For Carol Hess, it all started with fresh vegetables – carrots, kale and the sweetest of sugar snap peas. As she and her husband Jed Callen looked to move from rural New Hampshire to Summit County, Carol researched CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm-share programs and discovered High Country Conservation Center’s Summit CSA.
It wasn’t long before their interest in HC3 expanded. Jed and Carol are both quick to shout out HC3’s impact on the planet and the local community.
“The things that light me up most are the programs that make it more affordable to live here,” said Carol. “Being able to heat your house or turn on the lights is super important and HC3’s programs support that.”
She’s talking about programs like Energy Smart Colorado, which helps homeowners identify and fund energy savings opportunities (think insulation and weather stripping). Solarize Summit makes it easy to transition to rooftop solar and Water Smart helps residents get rid of thirsty grass in favor of low-water wildflowers and shrubs. Jed noted that these programs are great examples of intersecting the bigger picture of climate change with helping humans. It’s also a way to influence the hundreds of thousands of guests who make their way through Summit County each year.
“If we can help make this community a model of less water, less energy, and good education, we can teach visitors to take some lessons back home,” said Jed.
Both Jed and Carol walk the talk. In addition to reducing their energy use by becoming a one-car family, they decommissioned the energy-sucking snowmelt system at their home and switched from a thirsty lawn to low-water and native plants. It’s a model for their grandchildren growing up in the community and they’re not afraid to champion resource conservation to “everyone we know.”
“I believe in the collective power of people to do good,” said Carol.
“Trying to make a difference feels better,” added Jed. “And it’s healthier for you. Whether you’re making a big or small contribution, it’s better to be part of the solution than part of the problem.”
To learn how you can be part of the solution, visit HighCountryConservation.org and consider a donation today.