MISSION
Our mission at Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) is to serve as a resource and catalyst for building a sustainable community in the Yampa Valley region.
YVSC is a nonprofit organization based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that creates and promotes sustainable practices in the Yampa Valley region through programs, partnerships and education. Guided by research and in the service of the community, YVSC develops and promotes actions that sustain our valley’s rich natural and cultural heritage and foster resilience moving forward. Our programs provide a range of services and educational opportunities and centralize community outreach and engagement. Our integrated approach to sustainability is defined by the pursuit to identify how the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability challenges lead way to their solutions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
june 2022
01junAll Day30CARbon-Free Challenge

Event Details
The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and we are all ready for long, summer days spent outside. That’s why we at YVSC are so excited to bring back
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Event Details
The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and we are all ready for long, summer days spent outside. That’s why we at YVSC are so excited to bring back a summer activity staple, the CARbon-Free Challenge, taking place from June 1-30.
As in years past, participants will log their miles for the chance to win awesome prizes from our local sponsors and have the ability to take part as a solo rider, family, or adult team. Participants can log miles for commuting, running errands going out, etc., all while using an alternative form of travel (e.g. walking, biking, longboarding, rollerblading, etc.). Give the Facebook page a “like” to stay up-to-date on the latest information and see fun photos from other participants. To learn more and register visit https://yvsc.org/carbon-free-challenge/.
Time
june 1 (Wednesday) - 30 (Thursday)

Event Details
There is a better way to mitigate fire risk on Western lands, as we embrace the use of fire to limit fire. Learn the latest technology and practices to protect
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Event Details
There is a better way to mitigate fire risk on Western lands, as we embrace the use of fire to limit fire. Learn the latest technology and practices to protect the climate while also protecting our communities.
Join Elkstone Farm for a presentation from Dr. Ken Carloni, Gloria Flora, and the PINA team for an overview of the science and technology of biochar and the innovative use of portable kiln field production and on-contour application to protect watersheds. Presentation is free, and donations are welcome. This event is co-sponsored by YVSC. To learn more about the weekend of events visit https://elkstonefarm.com/event/facing-the-fire-innovative-uses-of-biochar-and-permaculture-design-to-mitigate-wildfire-risk/.
Time
(Friday) 6:00 pm
Location
Colorado Moutain College Allbright Family Auditorium
1275 Crawford Ave
Registration
Learn More & Register
Event Details
Join Elkstone Farm for a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and interactive discussion; you will learn best practices in the areas of: Climate, carbon, and wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface
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Event Details
Join Elkstone Farm for a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and interactive discussion; you will learn best practices in the areas of:
- Climate, carbon, and wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface
- Forest stewardship planning, practices, and system design
- Protecting and enhancing ecosystem services and amenity values
- Managing natural risk: system design and biochar use for watershed protection
- Forest assessment, thinning, and succession planning
- Equipment and methods for making biochar
- Siting strategy and best practices
- Kiln loading and use
- Firing and quenching the kiln
- Carbon sequestration and emerging markets
- Resources for creating resilient forests
Sunday afternoon enjoy a sneak-peek showing of PINA’s Fire Ecology Restoration documentary from the Oregon project. See these ideas in action. Followed by a panel discussion with Q&A.
Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up a bag of biochar to experiment with on your own.
This event is co-sponsored by YVSC.
Time
4 (Saturday) 9:00 am - 5 (Sunday) 5:00 pm
Location
Elkstone Farm
40345 Virtus Way
Organizer
Registration
Learn More & Register11jun9:00 am2:00 pmVolunteer: Zero Waste Stations at the Farmers Market

Event Details
In partnership with the City of Steamboat Springs, YVSC is providing zero waste stations at the Farmers Market, which kicks off on Saturday, June 11. The waste stations
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Event Details
In partnership with the City of Steamboat Springs, YVSC is providing zero waste stations at the Farmers Market, which kicks off on Saturday, June 11. The waste stations will be outfitted with recycling as well as composting. Trash will also be collected and measurements will be recorded to determine the amount of waste diverted during these events. YVSC is looking for volunteers to help with these zero waste stations. Get involved with YVSC and help us reduce waste at our local Farmers Market. Volunteers are needed two 2.5 hour shifts at the waste stations every Saturday. The first shift will be from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and the second shift is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the summer. If you’re interested in helping with this effort and volunteering with YVSC, please sign up here.
Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location
Steamboat Farmers Market
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
june 18, 2022 9:00 am - june 18, 2022 2:00 pmjune 25, 2022 9:00 am - june 25, 2022 2:00 pmjuly 2, 2022 9:00 am - july 2, 2022 2:00 pmjuly 9, 2022 9:00 am - july 9, 2022 2:00 pmjuly 16, 2022 9:00 am - july 16, 2022 2:00 pmjuly 23, 2022 9:00 am - july 23, 2022 2:00 pmjuly 30, 2022 9:00 am - july 30, 2022 2:00 pmaugust 6, 2022 9:00 am - august 6, 2022 2:00 pmaugust 13, 2022 9:00 am - august 13, 2022 2:00 pmaugust 20, 2022 9:00 am - august 20, 2022 2:00 pmaugust 27, 2022 9:00 am - august 27, 2022 2:00 pmseptember 3, 2022 9:00 am - september 3, 2022 2:00 pmseptember 10, 2022 9:00 am - september 10, 2022 2:00 pmseptember 17, 2022 9:00 am - september 17, 2022 2:00 pmseptember 24, 2022 9:00 am - september 24, 2022 2:00 pm
Registration
Sign Up11jun10:00 am3:00 pmMica Gardenscapes Yampascaping Plant Sale

Event Details
On Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., YVSC is excited to partner with Mica Gardenscapes, located in Oak Creek, on an upcoming plant sale. Find
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Event Details
On Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., YVSC is excited to partner with Mica Gardenscapes, located in Oak Creek, on an upcoming plant sale. Find us at 101 W Main St in Oak Creek.
With a focus on perennials, natives, and drought tolerant species, Claire Scanlon, owner of Mica Gardenscapes, and YVSC will be on hand to help you select plants to create a beautiful Yampascape.
Yampascaping is the process of transforming a yard or other piece of land into one that is more appropriate to the Yampa Valley region. It brings the floral communities we find on our trails and along our rivers to the land around our homes and businesses, which in turn conserves water, stabilizes soil, reduces weeds, and provides food for birds and pollinators.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Mica Gardenscapes
101 W Main St
16jun8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV

Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
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Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments)
Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called one-rock dams to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat.
Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.
Time
(Thursday) 8:00 am
Registration
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Link17jun8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV

Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
more
Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments)
Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called one-rock dams to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat.
Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.
Time
(Friday) 8:00 am
Registration
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Link18jun8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV

Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
more
Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments)
Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called one-rock dams to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat.
Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am
Registration
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Link19jun8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV

Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
more
Event Details
Title: Wet Meadows Restoration with WRV
Short Description: Come restore wet meadows and riparian areas in collaboration with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Craig. Camping is optional!
Difficulty: Hard (lifting stones, using tools, working alongside steep embankments)
Project Details: Join us with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to help restore wet meadows and riparian areas! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including Greater-Sage grouse, migratory birds, elk, and mule deer. A number of wet meadows and riparian areas, already compromised by erosion and lower water tables, are likely to be further altered from drought and high intensity rainstorms associated with a changing climate. To address these challenges, we will use innovative, yet simple, restoration methods called Zeedyk structures to raise the water table and re-establish wetland meadows and riparian areas in sagebrush habitat.
Volunteers may also camp before and after the project on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
This project is being run by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Please follow the link to their website to sign-up for the event.
Time
(Sunday) 8:00 am
Registration
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Linkjuly 2022
22jul7:30 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wetlands Restoration at Jensen State Wildlife Area

Event Details
Title: Come help restore wetlands at Jensen State Wildlife Area! Short description: Join us, alongside Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to construct human-made beaver dams that will help
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Event Details
Title: Come help restore wetlands at Jensen State Wildlife Area!
Short description: Join us, alongside Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to construct human-made beaver dams that will help restore wetlands.
Difficulty: Medium (trimming branches, pounding posts, shoveling mud)
Project details: There was once an abundance of beavers and beaver dams on James Creek in Jensen State Wildlife Area. Now there are none, the consequences being fewer wetlands and increased water runoff. To amend this, we will be working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to construct beaver dam analogs (BDAs), or human-made structures that mimic the work of beavers. They are made by pounding posts into the streambed, then weaving trimmed branches in between to create a “dam”. The resulting water build-up creates wetland areas, which are vital to wildlife and will allow for the eventual reintroduction of beavers. Wetlands also sequester and store more carbon than forests, making them an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Friday) 7:30 am
Registration
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NEWS, IDEAS, AND PAST EVENTS
On 52nd Earth Day, President Biden Signs Executive Order to Tackle Climate Change
To celebrate Earth Day, President Biden today signed a new Executive Order to tackle
Intern Highlight: Restaurant Composting Pilot Program
My name is Lily Svoboda, and I am an intern for YVSC’s Waste Diversion
Join YVSC and partners for an Earth Day Celebration
YVSC is excited to partner with Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation and numerous local
Talking Green: Reduce and recycle organic waste
Winn Cowman, Waste Diversion Director, & Michelle Stewart, Executive Director | March 13, 2022