Looking back, the last few weeks were a blur. I am not sure where the month of May went, but June was quick to take its place. Starting the season off strong, SJMA welcomed our seasonal stewardship crews with two weeks of training and prepping for the busy summer ahead.

Both the Forest Ambassadors and our Alpine Loop ambassadors made their debuts on Memorial Day weekend, hitting the popular hot spots on both the San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests greeting visitors and relaying important information to the public. Our Ice Lake trailhead tent is up and running and our base camp at Blue Lakes trailhead will be constructed this weekend. As an exciting addition to our foot patrol cadre this year, we have two Alpine Loop Ambassadors joining us. These Ambassadors will spend time patrolling the popular Alpine Loop and working in conjunction with our Bureau of Land Management partners both on the landscape and in the BLM office on Greene St in Silverton. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide this service to the public and couldn’t have done it without the support of our partners at the BLM.

Our SJMA Wilderness Crew has successfully completed its first hitch of the season, clearing downed trees along Vallecito creek. In collaboration with our partners at SJNF, this hardworking backcountry crew is tasked with clearing trees with crosscut saws as well as collecting critical data on social trails and campsites in the Weminuche Wilderness. With grit and determination this close knit crew clears the trails one tree at a time. By season’s end, you do not want to challenge anyone from this team to an arm wrestling match!

Summer is upon us, and the uptick in temperatures and recreationists on our public lands is noticeable. People and wildlife are leaving their winter desert oases and migrating toward the cooler forests and alpine regions. As stewards of this land it is important to realize we all play a crucial role in doing our part to care for the public lands we relish. It never needs to be a grand gesture. Even picking up a piece of trash when you are out makes a difference to those coming behind you and the wildlife that calls this place home. There is no stewardship “season.” It is a year round responsibility shared by us all, and we at SJMA are excited to see you out there by our side doing your part. It’s going to be a great summer, especially if we’re working together!

Meg Burke, SJMA’s Stewardship Director, lives in Mancos and spends most of her spare time hiking with her dogs and exploring the area.

By Meghann Burke

Although it has been a late start to winter, snowflakes have finally started flying across the San Juan Mountains, and San Juan Mountains Association’s winter stewardship and education programs have launched as well. No hibernation for the SJMA crew.

SJMA has an array of educational opportunities and activities for everyone in the family this winter. In partnership with the Durango Nordic Center, we kicked off our winter events with the first Full Moon Howler of the season on December 26th. Under the radiant Wolf moon, SJMA staff and volunteers led 60 people on an interpretive snowshoe hike for an evening of intriguing facts, amazing views and hot chocolate by the fire pit. Do not worry if you missed that one. The Nordic Center has two more Full Moon Howler events planned for Jan. 24 and Feb. 24, and SJMA will, once again, be leading the interpretive snowshoe hikes.

As we wrapped up our Christmas trees for the Conservation fundraiser, our stewardship team shifted gears and started prepping for our Snow Ambassador season. Once again you will find the SJMA mobile base camp stationed at the Andrews Lake winter parking area. Colin Courtney serves as our Molas Snow Ambassador this season, and he is ready to answer your questions, share information on winter Leave-No-Trace ethics, and provide you with his knowledge of the area. He may even have some steamy hot chocolate to share. Be sure to drop in and say “hi” over the next few months.

We are also excited to announce we have expanded our Snow Ambassador program to Wolf Creek Pass. Olivia Maclean serves as our inaugural Wolf Creek Snow Ambassador. You might run into her at the Lobo trailhead if you’re skiing or sledding. A snowmobile enthusiast? Olivia will be stationed at the pass with the latest snow and avalanche conditions around the area, as well as important safety information and forest updates. Keep an eye out for her in the backcountry or at the trailheads this season.

Meanwhile, SJMA’s education team is leading experiential field trips with youths from all over the region. The education team guides young snow enthusiasts on snowshoe journeys around the Haviland Lake and other areas, spreading their knowledge of the habits of wildlife during the winter months and the importance of snow to life in our region.

When they are not out with the students, our education team and volunteer coordinator are immersed in planning for our upcoming Snow Science Socials at Andrews Lake. Starting Saturday, Jan. 13, SJMA, in partnership with Mountain Studies Institute, is bringing back our popular educational snow adventure. Starting from the Andrews lake base camp, join us for a fun half day learning about snowpack and wildlife winter habits in the San Juan Mountains. Then, stay and join us for some riveting conversations and warm beverages around the fire pit.

There is no down season at SJMA. Year round, there is an opportunity to share knowledge, ignite passion and instill respect for our public lands. We also believe winter is a time to reflect, renew and take the chance to take a breather, stop and listen to the silence of the snow.

Meg is the Stewardship Program Manager at San Juan Mountains Association and is looking forward to some winter adventures and a successful winter field season.