The Grand Canyon Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau, initiated the Pinyon Jay project to involve volunteers in wildlife conservation. Pinyon Jays have a symbiotic relationship with pinyon trees, making them a key marker in forest preservation for the pinyon and juniper forests dotting the Colorado Plateau. The project aims to gather data and protect the ecosystem while engaging amateur birders and outdoor enthusiasts, making the project accessible to everyone. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery

In Montezuma County, a new group aims to provide an inclusive outdoor space for biking. Queer Byke Brigade, started by Clara Moulton and Kit Jones, aims to provide a safe, accessible, inclusive outdoor community for LGBTQ+ people in Montezuma and La Plata counties. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Southwest Health System

The Four Corners Community Band will perform summer classics and more during its July Fourth performance at Centennial Park from 4:30 - 6 pm. The second annual iAM Music Fest will take place at Fenceline Cider in Mancos. You can add a personal touch to one of the new garbage trucks with the City of Cortez. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Kessee Motors

Ideal weather conditions have allowed local fire crews to do more mitigation work than in recent years, but they caution against letting your guard down heading into our warmest months. The Colorado State Forest Service, Live Wildfire Ready, teaches homeowners how to take simple measures to reduce the risk of losing a home to fire. The San Juan National Forest urges recreationists to know about current fire restrictions. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

Montezuma Inspire Coalition is hoping hopscotch helps hone the organization's summer campaign aimed to get kids outdoors. An upcoming art market aims to celebrate native artists and culture across the Four Corners. The 93rd Ute Mountain Roundup saw some all-time event performances. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Big O Tires

As temperatures rise, so too does the number of D.U.I. and impaired driving cases. The issue is particularly bad in Southwest Colorado. Local non-profit, School Community Youth Collaborative, is bringing awareness to Ride Responsible. A program highlighting the problem of impaired driving and making safer modes of transportation more widely available. The organization partners with rideshare alternatives and works with transportation departments for special events. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino Resort

Kelly Gregory started Kelly’s Kitchen selling salsa, hummus, and cupcakes at the farmer’s market. Now she’s opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Central Ave. in Dolores, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and coffee. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and TruWest Auto

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced the Mancos Conservation District as a recipient of its ‘Partners in the Outdoors’ grant. The Mancos Creative District event, Mancos BurroFest, returns with an animal art market, burro obstacle course, art demonstrations, food trucks and live music. The Dolores County Junior Rodeo series provides kids the chance to learn skills like roping and flag racing through the summer. The Cortez Public Library’s summer reading program kicks off Tuesday, June 20th. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health Systems and FASTSIGNS

The Durango Airtanker base houses firefighting and support crews that serve as a shared national resource when wildfire breaks out. Firefighting efforts generally require collaborating with multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management along with state, city, and county offices. This season provided the opportunity for the base to host its first “fly-in” since the pandemic. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

Pueblo Community College Nursing gets a boost, earning yet another education benchmark. It’s farmers market season, and the Dolores Farmers Market is welcoming back customers and vendors. The Ute Mountain PRCA Rodeo returns with carnival in tow. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Keesee Motors