Stewards of the Land - The Durango Herald

You have the power to help our public lands

Here in the San Juan Mountains, we have an amazing community of public lands supporters from all walks of life. It’s part of what makes our corner of the world unique. It’s not for everyone,...

DATE: Apr 11, 2025 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

The magic is always there

Winter seems to come and go in lower elevation communities like Durango and Cortez, but our snowpack (although low for the year) at Andrews Lake Winter Recreation Area keeps sparkling with l...

DATE: Mar 5, 2025 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Wildfire preparedness and mitigation succeeds through a collaborative approach

As we have all recently witnessed, it is never too soon to discuss wildfire preparedness and mitigation. Whether it is through one of the regional forest collaboratives, a home ignition zone...

DATE: Feb 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

A day in the life: Behind the scenes of a field trip adventure

Imagine stepping into a snow-covered forest, where every tree whispers stories of resilience, and the crunch of snowshoes underfoot is the only sound breaking the winter silence …and, oh yea...

DATE: Jan 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Change is constant

“The only constant in life is change.” This quote, attributed to Heraclitus, comes up frequently in conversations with San Juan Mountains Association’s staff members. As cliché as it is, it ...

DATE: Dec 13, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

San Juan Mountains Association's Annual FUNdraiser, Christmas Trees for Conservation

I got the first text from a friend to go skiing on Oct. 21 this year. Safe to say with this early cold snap, we’re all looking forward to the winter rituals after a hot summer. I’ll say, I’m...

DATE: Nov 8, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Protecting the heart of Colorado’s high-alpine wilderness

The Alpine Loop, a rugged byway winding through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, is renowned for its stunning vistas, rugged terrain, and remote beauty. But behind its breathtaking landscapes ...

DATE: Oct 11, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Securing San Juan stewards

With school back in action, and students returning to classrooms for the fall semester, SJMA will be joining right alongside them. Education staff look forward to teaching local students abo...

DATE: Sep 17, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Erosion: The Power of Water

Wherever you are from, I’m sure you’ve had out-of-towners ask you, “Is this weather normal?” Here in the San Juan Mountains, the answer is always yes. From a blizzard in July to 70 degrees i...

DATE: Aug 7, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Include contingencies in your recreation plans

Ahhh, summer in the San Juan Mountains. I’ve lived all over the country, and there really is no better place to be in the summer. San Juan Mountains Association’s Forest Ambassadors can atte...

DATE: Jul 10, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Stewardship is for all. A small gesture can go a long way.

Looking back, the last few weeks were a blur. I am not sure where the month of May went, but June was quick to take its place. Starting the season off strong, SJMA welcomed our seasonal stew...

DATE: Jun 9, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Day in the life of SJMA volunteer trail ambassador

A group of eight people walked up to us from the parking lot – kids and parents – with a small backpacks, wearing tennis shoes and holding a couple plastic water bottles. “Welcome to Ice Lak...

DATE: May 12, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land