A few days after local waterways hit peak flow for the year, the Vail Town Council heard town staff’s plans to reduce water usage by more than a third this summer as drought conditions are expected to reach record levels due to historically low snowpack in the region.

Vail’s senior landscape architect, Greg Barrie, said the town’s goal is not only to comply with recent restrictions from the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District — which recently implemented a two-day-per-week schedule for outdoor watering, rather than the three-day schedule used in years past — but to also provide “some level of public amenity” when it comes to things like turf grass on athletic fields, Barrie said.

“We do have a busy summer season, so we’ll take that into account,” Barrie said.

Additional restrictions are likely if flows in Gore Creek and the Eagle River continue to decline, Barrie said. After reaching a false summit in March, flows in Gore Creek and the Eagle River peaked over the weekend, about three weeks ahead of what would be considered normal.

The Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is expected to give an update on flows at its regular meeting next week, scheduled for May 28 in the district’s main office in Vail at 12 p.m.

Barrie said the town of Vail’s proposed measures will affect nearly every aspect of Vail’s outdoor landscape operations, including parks, athletic fields, flower displays, fountains and municipal vehicle washing.

Under the recommendations, the town would eliminate irrigation in many nonessential turf areas and sharply reduce watering in neighborhood parks, potentially leading to temporary closures if grass goes dormant. Officials noted that bluegrass turf can survive drought conditions by turning brown and entering dormancy, but once dormant, the grass cannot tolerate foot traffic without sustaining damage.

Several of Vail’s water features could also go dry this summer as the town considers shutting off four of its six fountains entirely, while limiting operation of the Children’s Fountain in Vail Village and the Sunbird Park splash pad in Lionshead to weekends only.

Barrie said the town of Vail has spent decades preparing for drought conditions through irrigation upgrades and landscaping changes.

“This isn’t our first drought scenario,” Barrie said. “We’ve been dealing with these for the last 25-30 years and have really become much more resilient in town in how we manage these drought scenarios.”

Over the past 25 years, the town has replaced approximately 1.4 acres of bluegrass turf with native grasses, shrubs and perennial plantings, reducing water use in those areas by as much as 60%.

The Town Council expressed support for closing turf areas of certain pocket parks like Bighorn and Ellefson in exchange for keeping turf fields open at Donovan and Ford Park.

“The Vail Recreation District is still looking to maintain the ball fields,” Barrie said. “There are important summer events for us, like lacrosse, where we don’t want to just simple shut those fields down. So it’s managing water in a way where we can keep some grass at that location, to give the community some turf areas.”

Vail Recreation District Director Mike Ortiz said the Ford Park fields have only been watered once so far this year and are in great shape as of right now.

The town’s extensive collection of annual flowers are likely to be displayed only in Lionshead this year, said Flower Crew Supervisor Hannah Sorensen.

“The hanging baskets could potentially live on two days a week in Lionshead, because the lining is protected,” Sorensen said. “The village ones won’t, so we’re not even going to try that.”

Sorensen said those Vail Village hanging baskets will likely be filled with “artificial greenery.”

Sorensen said its doubtful that the town will plant annuals in the West Vail, Simba Run, Evergreen roundabouts, as well.

“We’re going to be nimble, we don’t know what to expect,” said Town Manager Russ Forrest. “We might very well get into a place where we have zero irrigation, and we’ll have to live with that.”

Everyone can feel alone at times, and that includes the world’s most elite athletes.

Olympic glory filled the lobby of The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon Tuesday as hometown heroes Mikaela Shiffrin and Liz Lemley as well as Paralympian Meg Gustafson and Paralympic Guide Spenser Gustafson answered questions and shared their feelings on mental health, resilience and community support in the “Local Legends: Edge of Resilience” event, held in partnership with SpeakUp ReachOut, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Healthspan.

Shiffrin, of Edwards, won a gold medal in slalom at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February before finishing the ski season with a record-setting sixth World Cup crystal globe. Lemley, a mogul skier from Vail, also won big in the Olympics this year by bringing home a gold medal and bronze medal. Gustafson achieved a top-five giant slalom finish with the support of her brother.

To start things off, the winningest Alpine skier of all time spoke to the inspiration she draws from her colleagues, who are defined by so much more than their Olympic accomplishments. “You have so many athletes, including myself, talking about what gives you something outside of just competition,” Shiffrin said. “And that, for me, felt like a really cool shift. And it just makes me really excited to see what the next 10, 15, 20 years of sport have to bring … that’s really inspiring to me.”

In addressing the mental hurdles of being an Olympian — the constant pressure, the nonstop media attention and the ever-present risk of injury — Lemley talked about leaning on those around her in her most vulnerable moments. “I think it’s totally important just to have conversations in general. It doesn’t have to be with a therapist or a sports psych,” she said.

And when those people aren’t around, Lemley harnesses the power of music to regulate her nerves. “If I couldn’t think of any positive thoughts, (I would) sing a song,” she said. During the event, Lemley also brandished an Olympic ring tattoo she recently got to commemorate her experience.

For Gustafson, the Paralympian sought counsel from the sibling by her side. “He was my therapist for me while I was at the games,” she said. “That’s what brothers are for.”

Shiffrin closed with reminding the room that everyone can feel alone at times. “The enemy isn’t nerves or pressure or fear, the enemy is feeling isolated,” she said. “And in order to not feel isolated, you just look around at the people who are with you and share what you’re experiencing together.”

U.S. Forest Service officials are calling on those who are planning to mountain bike or drive motorized vehicles in national forests this summer to avoid muddy roads.

In most areas of the White River National Forest, the season for driving motorized vehicles and mountain bikes kicks off May 21, according to a news release. Some Forest Service roads opened early this year due to dry conditions, but others may not open until June because of snow at higher elevations.

“Conditions vary, and not every road opening for the summer season on May 21 will be dry or passable, especially given the high number of trees that blew down over the winter and the recent moisture,” said Sam Massman, the national forest’s recreation program manager, in a statement. 

Off-road and off-trail travel is prohibited for all motorized and mechanized vehicles on the White River National Forest, according to the news release. It is the responsibility of visitors to know when and where they are allowed to drive or ride their vehicle.

In national forests, E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and may only be ridden on roads and trails that are designated open to motorized vehicles, according to the news release. Bikes that are not e-bikes can be ridden on trails and roads where mechanized use is permitted.

“We’re asking visitors to please be patient while we work on clearing the downed trees and to avoid using muddy roads and trails until they have time to dry out and harden to minimize damage,” Massman said.
For maps of where mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are allowed, visit FS.USDA.gov/r02/whiteriver.

As camping season kicks off, U.S. Forest Service officials are warning that some campgrounds may not have water in their wells or be low on water as Colorado faces widespread drought conditions.

White River National Forest Recreation Program Manager Paula Peterson said that anyone who is planning to camp this summer is being encouraged to conserve water after the state experienced a historically low snowpack.

“The wells that serve our campgrounds may be starting with less water due to the light snowpack, so we’re asking all campers to conserve water,” Peterson said. “This includes filling up any holding tanks in RVs at home rather than at the campground so that our water supplies last the whole season.”

The Lowry and Prospector campgrounds as well as the Windy Point Group Site at the Dillon Reservoir currently do not have water because the well that serves them is dry this spring, the release states. So, campers should bring their own water.

All visitors should also check the White River National Forest website before leaving for any updates related to drought conditions, such as fire restrictions, which can be found at FS.USDA.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

Visitors are asked to abide by fire restrictions. In areas where fires are allowed, visitors should be careful with fire and ensure that their campfire is cold to the touch before leaving camp, according to the news release. Fires should never be left unattended.

MIAMI — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles as the Trump administration escalated pressure on the island’s socialist government.

The indictment accuses Castro of ordering the shootdown of two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro, who turns 95 next month, was Cuba’s defense minister at the time. The charges, which were secretly filed by a grand jury in April, included murder and destruction of an airplane. Five Cuban military pilots were also charged.

“For nearly 30 years, the families of four murdered Americans have waited for justice,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in Miami at a ceremony coinciding with Cuban independence day to honor those killed. “They were unarmed civilians and were flying humanitarian missions for the rescue and protection of people fleeing oppression across the Florida straits.”

Asked to what lengths American authorities would go to bring Castro to face charges in the U.S., Blanche said: “There was a warrant issued for his arrest. So we expect that he will show up here, by his own will or by another way.”

Asked what will happen next for Cuba, President Donald Trump said, “We’re going to see.” He added that the U.S. is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to a “failing nation.”

The charges pose a real threat, observers said, following the capture by U.S. forces in January of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to face drug charges in New York.

“He’s going to have to keep his head pretty low from now on,” said Peter Kornbluh, a specialist on the U.S.-Cuba relationship at the National Security Archive at George Washington University.

Cuban president condemns indictment

While it remains unclear whether Castro will ever step foot in a U.S. courtroom, the murder and conspiracy charges carry the potential for life in prison or the death penalty upon conviction.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the indictment as a political stunt that sought only to “justify the folly of a military aggression against Cuba.” In a message on social media, he accused the U.S. of lying and manipulating events surrounding the shootdown, including ignoring repeated warnings by Cuban officials at the time that they would defend against “dangerous violations” of their airspace “by notorious terrorists.”

Among those attending Wednesday’s ceremony in downtown Miami was Marlene Alejandre-Triana, whose father, Armando Alejandre Jr, was killed while she was away for her first year of college.

Over the years, she spoke to multiple federal investigators about charging Castro, referring to him as “one of the main architects of the crime.” But none until now had the courage to seek justice for her family and the other victims.

“It has been long overdue,” she said standing before a giant photo of her father.

Trump has threatened military action for months

Trump has been threatening military action in Cuba ever since U.S. forces captured Maduro, the Cuban government’s longtime patron. After ousting the Venezuelan leader, the White House ordered a blockade that choked off fuel shipments to Cuba, leading to severe blackouts, food shortages and an economic collapse across the island.

Since Maduro’s capture, Trump has ratcheted up talk of regime change in Cuba after pledging earlier this year to conduct a “friendly takeover” of the country if its leadership did not open its economy to American investment and kick out U.S. adversaries.

Trump’s first administration indicted Maduro on drug-trafficking charges and used that to justify removing him from power and whisking him to New York to face trial.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday urged the Cuban people to demand a free-market economy with new leadership that he said will chart a new course in relations with the U.S.

“In the U.S., we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people,” Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, said in a Spanish-language video message. “Currently, the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control your country.”

Raúl Castro believed to wield power behind the scenes

Castro took over as president from his ailing older brother Fidel Castro in 2006 before handing power to a trusted loyalist, Díaz-Canel, in 2018.

While he retired in 2021 as head of the Cuban Communist Party, he is widely believed to wield power behind the scenes, underscored by the prominence of his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who previously met secretly with Rubio.

Last week, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana for meetings with Cuban officials, including Castro’s grandson. Two other senior State Department officials met with the grandson in April.

The investigation into Castro stretches back to the 1990s

In 1995, planes flown by members of Brothers to the Rescue buzzed over Havana dropping leaflets urging Cubans to rise up against the Castro government.

After Cuban protests, the Federal Aviation Administration also opened an investigation and met with the group’s leaders to urge them to ground the flights, according to declassified government records obtained by the National Security Archive.

But those calls went unheeded and on Feb. 24, 1996, missiles fired by Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets downed two unarmed civilian Cessna planes a short distance north of Havana just beyond Cuba’s airspace. All four men aboard were killed. A third plane, carrying the group’s leader, narrowly escaped.

Raúl Castro faced earlier indictment

Guy Lewis, who was a federal prosecutor in Miami in the 1990s, first uncovered evidence linking senior Cuban military officials to cocaine trafficking by Colombia’s Medellin cartel. Following the shootdown, the investigation expanded, and prosecutors pursued charges against Raúl Castro for leading a vast racketeering conspiracy by Cuba’s armed forces.

In the end, only the head of the Cuban air force and two of the MiG pilots involved in the downing of the planes were indicted but have never been apprehended.

A fourth individual was convicted of leading a Miami-based spy ring called Operation Scorpion that collected intelligence about the flights. He was later swapped for a U.S. intelligence asset imprisoned in Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s outreach to Cuba.

The shootdown led the U.S. to harden its position against Cuba, even though the Cold War had ended and the Castros’ support for revolution across Latin America was a fading memory.

But Castro himself was spared as the Clinton administration raised concerns about such a high-profile indictment.

The Eagle River Jamboree has officially announced the full lineup for its inaugural festival taking place Aug. 8–9 at the Eagle County Fairgrounds in Eagle. The two-day music and outdoor experience will bring nationally touring artists, regional favorites, camping, outdoor recreation, local vendors, family activities, and late-night experiences to the banks of the Eagle River.

The 2026 lineup features Ripe, Robert Randolph, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, The Band of Heathens, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Pickin’ On The Dead, DJ Williams Band, The Runaway Grooms, Dragondeer and more. Saturday’s headliner, Ripe, returns to Eagle after bringing their high-energy funk set to the Eagle Block Party in 2022.

The festival is produced by the Colorado Music Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to building and supporting a thriving music community in Colorado by providing performance opportunities and increasing access to music education for Colorado artists and youth.

Proceeds from the festival pour directly back into Colorado communities through initiatives like the Play It Forward Instrument Drive and Education Program, where Colorado Music Foundation provides free instruments and lessons to aspiring musicians and disadvantaged populations.

“We wanted to create a legacy musical event for down valley while remaining authentic to the community and our mountain culture,” said Zach Gilliam, festival director of the Eagle River Jamboree. “This festival is about bringing people together through music, outdoor adventure and shared experiences while also supporting the mission of the Colorado Music Foundation.” 

In addition to the music, the Eagle River Jamboree encourages attendees to explore the surrounding Eagle and Gypsum communities, including hiking, fishing, rafting, mountain biking, off-roading, camping, local breweries, restaurants and the natural beauty of Colorado’s High Country.

Two-day general admission passes start at $140, with VIP packages also available. Organizers encourage early purchase as capacity will be limited for the first year of the event. Visit eagleriverjamboree.com for tickets and more information.

The weather may have been a bit wintery lately, but Beaver Creek is getting ready to welcome everyone back after the ski season for its summer kickoff event. Blues, Brews & BBQ started in 2003 and since then it’s grown in size and scope and now encompasses three days, with 10 bands, 20 craft brews, over a dozen Beaver Creek restaurants, two guest pit masters and one celebrity chef.

There will be so much great blues music to listen to, tasty beers to try, barbecue to taste and chef competitions to watch. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself at Beaver Creek all three days. Use this as your guide to one of the Beav’s signature events.

Music schedule

Listen to award-winning blues artists, as this event not only celebrates the start of barbecue season, but also lets music lovers hear some great artists live and in person for free at Beaver Creek.

Friday

• Larry McCray: 4:30-6 p.m.
• George Porter, Jr. of The Meters: 6:30-8 p.m.

Saturday

• Kara Grainger: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Buffalo Nichols: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
• Jontavious Willis: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
• Tommy Castro & The Painkillers: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Sunday

• Kent Burnside: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Ghalia Volt: 1-2 p.m.
• Kevin Burt & The Big Medicine: 2:30-4 p.m.
• Tab Benoit: 4:30-6 p.m.

BBQ competitions

In addition to the vendor booths throughout the village offering up mouthwatering barbecue, there will be some demonstrations and competitions happening between the musical acts.

Friday

• BBQ Demo Party: 6 p.m. – Matt Good of the Charter at Beaver Creek, George Pincay at Golden Eagle Inn and celebrity chef Brother Luck  

Saturday

• International Backyard Barbecue: 1:30 p.m. – Jan “Jasko” Markot of Hooked
• Battle of the Brothers – Wings: 3 p.m. – Matt Good of the Charter and George Pincay of Golden Eagle Inn
• Thai Chicken Curry: 5 p.m. – Pit master Mike Star of Blazing Star BBQ and pit master Todd Michael Johns of Plowboys BBQ

Sunday

• Embers of Honor: A Tribute to Fallen Veterans: 12:30 p.m.- Matt Good of the Charter, George Pincay of Golden Eagle Inn and Jose Rodriguez of Beaver Creek Chophouse
• Pork Neck & Smoked Bacon: 2 p.m. Jan “Jasko” Markot of Hooked
• Short Ribs – Anthony Beltracchi of Fireside Grill at The Osprey

Breweries serving suds

You can turn Blues, Brews & BBQ into a mini beer tasting event with the new 12 for $12 Beer Tasting Punch Card. Test drive a few brews before you choose your favorite flavor.

• Outer Range Brewing Company – Frisco
• 4 Noses Brewing – Denver and Broomfield
• Vail Brewing Company – EagleVail
• Westbound & Down – Denver, Basalt, Idaho Springs, Lafayette
• Wibby Brewing – Longmont
• Wild Cider – Firestone

Minturn Whisky Company is also part of the offerings this year and wine and other cocktails will be available. Keep in mind that the brews part of the event is cashless, but you can use a debit or credit card to purchase punch cards and the tasting card.

• $45 for five beers or cocktails
• $10 single beer/cocktail ticket
• $45 for 5 beers or cocktails
• Punch Cards and single tickets are good for 16-oz beer, 12-ounce Minturn Whisky cocktail or 9-ounce wine
• $12 for 12 one-ounce tastings

Most of the event will be hosted on the Beaver Creek Plaza level (where the ice rink is in the winter) with the chef competitions and demonstrations being held on the mezzanine above the fountain, just up the stairs from the Beaver Creek Plaza. The Kids Zone will be along the Slopeside Lawn. Parking is available for free at the Elk and Bear lots and shuttle buses will be running throughout the event. Bring the kids to enjoy the bouncy house, activities and games at the Kids Zone, but no pets are allowed at Blues, Brews & BBQ. The event is free and food and drinks are available for purchase. Want to make a weekend out of it? Have a staycation up in Beaver Creek where some lodging deals offer 20% off. For more information, go to beavercreek.com and search under Signature Events.

Nine Eagle Valley High School seniors committed to competing at the collegiate level during a signing event earlier this month.

Lauryn Albers, Dylan Blair, Tyler Blair, Julia Borejszo, Jason Flaherty, Keaden Lake, Nathan Leeper, Evan Wilson and Luis Montes were recognized for their college choices on May 6 at the high school.

Albers is set to play softball at Hannibal LaGrange University in Hannibal, Missouri. The Trojans compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Albers had 10 hits and seven RBIs this season, helping Eagle Valley to an 8-13-1 record.

Dylan and Tyler Blair reset the cross-country and track and field record books during their prep careers. Tyler heads to Montana State University as the Eagle Valley 1,600 and 800-meter record holder and was a sophomore on the record-setting 4×800-meter relay team. Dylan, who finished as the 4A state cross-country runner-up in the fall, holds the cross-country 5,000-meter record, the indoor and outdoor 3,200-meter and 5,000-meter records and was a U18 International U18 Mountain Running Cup gold medalist last summer. He will run at Northern Arizona University, where his older sister, Samantha, went as well. All four Blairs were Division I distance runners.

Flaherty competed alongside the Blair twins in cross-country and track. One of the most versatile runners in recent memory, Flaherty was a state competitor in the 5,000-meters in cross-country, carried the baton in the 4×400 and 4×800-meter relays, qualified as an individual in the open 400 and placed fourth in the high jump at the 2026 state track and field meet in May. He plans to run at Fort Lewis College, where he’ll join former Devils Armando Fuentes and Cooper Filmore.

Nathan Leeper was a star football player and wrestler at Eagle Valley. He qualified for the 2025 state wrestling tournament and led the Devils to a 9-0 start on the gridiron this fall. He rushed for 625 yards on 7.8 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns on the ground. He also went 17-for-17 on PATs as the team’s kicker. On defense, Leeper tallied 65 tackles as a sophomore and 74 as a senior at the linebacker position. Leeper will play football at Taylor University.

Leeper’s teammate, Keaden Lake, is also continuing his football career at the next level. Lake, who led the Devils in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season, plans to play at Western Colorado University. Lake had 39 receptions for 715 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air and carried the ball for 267 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground as well. He finished his three-year varsity career with 36 touchdowns.

Wilson plans to bowl at Oklahoma Christian University and Montes is headed to Hastings College in Nebraska to play soccer. Borejszo, who qualified for the state wrestling and golf tournaments twice, plans to play the latter sport at Santa Barbara City College next year.

Seven Battle Mountain athletes committed to competing at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels earlier this year.

Jakob Methvin, Thea Armistead, Jack Reed, William Morrison, Teagan Larsen, Izzy Kovacik and Kate Kovacik were recognized at a signing event on Feb. 11.

“We are grateful to have such a strong and supportive community, and we are excited to watch these student-athletes represent Battle Mountain High School as they take the next step in their journeys,” athletic director Zachary Holden stated at the event. “They will forever be a part of the Husky family, and we all look forward to cheering them on at the next level.”

Methvin graduated early from Battle Mountain in order to play in Europe before heading off to the University of California at Santa Barbara. The two-time Colorado 4A state soccer player of the year was a member of the 2023 state championship squad. Methvin scored a program record 81 goals and tallied 46 assists in his four-year varsity career.

“Jakob is quite simply, the best player we have ever had,” longtime coach Dave Cope stated of Methvin, who broke numerous single-season and career school records.

“But what made Jakob stand out when UCSB flew out here to watch him play was his commitment to his teammates,” Cope continued. “And to being a two way player, willing to score goals, assist them and do the hard work of defending all over the field.”

Armistead was a team captain for the Battle Mountain girls soccer team and will continue her career at Clarkson University. She led the Huskies to a 10-4-1 overall mark and 6-0 league record this spring, scoring 11 goals and tallying a team-high 14 assists along the way. Head coach Lauren Lux described Armistead as a “midfield engine.”

“Thea’s dedication and passion for the game has made a significant positive impact at Battle Mountain and I have no doubt it will be the same at Clarkson,” Lux added.

Jack Reed is headed to Macalaster College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for baseball. Reed led the Huskies in batting average (.500) and home runs (2) and went 3-2 on the mound with a team-high 46 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. Jeff Townsend coached Reed before high school and during his career at Battle Mountain.

“It has been fun to watch him grow into an outstanding athlete and person,” Townsend stated. “Jack has grown into a leader of our team and his athleticism, love for the game and work ethic has allowed him to succeed at the high school level and will propel him to success at the college level.”

William Morrison is headed to NCAA DII Mars Hill University in North Carolina to play golf. Morrison capped off his prep career with a 30-foot birdie putt to place 12th in the 3A state championships held at Eagle Ranch Golf Club last October.

“William has always loved sports — soccer, baseball, basketball, and football — but he always found his way back to golf,” Morrison’s parents expressed in a statement read at the signing day. “His journey into the game began with family, learning alongside his grandpa, uncle and dad. Those moments didn’t just shape the golfer he’s become, but the incredible person he is today.”

Larsen, who competed in Alpine skiing and lacrosse at Battle Mountain, will continue participation in the latter sport at Concordia University in Wisconsin next fall. Larsen scored 17 goals and had eight assists in helping the Huskies to a 12-5 record this spring. Coach Pat Doherty said Larsen has always been the guy that would “show up early to practice and leave late.”

“(He) has truly embraced the idea that if you put in the work, the results will follow,” Doherty explained. “His work, effort, and attitude are definitely what stood out to the college coaches throughout his recruiting process and I could not be more excited to see him fulfill his dream of playing at the next level.”

Izzy and Kate Kovacik have been leaders on the court and the pitch for Battle Mountain over the last four years. The twins are headed to Akron University to play NCAA DI lacrosse next year.

“Izzy has worked incredibly hard at achieving her goal,” coach Mat Ballay stated. “Kate is joining her sister at Akron next year after putting in countless hours fine-tuning her game. It will be fun to watch her continue her athletic pursuits.”

Both athletes went over 100 goals in their career. During their careers, the Huskies went 56-11, including 38-2 in Western Slope League play.

Climate Action Week, the annual event hosted by Walking Mountains and the Climate Action Collaborative, is all about making climate action feel a little more real, local and doable here in Eagle County. At a time when climate headlines can feel relentless and overwhelming, it can be difficult to know where, or even how, to get involved. This week is designed to break down that barrier and make climate action approachable, community centered and even fun.

At a glance, this year’s Climate Action Week included:

• 21 events over 8 days across Eagle County
• 1,100 community members engaged
• 89 first-time downloads of the Sole Power Plus commuting app
• 80+ attendees at the Earth Day Happy Hour
• 20+ local partners across government, nonprofits and businesses
• A countywide focus on transportation, water, energy, food systems and waste reduction

In its fifth year, the event has continued to grow as more community partners and participants join the effort to support the goal of the Eagle County Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Achieving greenhouse gas reductions and a more resilient community requires collaborations, creativity and community participation. Climate Action Week is one step to increase climate awareness and engagement that is needed in this all hands on deck effort. Action, no matter what size, is needed more than ever.

This year’s Climate Action Week, held April 14-22, featured 21 events across eight days and engaged 1100 community members. Events ranged from hands-on workshops and educational panels, to volunteering, tours and social outings. 

Several fan favorites were reprised this year including Sustainability Trivia, the Spanish Family Film Night, and Garden Volunteer Day, all which provide approachable entry points to sustainability and connection with like minded individuals.

Back by popular demand was the Local Sustainable Agriculture Tour hosted in partnership with the Eagle County Conservation District and Eagle Valley Land Trust. Participants visited three local agriculture operations, different from the year prior, to gain a deeper understanding of the realities and importance of local agriculture in our mountain community, the challenges faced and the many ways community members can support.

This year also brought a refreshed version of the Green Homes Tour. Reimagined as the Green Buildings Tour, participants received a behind-the-scenes look at the Eagle County Geothermal Project and toured a home in Eagle Ranch that has undergone multiple energy retrofits through local rebate programs. The tour offered tangible examples of how residents and businesses can reduce energy use and improve comfort of buildings.

Given the ongoing concerns around drought, wildfire risk and water supply, especially this upcoming Summer, several events focused on water conservation and forest health. The Eagle River Coalition and Colorado Water Trust hosted a Community Water Panel that created open dialogue with local experts and community members on the future challenges and solutions of agriculture in the West. Other events included a Beyond Lawn DIY Landscape Conversion Workshop, a Science Behind Drought and Forest Health with Old Growth Tree Services and a Lunch & Learn with the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District that focused on water restrictions, conservation strategies, and what residents can do to reduce strain on our water system and save money.

Habitat ReStore Vail Valley joined the long list of partners to host a Drinkering & Tinkering at their store in Gypsum. Attendees learned about the ReStore’s impact on waste diversion and affordable housing while upcycling donated tile into planters. They also enjoyed a discounted shopping experience on donated goods. 

Another new addition was a series of Core Transit Pop-Ups held at high traffic bus stops in Avon, Eagle, Edwards and Vail throughout the week. These pop-ups celebrate public transit riders while encouraging them to participate in Climate Action Week and download the Sole Power Plus app. Sole Power Plus is the Eagle County green commuting challenge that rewards people for replacing single occupancy car trips with walking, biking, bussing or carpooling. A special challenge ran throughout the Climate Action week, with a chance to win an e-bike on the line for those that downloaded the app and tracked a trip.

Everything culminated on Earth Day with a Sole Power Plus Happy Hour at Ein Prosit. Over 80 people gathered for free food and drink and eagerly awaited the prizes drawings, including that of the e-bike. During the week, we had 89 first time downloads and trip tracking, which made an impact in expanding the Sole Power Plus network.

As Climate Action Week continues to grow, so does the buy-in and momentum of community driven solutions in Eagle County. Whether someone attended a workshop, rode the bus, or simply joined a conversation at a happy hour, every action contributed to a larger collective effort.  While the challenges ahead are significant, so is our community’s willingness to come together, innovate, and create change.

Hannah Remke is a Sustainability Outreach Fellow at Walking Mountains that plans and hosts Climate Action Week.