The Roaring Fork Valley is a special place. If you’ve visited the valley, you’ve seen that. If you live here, you know that, Home Sweet ROFO. Listed below are local land, river, trail, and outdoor education nonprofits. You can help. Get involved. Give back.
Land, River, Trail, and Outdoor Education Nonprofits
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a non-profit environmental science education center with four sites in the Roaring Fork Valley. ACES provides programs in environmental science and ecological literacy for everyone from school children, to leaders and decision makers, working to build a community of knowledgeable, motivated and capable environmental stewards.
Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council: The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council is an advisory board made up of volunteers whose mission is to advocate for and oversee a seamless high-quality Nordic skiing experience and trail platform connected to, and within, the community centers of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Aspen TREE: Aspen TREE’s Farm Park hosts a diversity of kids programming, ecological food production, and community activities for all to enjoy. We believe that positive action, fun, and solution- oriented / relevant education is the best way to get our kids and community outdoors and dedicated to make a difference.
Aspen Valley Land Trust: Clean air, healthy rivers and open spaces enrich our lives and are the economic engine that supports our local quality of life. The work of Aspen Valley Land Trust touches the lives of each of us, whether you drive by a historic working ranch, catch your breath at a scenic overlook or hike or bike the many miles of trails that pass by wildlife habitats, roaring rivers and high-mountain forests.
Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA): Since 1972 the Crystal River Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA) has been fighting for the water, land, air and rural and wilderness culture of the Crystal River Valley. The CVEPA has an impressive history of fighting to protect the incredible environment surrounding us, including stopping a downhill ski area above Marble, helping oversee the reclamation of a major coal mine, stopping a major dam that would have destroyed the upper Crystal Valley, and working to make sure the public has access to the national lands around the valley.
Forest Conservancy: Over 2.3 million acres of ultimate adventure and thrills await you on the White River National Forest. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of rushing water, wildflower meadows with breathtaking mountain vistas, or adrenaline-pumping climbing adventures, the White River National Forest offers one-of-a-kind exhilarating experiences with possibilities. Established in 2001, the Forest Conservancy is the non-profit partner with the community who enjoys the Forest.
Independence Pass Foundation: The mission of the Independence Pass Foundation (IPF) is to promote and protect the ecological, historical and aesthetic integrity of the Independence Pass corridor and to encourage enjoyment, safety and and appreciation of the Pass. Founded in 1989, the Independence Pass Foundation works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Department of Transportation, City of Aspen, Colorado Department of Corrections, Pitkin County, and others.
Mountain Rescue Aspen: Mountain Rescue Aspen is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to saving lives through backcountry resume and mountain safety education. Mountain Rescue Aspen works as volunteers for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s office; providing search and rescue services in Pitkin County and mutual aid for other counties throughout Colorado.
Mount Sopris Nordic Council: The Spring Gulch Trail System, created and sustained by the Mount Sopris Nordic Council, has 19 km of cross-country ski trails available for free to residents of and visitors to the Carbondale, Colorado community.
Red Hill Council: Red Hill Council is a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to plan, construct and manage trails that offer users a positive outdoor experience, balanced with protection of Red Hill through good stewardship, volunteerism and promotion of good user ethics.
Roaring Fork Audubon: The Roaring Fork Audubon’s mission is to promote the enjoyment, conservation and understanding of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, through birding, education, advocacy and fellowship.
Roaring Fork Conservancy: Since 1996, Roaring Fork Conservancy has inspired people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed. We bring people together to protect our rivers and work hard to keep water in local streams, monitor water quality, and preserve riparian habitat.
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers: RFOV promotes stewardship of our public lands by engaging the community in volunteer trail and restoration projects.
Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC): The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC), a non-profit organization established in 2013 has roots originating in the Aspen Riding Club of 1954. They are the voice of the equestrian community to protect and preserve our Western Heritage by “keeping horses on trails”, insuring parking for trucks and horse trailers and promoting safety education for all multi-use trailer partners. Wildlife habitat conservation sustains the lands we ride across. Their non-profit partners and governmental entities help complete the circle for sustainable recreation.
Thompson Divide Coalition: The mission of the Thompson Divide Coalition is to secure permanent protection from oil and gas development of Federal lands in the Thompson Divide Area including the Thompson Creek and Four Mile Creek watersheds, as well as portions of the Muddy Basin, Coal Basin, and the headwaters of East Divide Creek.
Wilderness Workshop: The Wilderness Workshop is the conservation watchdog of the White River National Forest and adjacent federal public lands. Our goal is to keep our beloved backcountry more or less “as is” and, where possible, to restore wildness to this nationally important landscape.
If your organization should be added to this list, email us at info@aspentrailfinder.com.
