The continuity of students
participating in various
aspects of ReTree (planting, stewardship and monitoring) year after year is having a positive impact not only on the survival rates of th
e trees but also on students.
We had the opportunity to interview some middle school students who have participated in ReTree since elementary school. Over and over again, we heard statements like Delaney's, an 8
th
grader now in her third year of ReTree:
"I keep doing ReTree every year because it's a chance to have fun with my friends and make a difference in the community. I'm excited to come back when I'm older to see all the trees I've planted and how I've improved the environment in Steamboat."
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Tuesday, June 28, 2016
5 - 7 p.m.
Meet at Steamboat Springs High School, walk or bike to three different gardens
$15 registration fee includes reception with hors d'oeuvr
es and
Q & A with experts
Space is limited.
In continuation of our February Beekeeping Talking Green, we'll be touring gardens that bees love! The tour will begin at the High School, and then we'll walk
or bike to the gardens of Karen Vail, Grace Holt and Jackie Grimaldi. We'll end with a reception at the Grimaldi garden, where you'll have the opportunity to talk to this year's featured gardeners, as well as local beekeepers. This is your chance to ask questions and get advice from gardening and bee-keeping experts. Heavy hors' d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided.
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Tour de Steamboat Benefits YVSC
July 23
Warmer temps and drier roads have finally arrived! It's time to get on your bike and start training for the Tour de Steamboat!
This year's Tour is better than ever with new routes taking you through the historic towns of Yampa and Oak Creek, plus a new 66-mile distance! The post-ride barbecue is going to be a blast with a local micro-brew Beer Garden. Two free drink tickets are included with registration!
Register today
.
Two fantastic Tour de Steamboat giveaways also benefit YVSC and the other beneficiary non-profits:
>
Buy your Adventure Package/Wine Giveaway ticket
(year-round adventure package valued at $3,500).
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Steamboat Students Conserve Energy and Reduce Waste
Every year, YVSC partners with local elementary schools on the Take Charge Challenge to encourage energy conservation and decrease each school's impact on the environment.
Fifth grade Energy Ninjas went class-to-class educating their peers about how to save energy at home and at school. They also scored each classroom's efforts to conserve energy. At Soda Creek Elementary, the First grade demonstrated the best energy-saving behaviors and were rewarded with a special smoothie party to celebrate. But, this was no ordinary smoothie party. Students had the opportunity to ride the popular blender bike, using their own leg power to make the smoothies! Way to keep the energy conservation going First graders!
Another annual sustainability contest in schools is YVSC's
Waste-Free Lunch Challenge. To celebrate Earth Month and reduce any lingering leftovers in the trash can, we challenged students (and parents) at local schools to a week of Waste-Free lunches.
Soda Creek Elementary won the contest for the second year in a row, generating only 29 lbs. of trash for the entire week of the challenge--that's only 5.8 lbs. of trash per day for all 584 students! As the winner, Soda Creek will keep the Zero Waste throne that resides in the library and has become Mrs. Creamer's favorite chair for reading stories to students. Congratulations Soda Creek students!
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Saturday, June 18
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10
th
Street between Lincoln and Oak
Locals and visitors are invited to stop by the city's electric vehicle charging station on 10
th
Street near City Hall during the 28
th
Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup. After you have seen the classic cars, come see the electrically powered vehicles of today ranging from electric bicycles to energy efficient, low-polluting family cars. Owners will be offering rides, and maybe even some test drives!
For questions,
email [email protected]
or
[email protected]
or call
970.871.9299
.
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Zero Waste Event Season Kicks Off
Volunteer to make community events waste-free
We've already had four Zero Waste events this season with many more to come! YVSC's Zero Hero volunteers are key to making more than 50 large community events waste-free, such as Free Summer Concerts and the Farmers' Market. Volunteers set up, staff and break down the Zero Waste stations, with each volunteer typically donating about three hours of time.
Even though you're working, volunteers still enjoy the events, socializing and other perks. Diverting items from the landfill requires a crew of as many as 20 people for some events.
Sign up through VolunteerSpot is easy!
Click here to view the many volunteer opportunities throughout the summer.
Even if you've volunteered for Zero Waste events in the past, we'd love for you to attend our upcoming volunteer training on June 9 from 12-1 p.m. at the YVSC office (141 9th Street). Come learn about why recycling is challenging in rural Northwest Colorado, what the difference is between industrial and residential composting, what is compostable, what is recyclable, why Zero Waste is good for the environment, and much more. Kids and adults welcome!
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Help Wanted: Water Monster Paid Position
Each summer, YVSC's Water Monsters (120-gallon water refill stations) are used at close to 20 sporting, cultural and community events. Last year, they prevented 14,400 single-use plastic bottles of water!
YVSC is seeking a part-time staff person to deliver and pick-up the Water Monsters for events. Shifts are 1-2 hours at a time. Must be available many weekends and have own pick-up truck for transport. Heavy lifting involved. For more information, contact Emilie Rogers at 970.871.9299 x103 or email [email protected].
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Recycling Guidelines Published in Spanish
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Volunteers Needed for Natural Weed Control
Monday, June 13
5:30 p.m.
Meet at Little Toots Park
With the help of volunteers, the City of Steamboat has agreed to reduce the use of chemical weed spraying on several City properties, including Spring Creek trail and The Sanctuary trail. Botanist Karen Vail will teach us how to identify and effectively eliminate specific weeds. Please come help make our environment a safer place for our pets, wildlife and humans. For more information, email [email protected] or call Peggy 970.879.9031 or Linda 970.879.8691.
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Upcoming Events
Thursday, June 9
12 - 1 p.m.
YVSC office
141 9th St.
Saturday, June 18
11 - 2 p.m.
10th St. between Oak and Lincoln
Tuesday, June 28
5 - 7 p.m.
Meet at Steamboat Springs High School parking lot
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Yampa Valley Sustainability Council |
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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