High Country Conservation Center

Water at Risk Series: Breckenridge Film Festival
2020-01-01 00:00 (America/Denver)
Join High Country Conservation Center as we open the “Water at Risk” series at the Breckenridge Film Festival. This series showcases two short films on what happens to the water ecosystem and the communities when they are threaten.

Learn about the challenges we face in our own community and what you can do to protect our water resources.

THE FILMS
The Wild
How do you save what you love
Synopsis: Fresh into addiction recovery, an urgent threat emerges to spur filmmaker, Mark Titus back to the Alaskan wilderness – where the people of Bristol Bay and the world’s largest wild salmon runs face devastation if a massive copper mine is constructed.
Ashes to Ashes
Synopsis: A small community in Northeast Alabama. A mayor whose town sits on the river’s banks. A businessman in the Mobile Bay. All of these communities are impacted by coal ash. This film tells the grim story of coal ash in Alabama.

Free Energy Workshop for Owners of Commercial Buildings
2020-01-01 00:00
Learn how energy improvements can benefit your commercial building and the environment!

Join us on Wednesday, October 16, at the Summit County Community and Senior Center in the Hoosier Room from 12 pm to 1:30 pm for a free luncheon and workshop on energy efficiency and renewable energy for commercial buildings.

Owners and operators will learn about the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing tool that allows commercial building owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency, water conservation, and clean energy improvements to their existing or newly constructed properties. C-PACE makes projects cost-effective and encourages property owners to invest in newer, greener technologies.

RSVP by Monday, October 14 by emailing Jess: jess@highcountryconservation.org

Summit County Waste Audit
2020-01-01 00:00
Volunteer with HC3 as we conduct a waste audit at the Summit County Landfill. You will be helping sort through waste streams from all over the county so we can determine how to develop our recycling programs to increase diversion for the decades to come.

This is all part of the goal to divert 40% of our waste from the landfill by 2035.

The Colorado River in a Changing Climate: Past, Present, and Future
2020-01-01 00:00
How will climate change impact water availability in Colorado? HC3 and the Summit Climate Action Collaborative host Brad Udall, CSU Senior Water and Climate Research Scientist, to give a talk on climate change and water, Wednesday September 18 from 6 – 7:30 at the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge.

Since 2000, the Colorado River has been in an extended drought. On average, annual flows are down over 16%. This is true even with years like the just-passed winter of 2018-2019. Since the start of the drought, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lakes Mead and Powell, have lost over 40% of their water storage. Only a year ago, the summer of 2018 was the warmest and driest in the gage record of the basin going all the way back to 1895. Scientists have tied the decline in flows to higher temperatures from our rapidly changing climate. What is the future of this river upon which near all Coloradans depend in some way?

We will be drawing for two FREE tickets for the BreckFilm Fest’s “Water at Risk” Series premiering on Friday, Sept. 20 which will feature two films, ASHES TO ASHES and this year’s winner of best documentary film, THE WILD. https://www.facebook.com/events/1367655253389582/

Food and drinks provided; cash bar will be open. We hope you will join us!

About the speaker:
Brad Udall serves as senior water and climate research scientist at the Colorado Water Institute. He has extensive experience in water and climate policy issues, most recently as the director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment and the Western Water Assessment at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on water management and climate change which have been published by the federal government and major journals.

HC3 Community Celebration
2020-01-01 00:00
Join HC3 for a Community Celebration at the CSA Farm!

Tour the CSA Farm, learn about the exciting programs HC3 is doing, and enjoy appetizers and complimentary wine and HighSide beer while you mingle with HC3 staff and board members and other community members.

We look forward to seeing you!
Please RSVP to help us plan.

Summit Climate Ambassadors Meeting
2020-01-01 00:00
Do you want to be active in the climate action efforts in our Summit County community?
Be a Summit Climate Ambassador!

HC3 invites you to the first meeting of the Summit Climate Ambassadors, on Wednesday, July 31. This group will meet bimonthly to get updates on implementation of the Climate Action Plan and brainstorm ideas for community outreach. We’ll also ask Ambassadors to help share climate action information with friends and neighbors.

Silverthorne - Solarize Info Session
2020-01-01 00:00
Get your Solarize Summit questions answered!

The Solarize team will be at Angry James Brewing in Silverthorne on June 20th from 5:30-7 PM to answer your Solarize Summit questions. Come find out all the benefits of this program and why now is time to go solar!

For more information, check out our solarize website and sign up for a free site assessment at no obligation.

Town of Dillon and Frisco sessions available.

Solarize Summit – Info Sessions Copy
2020-01-01 00:00
NEXT SESSION:
Breckenridge community – get your Solarize Summit questions answered!
Breckenridge Town Council recently approved $1,500 rebates per residential system for the first 25 systems installed.

The Solarize team will be at the Multi-Purpose Room, Breckenridge Recreation Center anytime during 5:30-7 PM to learn more about the benefits of the program and how you can sign up for a free site assessment at no obligation.

Don’t wait! Learn how you can take advantage of these exclusive program offers to go solar and start saving.
COMING UP:
Dillon | Dillon Farmers Market
June 11, July 26, & August 16
9am – 2 pm

Frisco and Silverthorne sessions TBA!

Dillon - Solarize info Sessions
2020-01-01 00:00
Get your Solarize Summit questions answered!

The Solarize team will be at the Dillon Farmers Market July 26 and August 16 from 9 AM – 2 PM to answer your Solarize Summit questions. Come find out all the benefits of this program and why now is time to go solar!

Did you hear the good news? The program has surpassed its 150 kW (25 households) sign up goal! Which means that everyone who signs a contract under this program until August 31 will receive $500 from the installer Active Energies Solar. Don’t wait. Join your neighbors and save!

For more information, check out our solarize website and sign up for a FREE solar site assessment at no obligation.

Silverthorne - Solarize Info Session Copy
2020-01-01 00:00
Get your Solarize Summit questions answered!

The Solarize team will be at Angry James Brewing in Silverthorne on June 20th from 5:30-7 PM to answer your Solarize Summit questions. Come find out all the benefits of this program and why now is time to go solar!

For more information, check out our solarize website and sign up for a free site assessment at no obligation.

Town of Dillon sessions available and Frisco sessions TBA.

Home Energy Audit - Informational Workshop
2020-01-01 00:00
Join HC3 and the Summit Combined Housing Authority for a FREE informational session on the benefits of a Home Energy Audit. Learn about the energy audit process and the high impact improvements to your home to increase comfort, efficiency, & save you money. Find out about the many rebate & incentive programs.

Play a part in something BIG: caring for our planet by reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

Open to all in the community especially those in affordable housing. Attendees will receive a FREE LED Lighting Kit to start saving right away!

Space is limited. Please RSVP to cody@highcountryconservation.org

Sponsored by Summit Combined Housing Authority and presented by High Country Conservation Center.

Frisco – Solarize Info Sessions
2020-01-01 00:00
Get your Solarize Summit questions answered!

The Solarize team will be at HighSide Brewing in Frisco on June 19th from 5:30-7 PM to answer your Solarize Summit questions. Come find out all the benefits of this program and why now is time to go solar!

For more information, check out our solarize website and sign up for a free site assessment at no obligation.

Now IS the time. Learn how you can take advantage of these exclusive program offers to go solar and start saving.

More info sessions available in Dillon and Silverthorne.

Leslie's Garden: New Gardener Orientation & Planting
2020-01-01 00:00
If you are a plot holder or someone interested in signing up for a plot at Leslie’s Garden, then please join us on Saturday, June 1 from 10 am – 12 pm for an orientation and planting session at Leslie’s Community Garden in Dillon.

We will have a meet and greet from 10 am – 10:30 am followed by the orientation from 10:30 am – 11 am. After that, there will be a planting session for those who are interested and some time to mingle from 11 am – 12 pm.

We hope to see you there!

Garden Workshop: Plant Your Garden With HC3
2020-01-01 00:00
This is your chance to spend time in the garden with some HC3 gardeners! All plot holders from the Breckenridge Community Garden are encouraged to bring your seeds and plant your garden this evening. There will be on site education and support from Kyla Laplante and Camille Shoemaker, the farmers for Summit County’s CSA. Gardeners who don’t have a plot at the Breckenridge Garden are welcome to come and learn, but won’t be able to plant a plot. Have your seeds in hand for this outside event.

Solarize Summit Kick-Off
2020-01-01 00:00
This summer, HC3 and the Climate Action Collaborative are launching Solarize Summit, a campaign to spread solar energy across the community. At the May 30 kick-off event, come learn about solar energy and special deals available in Summit County this summer only. The more people that sign up, the greater the discounts will be – so tell all your neighbors to come. Let’s work together as a community to Solarize Summit!

More information and no-obligation signup is available on our Solarize Summit page.

Garden Workshop: Plot Planning, Season Extenders, and Pest Management
2020-01-01 00:00
Are you ready to start planting your vegetable garden? Let’s take it to the next level! Join HC3 gardener Kyla Laplante in this free workshop to help you hone your gardening skills. The focus will be on garden plot planning, extending the garden season and pest management. Kyla is the farmer for Summit County’s wildly popular Community Supported Agriculture program.

Garden Workshop: Intro to High Altitude Gardening
2020-01-01 00:00
Want to get a jump start on the gardening season? Join us as HC3 gardener Susie Nothnagel instructs you on the basics of high altitude vegetable gardening. This free workshop is geared towards new gardeners who want to learn the foundation of what grows well in our climate and how to get started.

Applications are now open for community gardens. LEARN MORE.

Party for the Planet Earth Day Event
2020-01-01 00:00
Join HC3 at HighSide Brewery on Earth Day – Monday, April 22 at 5PM to party for the planet! We’ll be on-site to share brews and conversations about community climate goals, new recycling efforts and more.

HighSide, located at 720 Main St. in Frisco, Colo., will offer a free drink that evening to anyone who makes a $10 donation to HC3. Expect giveaways, stickers and like-minded neighbors who care about stopping climate change.

Drive Electric Earth Day
2020-01-01 00:00
On April 24, head to the south parking lot at CMC’s Breckenridge campus to check out some of the electric vehicles that cruise around Summit County’s roads (including a Proterra bus) and chat with the locals that drive them!

Learn what it’s like to drive an EV in the winter, get more info about models available in Colorado, and bust some common EV myths.

Drivers of all electric and hybrid vehicles, click here to bring your car to the event.

This event is hosted jointly by HC3, the Town of Breckenridge, and the Headwaters Group of the Sierra Club.

Garden Workshop: Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants
2020-01-01 00:00
Join Leslie’s Garden for a presentation on edible and medicinal plants in the wild. This event is for everyone, whether you are a novice herbivore or a seasoned herbologist, all are welcome. The event will run for one hour, we hope to see you there!

Fix a Leak Week
2020-01-01 00:00
Did you know that the average household leak wastes 10,000 gallons of water each year? That’s enough water for 1.5 years of daily showers. Spring is a great time to look for leaks. Try these 3 easy DIY tips:

Identify toilet leaks: Placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.) Watch the video.
Look for continuous leaks: If you’re not running water in the house and your meter is moving, you have a continuous leak. Learn how to read your water meter.
SPEAK UP! In the workplace: Leaks don’t just happen at home. If you see a faucet dripping, a toilet running or broken sprinkler heads, report it to the maintenance staff.

Or, sign up for a free water checkup. HC3 can help you chase down indoor leaks and install water-saving equipment. Be sure to check out Summit County’s Blue River Watershed Water Efficiency Plan for more information on community-wide water conservation efforts.

Garden Workshop: Plant Propagation
2020-01-01 00:00
Join Leslie’s Garden for a presentation on plant propagation. This event is for everyone, whether you are a novice gardener or a seasoned veteran, all are welcome. The event will run for one hour, we hope to see you there!

Applications are now open for community gardens. LEARN MORE.

Elks Club Breakfast Benefiting Leslie's Garden
2020-01-01 00:00
The Elks will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast fundraiser benefiting Leslie’s Community Garden on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Elks Lodge in Silverthorne. The breakfast fare goes beyond the standard pancakes and eggs.

Silent auction proceeds and proceeds from the event will help offset costs of purchasing and installing a community information board in the garden.

Leslie's Learning
2020-01-01 00:00
Join Leslie’s Garden for a presentation on early plant starts from seeds and soil augmentation. This event is for everyone, whether you are a novice gardener or a seasoned veteran, all are welcome. The event will run for one hour, we hope to see you there!

Earth's Challenges This Century
2020-01-01 00:00
What will Earth’s greatest challenges be this century? On Wednesday, January 30 at 6:30 PM, join HC3 for a discussion moderated by local resident Don Sather. Four panelists will discuss complex issues such as climate change, population, consumption, pandemic, famine, automation, and disaster.

This event takes place at the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge located at 621 Recreation Way, Frisco. The snack bar will be open.

Temporary Recycling For Political Yard Signs
2020-01-01 00:00
The High Country Conservation Center is partnering with the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco for a temporary yard sign recycling program. Dates vary and are limited. Some candidates collect their signs for reused – please check with your local candidate and/or campaign committee before recycling. Corrugated plastic political signs, along with the metal stakes (which should be separated from the signs), will be accepted for recycling at the following locations:

Frisco/Copper Visitor Information Center (300 Main Street in Frisco): Drop off signs any day Tuesday, Nov. 6 through Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 9am to 5pm.
Breckenridge Town Hall (150 Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge, leave in the Sustainability Office, lower level): Drop off signs weekdays only from Tuesday, Nov. 6 through Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 9am to 5pm.

Please do not leave signs outside, as they will blow away and become trash. Also, take note: yard signs are not accepted at the Summit County recycling centers or in curbside recycling.

Imagine a Day Without Water
2020-01-01 00:00
Imagine a day with no water in Lake Dillon, with stream flows too low to support wildlife. Water is not only essential to life, it’s an integral piece of our mountain lifestyle – from the places we play to the beer we drink. To raise awareness of this precious resource, water providers across Summit County will offer facility tours on and around October 10. Learn about where your water comes from and how water providers bring this precious resource from the stream to your home.

Copper Mountain Metropolitan District: call 970-968-2390 to set up a tour

Town of Dillon: call 970-262-3426 to set up a tour

Town of Breckenridge: call 970-547-3110 to set up a tour

Town of Frisco: Offering tours of the water plant in 3 one hour time blocks with a max of 25 people per block. The time blocks will be as follows: 10AM to 11AM, 1PM to 2PM and 3PM to 4PM. Please call Teresa @ 970-668-0836 to RSVP with your pick of time slot.

Imagine a Day Without Water: Join the national movement and share why you love water using #ValueWater.

Climate Action Collaborative Open House
2020-01-01 00:00
Please join HC3 and its community partners for a Climate Action Open House! We’ll kick off the evening with a brief presentation about the process we went through to develop a Climate Action Plan for our community. Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to visit stations to learn about different aspects of the plan and to provide their feedback.

Light refreshments will be provided, and the bar will be open.

DIY Home Energy Efficiency Workshop
2020-01-01 00:00
Join HC3’s energy experts for a free workshop on fast, easy & affordable home energy efficiency projects. Light refreshments will be served and all attendees will receive a free home energy efficiency kit.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2020-01-01 00:00
Continental Divide Land Trust and HC3 have partnered once again to bring you the 7th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. This festival portrays individuals and communities across the globe solving climate change issues revolving around water conservation, energy, food systems, biodiversity, resource management, and the protection and restoration of wild lands and wild waters. You’ll explore the world improving movements with leading environmental activists and professionals, filmmakers and celebrities, celebrating the natural and human world in all its diversity.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the closing event of Ullr Festival and provides inspiration for the whole family. Beer, wine, soda, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Epic prizes are given away at intermission.

Tickets available for $25 at Riverwalk Center event doors on event day, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019.

For questions, please send us an email, call HC3 at 970-668-5703, or visit our Resource Page. Check out the trailer below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu0ll_kkQ1s?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
