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
may 2022
11may12:00 pm2:00 pmAlpine Bank Drive-Thru Shred Day
Event Details
Alpine Bank’s Shred Day is back, and
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Event Details
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Time
(Wednesday) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
Alpine BAnk
1901 Pine Grove Rd
11may1:00 pm2:00 pmYVSC Community Meeting
Event Details
Our water in the west is changing, and so should we. How we use water inside and around our homes and towns matters, and there are easy ways to make
Event Details
Our water in the west is changing, and so should we. How we use water inside and around our homes and towns matters, and there are easy ways to make changes that conserve water. Join us for this month’s Community Meeting Wednesday, May 11, 1-2pm, virtual, to learn more about water conservation opportunities. Madison Muxworthy and Kate Brocato will be highlighting the upcoming rain barrel group buy opportunity and other ways to make water conservation part of your lifestyle in the Yampa Valley. Register to join below, you must be registered to attend.
Time
(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Register14may10:00 am3:00 pmElectric Ride-and-Drive
Event Details
Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, the City of Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Electric Association, and Northern Colorado Clean Cities are partnering to host an Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive event on
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Event Details
Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, the City of Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Electric Association, and Northern Colorado Clean Cities are partnering to host an Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive event on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds parking lot. This is an excellent opportunity to see and test drive different EVs from cars to bikes. You can reserve your test drive(s) on the City’s EV web page, which also has many helpful educational resources and recorded EV seminars.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds
401 Howelsen Pkwy
Registration
Register14may10:00 am4:00 pmBig Agnes Sample Sale at BAP
Event Details
The annual Big Agnes Sample Sale is just around the corner, and this year, they have generously chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to YVSC.
Event Details
The annual Big Agnes Sample Sale is just around the corner, and this year, they have generously chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to YVSC. So, come down and shop for quality gear on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. knowing that your purchase is supporting sustainability in the Yampa Valley. For more information, call BAP at 970.879.7507.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
BAP
735 Oak St
19may5:00 am7:30 pmRain Barrel Group Buy Event
Event Details
As we adapt to a drier and warmer Yampa Valley climate, a fun, yet impactful, at-home water conservation strategy is using a rain barrel. They lessen demand for treated water,
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Event Details
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 am - 7:30 pm
Registration
Registerjune 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 Up16jun8:00 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 LinkCREATING SUSTAINABILITY ACTION THROUGH:

PROGRAMS

PARTNERSHIPS

EDUCATION
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