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
august 2022
04aug5:00 pm6:30 pmYVSC Explores the Science of Composting

Event Details
Join us for our new YVSC Explores events that are starting this summer. Our YVSC Explores events strive to connect community members with field-based opportunities to learn about
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Event Details
Join us for our new YVSC Explores events that are starting this summer. Our YVSC Explores events strive to connect community members with field-based opportunities to learn about key climate challenges and solutions. YVSC Explores participants will leave these small-group excursions in the field with an expanded sense of connection to community-based climate solutions and actions they can take. Each YVSC Explores event is led by one of our program directors.
For this Explores Event, join Winn Cowman, Waste Diversion Director, for a site visit to Cowgirl Compost Co’s facility in Hayden to learn about the science of composting, why composting is a valuable climate solution and what kinds of composting options you can pursue in your home and work.
To reserve your spot visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/375492045817.
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location
Cowgirl Compost Co
11730 US 40
Registration
Register06aug9:00 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
august 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 Up06aug9:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration in California Park

Event Details
Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park! Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet
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Event Details
Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park!
Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet meadows.
Difficulty: Medium (lifting and carrying rocks, using tools, working alongside streambanks)
Project Details: Come help restore wet meadows in beautiful California Park! These ecosystems promote climate-resiliency by storing water on the landscape, and are vital for wildlife habitat including Sandhill cranes, Greater-Sage grouse, elk, deer, and more. However, erosion has disconnected these wet meadows from the floodplain, resulting in decreased water retention and loss of vegetation. They are at further risk of deterioration in coming years from drought and intense rainstorms due to a changing climate. To address these challenges we will use innovative restoration techniques called one rock dams to raise the water table, decrease erosion, and re-establish wet meadows in California Park.
Camping is encouraged if you plan to attend multiple days!
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am
Registration
Signup Link07aug9:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Wet Meadows Restoration in California Park

Event Details
Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park! Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet meadows. Difficulty: Medium (lifting and
more
Event Details
Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park!
Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet meadows.
Difficulty: Medium (lifting and carrying rocks, using tools, working alongside streambanks)
Project Details: Come help restore wet meadows in beautiful California Park! These ecosystems promote climate-resiliency by storing water on the landscape, and are vital for wildlife habitat including Sandhill cranes, Greater-Sage grouse, elk, deer, and more. However, erosion has disconnected these wet meadows from the floodplain, resulting in decreased water retention and loss of vegetation. They are at further risk of deterioration in coming years from drought and intense rainstorms due to a changing climate. To address these challenges we will use innovative restoration techniques called one rock dams to raise the water table, decrease erosion, and re-establish wet meadows in California Park.
Camping is encouraged if you plan to attend multiple days!
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Sunday) 9:00 am
Registration
Signup Link24aug8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Reforestation Survey near Rabbit Ears Pass

Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass! Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform
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Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!
Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.
Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)
Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Wednesday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link25aug8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Reforestation Survey near Rabbit Ears Pass

Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass! Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform
more
Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!
Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.
Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)
Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Thursday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link27aug8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Reforestation Survey near Rabbit Ears Pass

Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass! Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform
more
Event Details
Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!
Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.
Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)
Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link30aug4:00 pm6:00 pmCareers and Leadership in Sustainability
Event Details
School is almost back in session, and YVSC is excited bring back our Careers and Leadership in Sustainability event on Tuesday, August 31st from 4-6 p.m. in Colorado Mountain College’s
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Event Details
School is almost back in session, and YVSC is excited bring back our Careers and Leadership in Sustainability event on Tuesday, August 31st from 4-6 p.m. in Colorado Mountain College’s Albright Family Auditorium. High school and college-age students are invited to come meet local partners who work within the environmental and sustainability fields. You will have the opportunity to explore the diverse array of career pathways in the environmental and sustainability fields as you prepare to enter college, declare your major, or graduate with your degree in Sustainability Studies or Ecosystem Science and Stewardship, while also learning about how to volunteer or intern with these organizations. Curious about Colorado Mountain College’s programs? There will be opportunities to learn more about their unique degrees as well. Join us for an evening of dialogue and learning complete with fun activities along the way.
Time
(Tuesday) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Colorado Moutain College Albright Family Auditorium
1275 Crawford Ave
Registration
Registerseptember 2022
14sep8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Seed Plantation Stewardship

Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation! Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed
more
Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!
Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts
Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)
Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Wednesday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link15sep8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Seed Plantation Stewardship

Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation! Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed
more
Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!
Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts
Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)
Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Thursday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link17sep8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Seed Plantation Stewardship

Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation! Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed
more
Event Details
Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!
Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts
Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)
Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp Link20sep8:00 amYampa Valley Climate Crew - Willow Planting at California Park

Event Details
Title: Come plant willows along First Creek in California Park! Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help restore First Creek by planting willows
more
Event Details
Title: Come plant willows along First Creek in California Park!
Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help restore First Creek by planting willows along its bank.
Difficulty: Easy (working along a steep embankment)
Project Details: California Park is an ecologically important area in Northwest Colorado. It serves as part of the Upper Yampa River Basin and provides miles of stream habitat for native fish populations. However, vegetation loss and erosion threaten some of California Park’s waterways. Currently, First Creek is undergoing a restoration process that will create a more climate-resistant ecosystem by reconnecting the stream to the floodplain. As part of this process, we will be planting approximately 300-500 willows along 5 miles of First Creek to provide bank stabilization and more resilient native fish habitat.
Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.
Time
(Tuesday) 8:00 am
Registration
SignUp LinkCREATING SUSTAINABILITY ACTION THROUGH:

PROGRAMS

PARTNERSHIPS

EDUCATION
NEWS, IDEAS, AND PAST EVENTS
Intern Highlight: Zero Waste Events as a Climate Solution
My name is Sidney Barbier, a returning intern with YVSC. I just finished my
Intern Highlight: Waste Diversion Education and Updates
Caitlin Geppert, YVSC Intern | July 26, 2022 My name is Caitlin Geppert, and
Intern Highlight: Targeted Reforestation in Burn Scars
Brenna Egan, YVSC Intern | July 26, 2022 My name is Brenna Egan, and
Intern Highlight: Introduction of the Yampa Valley Green Business Program
Brianna Bruyere, YVSC Intern | July 14, 2022 My name is Brianna Bruyere, and