Stewards of the Land - The Durango Herald

Our ‘spiritual’ insect friend, the praying mantis

While walking around Hawkins Preserve in Cortez on a recent morning, I happened upon an insect that is letting itself be seen more this time of year. I managed to carefully scoop her (or him...

DATE: Sep 24, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Before you head out into the wild: Some tips for backpacking

Ah, the thrill of the wilderness! The mountain vistas! The serene lakes! The smell of the spruce trees! The aching back and feet! The soggy sleeping bag! Wait ... hang on ... these things do...

DATE: Aug 27, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Subaru Traveling Trainers to visit the Four Corners

San Juan Mountains Association and the San Juan National Forest are hosting the Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers on July 11-17, with their focus on the Ice Lakes Basin trail located ...

DATE: Jun 25, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Building community on the road to living with wildfire

In preparation for an upcoming Fire Adapted Communities Workshop, I was asked to prepare a short presentation on what drives me to do this job. The answer really gelled for me after attendin...

DATE: Apr 22, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Do not disturb wildlife during the cold winter months

What an amazing mid-winter thaw! All this warm weather makes it hard to remember the preceding cold and snowy months of January and December and even early February. The deep snow and bitter...

DATE: Feb 26, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Now’s a good time to know about – and watch out for– ice

As we have experienced in our area recently, ice is a reality in winter. Watching out for ice on the roads and sidewalks practically becomes second nature this time of year, not ...

DATE: Jan 29, 2016 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Life beneath the snow and ice

Winter in Southwest Colorado is finally here! In this weather, our local animals have many survival strategies – they may migrate, hibernate or adapt their lives to the new surroundings. ...

DATE: Dec 25, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Knowledge of trees helpful all year

It can be depressing to see fall leaves blow away into the dark days of winter. But conifer trees are always full of life. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, there is plenty to learn abo...

DATE: Nov 20, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Rural cemeteries: Forgotten history in lonesome places

The wind rustles the grasses and snow silently covers the graveyard tombstones. These monuments in stone are chroniclers of past lives; the witnesses for cherished souls now gone. Expression...

DATE: Nov 6, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

You should go check out wildflowers in the mountains

Stop complaining about the rain. Really, it’s not that bad. Did you forget about the drought we were in and the risk of catastrophic wildfires? I think you need to take a walk in the mountai...

DATE: Jul 24, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Spring rain means no fires? Think again

The recent spring rain may lull you into thinking there won’t be much of a fire season. And there may not be – this summer. But fast forward to next June and think about how much more fuel i...

DATE: Jun 26, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Get outside with San Juan Mountains Association

Everyone at San Juan Mountains Association loves our Southwest Colorado summers, just like you do! What a beautiful time of year to simply enjoy being outside, hike, camp, horseback ride, mo...

DATE: May 22, 2015 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land