Membership

Donor Circles

ACES’ Donor Circles members are knowledgeable, powerful voices for the environment, both in the Roaring Fork Valley and across the nation. Donor Circles members donate $1,200 and above each year, and they see their investments making a tangible difference, shaping our future for generations to come. Donor Circles members enjoy special opportunities to meet with visiting environmental leaders and speakers, as well as priority registration to events and programs, and invitations to unique events and receptions. To further recognize their generosity, Donor Circles members are recognized in ACES’ Annual Report and on our donor wall at ACES’ Hallam Lake visitor center.

Donor Profiles

Hensley & James Peterson

“We believe ACES is making a profound and vital contribution to our community through creating environmental education, stewardship, and awareness of our natural world for the future of our planet.”

James and Hensley Peterson’s long history with ACES is something to celebrate. James joined the ACES Board of Trustees in 1994 and served as Board Chair for five years of his seven–year term. During this time, he was motivated to address ACES’ need for staff housing and began a successful capital campaign to raise funds for housing, including the Treehouse and Straw Bale structures at Hallam Lake and Naturalist housing at Hunter Creek. In 1999, he and the board completed a campaign for the acquisition of Rock Bottom Ranch. After retiring from the ACES board, James served as a founding board member on the ACES Endowment Fund.

Hensley, a talented book editor, joined the ACES Board of Trustees in 2000 and served on the executive committee for six years. During her time on the ACES board, Rock Bottom Ranch was conserved with Aspen Valley Land Trust and the Field Study Center was established. During this time, ACES also acquired a wilderness lodge which would become the Catto Center at Toklat. After retiring from the Board of Trustees, Hensley continued to be an advisor on the Toklat Council. James and Hensley are still actively involved as Donor Circles members.

Young Environmental Advocates (YEA)

ACES’ Young Environmental Advocates, also known as “YEA” members, represent the next generation of environmental leaders who are ready to take action when and where it’s needed most. For individuals between 18 and 30 years of age, ACES offers a special $25 membership level with the goal of creating opportunities for young people to deepen their connection to nature through events, workshops, and ACES’ annual speaker series. YEA members are invited to socialize and network at ACES’ programs and events, while building a knowledge base that enables them to address today’s environmental issues in an informed and engaged manner.

Alex Hager

“I’m a firm believer in the power of storytelling as a tool to learn about the world and bring people together. I first got involved with ACES by attending and volunteering at Potbelly Perspectives. It’s one of my favorite winter rituals – getting in a room with a bunch of like–minded folks who share a passion for the natural world and hearing stories from people who have gone on extraordinary journeys.”

Alex Hager moved to the Roaring Fork Valley last fall. He joined ACES as a YEA member in the winter of 2019 and volunteered at our winter speaker series, Potbelly Perspectives. In his free time, Alex loves hiking, practicing Spanish, and reading poetry. He supports ACES because it brings people together to celebrate the awesome power of the natural world.

For more information on ACES membership, please visit www.aspennature.org or contact Development Director, Christy Mahon, at 970.925.5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org.