The first inaugural meeting of the Montezuma Backcountry Group is scheduled to take place at 6:00 PM at WildEdge Brewing on Wednesday, January 25. Park officials at Canyons of the Ancients are asking people to stay off trails until they dry out. The Mancos Conservation District is fostering public ideas for a healthy watershed during an upcoming three day watershed workshop. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Southwest Health System
The La Plata County Humane Society completed a full shelter renovation that modernized and upgraded the 25-year-old building. Now on-par with the most modern facilities in the Four Corners area, the non-profit can more easily carry out its objective of enhancing and protecting the lives of companion animals. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barbers and Serious Texas BBQ
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how to keep the stars so bright? The Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with the International Dark Skies Association to help communities get their Dark Sky Certificate, a way to celebrate and maintain the beauty of the night skies. Durango, Colorado, is participating in the Colorado Dark Sky Mentorship Program through OEDIT and the Colorado Tourism Office. The program will help Durango and other participating communities learn what they need to do to get their certification and help spread the word on the importance of darker night skies and brighter stars. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Pop's Truck and RV
One retired teacher in Pagosa Springs wants to help local students in southwest Colorado expand their horizons through unique experiences. Flowstone Education is the brainchild of Cheetah & Brad McClellan and aims to provide low-income students in Colorado with workshops and summer camps designed to expand their horizons and expose them to opportunities beyond their hometowns. Workshops are led by local experts in fields ranging from beauticians to screenwriters, YouTubers to cooks, and more. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Payroll Department
Initially a local geologist’s dream office located seventy feet below sandstone ground, Kokopelli Cave became a five-star bed and breakfast in Farmington. It’s located on a three-hundred-foot desert cliff overlooking the lovely La Plata River Valley. Seventeen hundred square feet of carpeted cave offers a full kitchen, and jet tub water flow. Open March first through December first, it accommodates up to eight people for a one-of-a-kind experience. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions
Larry Easterling has performed as a drummer, harmonica player, magician and ventriloquist over the years. Now local musicians are performing to raise money for their colleague and beloved community member following unforeseen medical issues and surgery. The Mancos Conservation District is hosting a photo contest celebrating the local watershed areas, and the Piñon Project is offering parenting classes. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Law Firms of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and TruWest Auto
San Juan Mountains Association is hosting seven winter snowshoe hikes starting January 14th. Participants will learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change and the future of snowpack in the San Juans. The Dolores River Boating Advocates are hosting the 10th annual “Permit Party”, and a local art gallery is putting out a call for local artists. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored Keesee Motors and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware
The official beer of Snowdown ’23 is an horchata-spiced ale with vanilla, cinnamon and citrus notes coming in at six percent ABV created Ska Brewing. Hornblower Horchata is available in 12 oz. 4-packs now through the end of Snowdown Sunday February 5th. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
A state mandated plastic bag fee goes into effect January 1. The House bill requires customers at most stores to pay a ten-cent fee for each disposable plastic bag they use. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Big-O Tires
Over the last couple of years, camping has grown in popularity and accessibility, as more and more people are getting out and enjoying the outdoors. From tent camping to RV’s, many people are taking advantage of different ways to recreate, but even with more campsites available to campers, there are still some areas that are more restricted. Enter Sasquatch Campers, which, with their custom-built suspension system, enables the system to go further and see more. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware
