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Soda Creek Elementary student Cheyenne Williams sorts through lunchroom food scraps during YVSC's annual Waste-Free Lunch Challenge.
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As I look out my window, I see the beginnings of spring in the many colors of green that are only here for the month of May--the budding of leaves, the new grass and the perennials coming through the soil as the snow melts. For me, spring brings a renewed sense of awe for the Yampa Valley's natural beauty and appreciation for all that these natural resources provide to our economy and our way of life. It also brings a renewed sense of purpose to our work at YVSC as a kind of thank you for all that the Yampa Valley gives us.
I hope you can take a moment this month to appreciate the beauty of spring and join YVSC in our work to preserve what we all love about the Yampa Valley.
Sarah B. Jones
Executive Director
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Celebrate the inaugural Colorado Public Lands Day
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photo credit: Diane Miller
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On May 20, Coloradans will come together for the first time ever as a state to celebrate and pay tribute to our public lands. Colorado's public lands are a defining part of our heritage, identity and unique way of life. Our public lands are also critical to Colorado's economy--outdoor recreation is a $34 billion industry alone, and public lands also support ranching, recreation and many other uses. This new state holiday is intended to encourage all Coloradans to get outside and enjoy our state's unparalleled public lands.
Join YVSC and other local groups on May 20 for a variety of activities celebrating local public lands including a hike, bike ride, clean up events, bird walk and a celebration and networking event at Mountain Tap Brewery. Mountain Tap has even brewed a special beer for the occasion. The new brew--called "Get Out!"--was created to celebrate our public lands and encourage people to get out and enjoy them.
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Residential Water Savings - May Talking Green
Tuesday, May 23
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Steamboat Springs Community Center
Join YVSC and partners for an educational evening about conserving water. Six agencies will staff informational tables both before and after a presentation by Kevin Reidy, State Water Conservation Technical Specialist. Reidy will discuss both the big picture of the water supply-demand gap in Colorado, as well as individual actions residents can take in their daily lives to conserve water.
Thanks to our May Talking Green Sponsors!
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Register for the Tour de Steamboat by June 1
Did you know you can ride your bike and support YVSC at the same time?
YVSC is one of the four beneficiary nonprofits for the Tour de Steamboat, and the Tour is YVSC's biggest--and only--fundraising event.
This non-competitive ride offers four distances for cyclists of all ages and abilities--26, 46, 66 and 116 miles. You don't want to miss this ride--gorgeous scenery, phenomenal aid stations and a fun post-ride barbecue at Little Toots Park with local micro-brews. Registration fees go up June 1, so don't wait! Plus, when you register by May 31, you'll be entered to win a 2-night Wyndham lodging certificate (good at Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Steamboat), 4 pool passes to Old Town Hot Springs and 10 Howler alpine slide rides.
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Take action to protect our environment
Last month, we began a dedicated Take Action section in the newsletter to fight climate change and protect our environment. Since November, YVSC has received many calls and emails from people, frustrated by what they see happening in Washington, D.C. and asking how they can take action. For May, we want to share information on changes at the EPA and an opportunity to provide comment.
On Friday, April 28,
the EPA removed most climate change information from its website, saying in a press release that language on the website is being updated to "reflect the approach of new leadership." In addition,
EPA Administrator Pruitt has issued an agency-wide memorandum, which directs EPA program offices to seek public input on repealing, replacing or modifying existing regulations and report findings to the Federal Regulatory Reform Task Force by May 15.
Comment period ends May 15, 2017. Make your voice heard!
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Volunteer opportunities: Take action in our local community
Sustainable Events Volunteer Training
Wednesday, June 14
5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
YVSC Office
Every summer, YVSC works to reduce the environmental footprint of large community events like the Free Concert series. If you are interested in volunteering as a Zero Hero this summer, please join us for YVSC's annual volunteer training. Even if you've volunteered in the past, the event setup and routine will be different this year, so you are encouraged to attend this short 45-minute training.
*If you are interested in volunteering, but can't make the training, please go ahead and sign up for volunteer shifts online.
ReTree Steamboat
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ReTree volunteers planted trees and installed Waterboxxes at Elkhead Reservoir last Sunday.
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This year, YVSC and our partner, Colorado State Forest Service, have identified four planting locations in Routt and Moffat Counties and are looking for volunteers to help us plant. Below i
s a list of planting dates. All volunteers receive a T-shirt and lunch on the day of the planting.
Workman Park
Sunday, June 11
9 a.m. - noon
603 Yampa St.
Stagecoach State Park - Tailwaters
Sunday, October 8
35599 CO Rd 14, Oak Creek, CO
Maker Faire
Saturday, May 20
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Steamboat Springs High School
The second annual Steamboat Springs Maker Faire highlights creativity and invention. YVSC needs volunteers to help kids make their own
automata out of recycled cardboard and yoga mats.
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Sponsor a YVSC program: A win-win for your business and the environment
YVSC is seeking sponsors for programs like ReTree, Sustainable Events, Talking Green, Energy and Green Building. We look to the local business community to partner with us to sustain the environment that keeps our community and our local economy strong.
As a sponsor, we'll help you connect with locals and/or visitors AND accomplish your business objectives. Sponsorship levels range from $250 - $5,000.
The deadline for ReTree sponsorship is May 19 and Sustainable Events is June 1. Sponsor a YVSC program today!
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2017 Cen$ible Energy rebates close June 1
The last day to submit requests for the 2017 cycle of Cen$ible Energy rebates is Thursday, June 1. Rebates are available for free residential energy audits, four types of Energy Star appliances, up to 10 LED bulbs, programmable thermostats or post-audit air sealing.
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Shop on Amazon, help YVSC create a more sustainable community
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Calling all electric vehicle owners and potential buyers
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New Chevy Bolt, with a 238-mile charged range, is scheduled for the local EV Ride-n-Drive June 17.
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EV Ride-n-Drive
Saturday, June 17
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10th and Lincoln
YVSC will host an electric vehicle educational booth during the annual Mustang Rally. Owners of electric vehicles of all types are encouraged to join, especially owners of electric ATVs or motorcycles.
If you are in the market for a new car, this is a great opportunity to see firsthand what's out there and learn more about the huge discounts available through June 30 through a current group buy in western Colorado.
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