For Chad and Courtney Robinson, community and conservation have always gone hand in hand. After settling in Summit County nearly 30 years ago, they quickly fell in love with the mountain lifestyle and have been giving back to the place they call home ever since.
Chad, a financial advisor, and Courtney, a teacher at Frisco Elementary, are passionate about the outdoors. From Nordic skiing and mountain biking to backpacking and evening bike rides for ice cream with their daughter Elsie, they embrace every opportunity to be outside together. “We love anything we can do as a family that gets us outdoors,” said Chad. “Whether that’s skiing or just cruising around town.”
Their connection to High Country Conservation Center (HC3) started more than a decade ago when community garden plots were tucked behind HC3’s log cabin office next to Foote’s Rest Ice Cream Shop. Without a yard of their own, the garden gave Elsie a chance to grow food and learn about the circle of life (thanks to a neighborhood cat named Charlie and a few unlucky voles). Courtney also got to know HC3 through the environmental education programs brought to her students at Frisco Elementary.
Since then, their involvement has deepened. From attending fundraisers to composting and recycling at home, the Robinsons believe in supporting local organizations that strengthen the community. “We like backing good work done by folks we know and trust,” said Chad. “And HC3 is exactly that.”
They’re especially inspired by HC3’s practical, hands-on mission. “It’s about keeping our resources in play and living more lightly on the land,” Chad explained. “HC3 makes it easy to take part.”
Courtney agrees. “It’s not about dramatic lifestyle changes it’s about being a responsible neighbor and making small shifts that really add up.”
As they build a new home, the Robinsons plan to participate in another HC3program, this time by installing solar on their roof. Their goal is to lead by example ,not only for their neighbors, but for their daughter and the next generation.
“Trying to make a difference just feels better,” said Chad. “If HC3 weren’t doing this work, who would be?”
To support HC3 and help shape a more sustainable future for Summit County, make a gift today.