Climate Action Collaborative: Small steps, big impact
Have you noticed the warmth in the air and the new grass creeping up where the snow once covered? That’s right — spring is here! And with it often comes a sudden urge to get outside and do something.
Lucky for you, we’ve got just the thing. Every year, Walking Mountains, the Climate Action Collaborative, and community partners host Climate Action Week — a series of fun, educational, and inspiring events. This year, the festivities run from April 15 to 22.
Climate Action Week is a celebration of sustainability, local action, and collaboration across Eagle County. Many of the events are held in partnership with local organizations and businesses, reflecting the importance of working together to achieve our climate goals. New this year: more Spanish-first events, including the second annual Fiesta de Sostenibilidad on Saturday, April 12 — a sustainability fair for Spanish-speaking families.
So, where does Eagle County currently stand in terms of climate progress? As of 2023, greenhouse gas emissions totaled 1.432 million metric tons of CO2e, a 6% increase from the 2014 baseline. While that figure hasn’t grown since 2022 (a small victory), it also hasn’t decreased. Natural gas emissions have increased by 17.5% compared to 2014, and transportation emissions are up 10% from 2018 (though down 2.4% from 2022).
Changing your transportation habits is one of the best areas for positive individual climate impacts. Public transit, e-bike share, walking, or carpooling are all great ways to reduce emissions, and we encourage you to try them during Climate Action Week. Take a photo of you sustainably commuting to a Climate Action Week event, and enter to win a Break Up with Your Car door prize. What’s up for grabs? A Lomi to help keep your food scraps out of the landfill, a four-course dinner for 10 offered by Footers Catering in Denver, and last but not least, an Aventon e-bike from the town of Vail.
Support Local Journalism
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for — the 2025 Climate Action Week lineup:
April 15: ‘FernGully’ screening
Kick off the week with a Spanish-language screening of “FernGully” and free popcorn from Holy Cross Energy at the Riverwalk Theater in Edwards at 6:30 pm. A great way to set the tone for the week — don’t forget to register!
April 16: Geothermal snowmelt system tour in Vail
Curious about Vail’s future geothermal snowmelt system? Walking Mountains and the town of Vail will host a presentation on this innovative project, followed by a walking tour of sustainable features in Lionshead Village and resources from Holy Cross Energy and Vail Resorts. Meet at the Grandview Room in Vail at 4 p.m. and stick around for Happy Hour at Blue Moose Pizza.
April 17: Climate Speaker Series at CMC
Join us at Colorado Mountain College at 6 p.m. to hear Rachel Forbes discuss the mental health impacts of climate change. This event is free — just be sure to register in advance.
April 18: Sustainability-packed day
Start your day at 9 a.m. with the virtual Sustainability & Ecosystem Science Conference offered by Colorado Mountain College in Edwards. Then, at 1 p.m., head to the Net-Zero Building Expo hosted by the town of Avon at the Westin Riverfront Resort. Learn about home energy efficiency and sign up for a free energy assessment. Cap the day with Sustainability Trivia hosted by the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund, and live music by Mike Hartel at Second Street Tavern, starting at 5 p.m.
April 19: Local sustainable agriculture tour
Looking for something family-friendly? Join us for this tour starting at 9:30 a.m. Visit local gems like Wiggle Worm Gardens and Paragon Guide’s llamas, with transportation and lunch provided. Registration is required and spots fill up fast!
April 20: Break up with your car to Vail Closing Day
If you’re heading to Vail for closing weekend, consider walking, biking, busing, or carpooling (3 or more). Snap a photo of yourself taking sustainable transportation and swing by the Colorado Snowsports Museum to submit the photo through a QR code for the chance to win a door prize.
April 21: Garden volunteer day and land use panel
Drop by the New Roots Garden Prep Volunteer Day at the CMC Community Gardens in Edwards anytime between 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. to learn how to prep your garden for spring. In the evening, head to Eagle Town Hall for a Sustainable Land Use Panel from the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund featuring three guest speakers and a Q&A segment, running from 6-8 p.m.
April 22: Earth Day events
On April 22, Earth Day, we will close our Climate Action week with two exciting events: A Community Recycling Tour and Earth Day Yoga.
If you haven’t taken a recycling tour yet, then you are in for a ride. This free tour starts at 9 a.m. and highlights how to organize your waste as well as how waste in the county is disposed of or diverted. Register at WalkingMountains.regfox.com/climate-action-week-recycling-tour.
Earth Day Yoga is hosted by Revolution Power Yoga and will begin at noon at their studio in Avon. This wonderful close to Climate Action Week will be centered on grounding and connecting to the earth. As always, be sure to register.
Climate Action Week 2025 is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and make a difference. Whether you’re new to sustainability or a seasoned advocate, there’s something for everyone, but be sure to register for our events. We hope to see you there!
Chantel Recksiedler is the Climate Action Collaborative coordinator at Walking Mountains. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
