Join SJMA and Pine Needle to learn about ultralight backpacking and make sure you know the best ways to incorporate Leave No Trace practices into your backpacking routine. Food and beverages will be included, as well as a raffle and some free swag! When: September 5th, 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Pine Needle Mountaineering, 835 Main
Again this year, SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologist Dave Bouquet, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s
CANCELLED - We're grateful for the stormy weather, but it doesn't make for good star gazing! We have cancelled this evening's event and hope to see you next time. Join SJMA and the Durango Astronomical Society for our second year of summer star party series located at SJMA’s Durango Nature Center! All are welcome, amateur
Join Mike Foster for periodic outings to look for and learn about bird species. Be prepared to say why birds are important. When: September 13th, 2025 from 8am-10am Where: SJMA’s Durango Nature Center What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring water. For added enjoyment bring a binocular, a bird guide, and download the free
Join SJMA's Education Specialist, Julie Campbell's last for her summer series walks at the Durango Nature Center. This week, we will focus on the idea of "Nature is where we come from; how do we return to her"? A meditative nature walk with the intention of stillness, listening, connecting to nature. Families welcome! When: September
Names, dates, and drawings etched into the soft, white bark of Aspen trees stand silent witness to travelers from ages past. Carved by lonely sheepherders, cowboys, and sometimes other anonymous wayfarers, these amateur signposts are more than just antique graffiti, with many of them bound in the history and traditions of a bygone era. Local
Join Mike Foster for periodic outings to look for and learn about bird species. Be prepared to say why birds are important. When: September 27th, 2025 from 8am-10am Where: SJMA’s Durango Nature Center What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring water. For added enjoyment bring a binocular, a bird guide, and download the free
Celebrate the season at the Nature Center’s Fall Family Festival! This annual event brings the community together with outdoor fun, family activities, and a spotlight on the amazing tarantula migration that happens each autumn in our region. Enjoy guided nature walks, kid-friendly crafts, archery, educational exhibits, live demonstrations, and seasonal treats. The Fall Family Festival
Again this year, SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologist Dave Bouquet, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s
Celebrate the connection between our community and the Weminuche Wilderness with a night of storytelling. We'll be featuring stories from our community, topping the night off with a special story from Jonathan Thompson. If you have a story, photo, or artwork inspired by this iconic wilderness, share it here. When: October 23rd from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m Where: The
Join us for one or two evenings of making wreaths to sell at our fundraiser "Christmas Tress for Conservation" tree lot. One of our local wreath-making experts will guide us on how to make beautiful wreaths. No experience necessary. All the supplies provided. November 14: 3pm - 7pm at the SJMA office, Sonoran Room (15
Join us for one or two evenings of making wreaths to sell at our fundraiser "Christmas Tress for Conservation" tree lot. One of our local wreath-making experts will guide us on how to make beautiful wreaths. No experience necessary. All the supplies provided. When: November 19: 3pm - 7pm Where: Commons Building (701 Camino Del
Support SJMA’s only annual fundraiser – Christmas Trees for Conservation! With your help, we improve forest health by cutting small ladder fuel trees in the National Forest and selling them as Christmas trees to raise money for our stewardship and education programs that take place year-round. Each winter, we need YOUR support to harvest white
One way to beat the darkness of this time of year is to get outside and enjoy it! While experiencing the alpine glow of the Twilight Peaks and the rise of the full moon, strap on your snowshoes and join SJMA staff for an 60-90 minute interpretive walk. Afterwards, take in the beauty of the
Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape
One way to beat the darkness of this time of year is to get outside and enjoy it! While experiencing the alpine glow of the Twilight Peaks and the rise of the full moon, strap on your snowshoes and join SJMA staff for an 60-90 minute interpretive walk. Afterwards, take in the beauty of the
Are you interested in connecting with the landscapes of Ouray? Do you desire more knowledge of the regional plants and animals that inhabit the San Juans? Or do you simply wish for a fun and engaging exploration that you can share with your family? Our winter exploration will reveal how a little sun can make
Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape
Join SJMA in a hiking/snowshoeing tour of the Corkscrew Gulch area to explore the nearby wetlands and forest communities in search of animal tracks and signs to decipher the mysterious stories of animal survival in winter. We will share some of the special stories of the animals that survive and thrive in winter amidst a
One way to beat the darkness of this time of year is to get outside and enjoy it! While experiencing the alpine glow of the Twilight Peaks and the rise of the full moon, strap on your snowshoes and join SJMA staff for an 60-90 minute interpretive walk. Afterwards, take in the beauty of the
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Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), promotes the exploration and protection of public lands in Southwest Colorado through stewardship and conservation education for people of all ages.
Cover photo credit: Mason Cummings
P.O. Box 2261 (mailing)
15 Burnett Court (physical)
Durango, CO 81302
970.385.1210
info@sjma.org
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