“I think I’ve got something!” a woman cried excitedly, her binoculars zeroed in on a flash of yellow at the edge of a distant field. The others in the group eagerly raised their binoculars for a look. We had already seen a whole host of interesting things that morning: red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, mountain chickadees. Could this be a yellow warbler, busily foraging for insects or staking out territory? 

Jerry Fedrizzi, local birding expert and our guide that morning, focused his spotting scope and took a long, unhurried look. “That,” he said calmly, “is a signpost reflector.”

There were many memorable moments from last year’s Earth Week with Eagle Valley Land Trust, but this one topped the list for me. Standing at the base of the gypsum hills, gazing out across the spring green fields of Brush Creek Valley Ranch and Open Space, and listening to the happy laughter of the birding tour participants, I remember thinking, “What a gorgeous day and what a lovely group of people.”

Other favorite memories from Earth Week 2024: ethnobotanist Lynn Albers chatting about the medicinal properties of juniper berries, and one participant taking a cautious nibble and declaring it “not terrible.” Professional conservation photographer Todd Winslow Pierce teaching us how to use our iPhone camera settings to capture moving water, and the appreciative oohs and aahs that rippled through the group as we snapped photos of the Eagle River.

Earth Week with Eagle Valley Land Trust is a celebration of warmer spring weather, beautiful conserved open spaces, and the incredible flora and fauna of our beloved valley. It’s also a celebration of the camaraderie and meaningful connections that make our small mountain community such a special place to live. Last year, our Earth Week programs attracted many longtime locals, as well as folks who had moved to our valley just the week before. They were united by their love for the land and their fascination with the many treasures it holds.

Support Local Journalism

Donate

This year, Eagle Valley Land Trust is celebrating Earth Week from April 14-24 with our generous Earth Week sponsor, Holy Cross Energy. Jerry Fedrizzi, Lynn Albers, and Todd Winslow Pierce will be back to share their deep knowledge and expertise with us. For those of you who have never experienced a program with these delightful individuals, I can’t urge you strongly enough to join us. Their passion is infectious, and if you’re like me, you’ll come away from their programs feeling enlightened, inspired, and more than a little warm and fuzzy.

New on the Earth Week schedule for this year is an estate planning workshop presented by Colorado State University Extension, Eagle County Conservation District, and Eagle Valley Land Trust. Interested in preparing for retirement, formalizing estate plans, and leaving a legacy for the next generation? Join us on April 22 for dinner and conversation with Jeff Tranel, agricultural and business economist, at the brand new Eagle Valley Land Trust Conservation Center in Edwards.

Also at the Conservation Center, an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty as we build fencing along the edge of our property bordering the stunning Eagle River Preserve. The cedar split rail construction will serve as a demonstration of wildlife-friendly boundary fencing, a necessity for the elk that grace the preserve (and occasionally our property). No experience or special skills are required to help out. Come as you are, enjoy some tasty snacks and beverages, and bask in the glow of doing satisfying work with good people on the land.

To see our full lineup of Earth Week programs, including information on how to sign up, please visit EVLT.org/EarthWeek2025. There, you’ll also find details on our Earth Week online auction, featuring rounds of golf at courses throughout the valley, a stay at the breathtaking Piney River Ranch, and an Ethos landscaping package to get you started on the summer backyard of your dreams.

We look forward to celebrating Earth Week with you.

Keri Inouye is the Community Engagement Manager with Eagle Valley Land Trust. She coordinates EVLT’s community-centered conservation programs, including Earth Week. To learn more, please visit EVLT.org/join-us/.