ACES 2015 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

ACES is leading an education revolution to create an

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environmentally literate society.

CONTENTS Letter from the CEO..........................................4 About ACES..................................................................5 Trustees..............................................................................5 ACES Is... In Our Schools ...........................6 ACES Is... In Your Kitchen...........................8 ACES Is... On the Mountains................. 10 ACES Is... In Your Adventures..............12 ACES Is... In Our Forests.............................14 ACES Is... In Our Community................16 Financials........................................................................18 Our Energy...................................................................19 Our Donors................................................................20 Where We Work.................................................. 25 Staff..................................................................................... 26 Partners.......................................................................... 26

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LETTER FROM THE CEO Which ecosystem services are most critical to human survival?

How is forest health connected to economic health? What are the environmental and health implications of industrial farming? Should climate change be addressed through cap and trade, fee and dividend, or a carbon tax?

We’ve forged groundbreaking new science on forest health through our Forest Health Index, State of the Forest Report, and our one-of-a-kind Forest Forecast model, a sort of “Weather Channel” for Western forests, showing where tree species will exist in the future given varying climate change scenarios.

These are just a few examples of questions critical to our society’s wellbeing, and they are answered best by an ecologically literate citizenry.

Are you ecologically literate?

ACES continues to protect and restore habitats in our region. Through the Hunter-Smuggler Cooperative Plan, led by ACES, we are helping restore local forests and enhance wildlife habitat in portions of the 4,860-acre planning area. ACES also actively protects more than 550 acres of wild lands in the valley.

ACES works each day to teach and inspire citizens, students, policy makers, land managers, and tourists to integrate environmental science and ecological literacy into the fabric of their daily lives.

ACES has come a long way in 47 years and is now moving the needle on environmental education on a regional and even national level.

In the last year, ACES taught life, earth, and environmental sciences every day in regional schools to a total of 4,700 students, providing more than 2,700 in-school classes and 400 outdoor field programs.

ACES partners with 45 schools to help them meet state science standards and connect thousands of youth to the natural world.

At Rock Bottom Ranch, we have educated both youth and adults on how to grow food sustainably, highlighting replicable models of sustainable agriculture while providing local, healthy food for regional residents.

Through our programs, lectures, and events, we continue to incubate community leaders, promote civic engagement and public discourse, create an environmentally literate citizenry, and protect the natural environment.

As you can see, ACES is in our schools, in your kitchen, on the mountains, in your adventures, in our forests, and in our community.

We are also active on a state and national level helping raise the bar on environmental education.

I ask you to transcend the political fray and join us in building an environmentally literate society, capable of making the scientifically informed decisions critical to society’s prosperity and well-being.

Chris R. Lane Chief Executive Officer

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TRUSTEES

ABOUT ACES Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a non-profit environmental science education organization with four locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, the Catto Center at Toklat, and Spring Creek.

ACES Educators and Naturalists make more than 120,000 education contacts each year, building science literacy and a community of environmental stewards. Programs include guided hikes, environmental science lessons in schools and in the field, lectures, classes, and community events in the areas of: ecological literacy, sustainable agriculture, forest health, and ecosystem restoration.

ACES partners with land trusts, public agencies, government entities, and non-profits to steward the regional landscape. Projects include restoration and cooperative management on private lands under conservation easement, open space, and public lands.

Since 1968, ACES has been meeting its mission,“To inspire a life-long commitment to the Earth by educating for environmental responsibility, conserving and restoring the balance of natural communities, and advancing the ethic that the Earth must be respected and nurtured.�

ACES OUTREACH 1968 - 2015

Jeff Berkus, Chair Gretchen Bleiler Michael Carricarte David Corbin, Treasurer John Doerr Ryan Elston Cindy Kahn Reenie Kinney Melony Lewis Mirte Mallory, Vice-Chair Amy Margerum Kim Master Gina Murdock

2015: 121,500 contacts 120,000

Jerry Murdock Wally Obermeyer

100,000

Margot Pritzker

80,000

Contacts

Daniel Shaw 60,000

Rachel Sherman, Secretary

40,000

Maile Spung, Officer Tillie Walton

20,000

Alison Wente 2015

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ACES IS... IN OUR SCHOOLS School Programs in the Classroom and in the Field ACES Ed offers students from across the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado River corridor the opportunity to engage in hands-on exploration of local watershed ecology, sustainable agriculture practices, renewable energy sources, and a wide range of other environmental science topics.

The ACES Ed model is the only one of its kind in the country, providing full-time, standards-based science education in three public school classrooms, complemented by experiential field science programs at Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, Aspen Mountain, the Roaring Fork River, and several other outdoor learning sites.

ACES Ed provides critical life experiences that enhance academic success, ecological literacy, and health and well-being, through immersion in the magic of nature. Blending science, critical thinking skills, and creative expression, ACES Ed helps develop the knowledge and skills critical for future generations to find and implement solutions to today’s ecological and social problems.

In 2014-15, ACES Ed expanded its teaching staff to 11 full-time Educators, increasing classroom staffing in Basalt and Carbondale by 60 percent. Many of our Educators are licensed classroom teachers or have Spanish fluency, helping strengthen our diverse programs throughout the region.

Science is our mechanism to inspire wonder and

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In 2014-15, ACES Ed continued to create a comprehensive pre K-12 education program, expanding its middle school Science Explorer and Wild Words programs with the Roaring Fork School District.

ACES Ed also grew its high school and college credit programs with the Environmental Education and Sustainable Agriculture apprenticeship programs, as well as the first ever Aspen Youth Leadership Conference.

ACES Ed continues to value professional development and teacher training in environmental education and science. ACES Educators lead workshops and professional educator trainings for Colorado Mountain College, Kids First, Wildwood School, and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education.

appreciation of nature.

ACES ED by the NUMBERS

11 ACES Educators (10% increase) 180 school days 65,000 student contacts (5% increase)

45 schools (7% increase) 4,723 students (4% increase) 120 after-school lessons 2,700 in-school classes (35% increase) 400 field programs (14% increase)

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ACES IS... IN YOUR KITCHEN Sustainable Agriculture at Rock Bottom Ranch Worldwide, agriculture contributes more than 25 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions – more than every car, train, and plane on the planet.

America’s industrial processed food system often utilizes synthetic chemicals that may have human health implications. ACES continues to lead the way in addressing these environmental and health issues at its Rock Bottom Ranch (RBR) site.

RBR is western Colorado’s “school” for environmental science and ecology education centered around healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food. This 113-acre working ranch is also a nature preserve and environmental science learning center. It provides an outdoor classroom that accommodates over 50,000 educational contacts per year, 80 percent of which occur in local schools, and 20 percent occur on-site. For additional information, please visit page 6.

At RBR, ACES educates children and adults about sustainable agriculture practices that are scalable and replicable while allowing adjacent wildlife habitats and ecosystems to thrive alongside agricultural production.

RBR produces local food that is non-GMO, organic, pesticide-, hormone-, and synthetic chemical-free with a low carbon footprint. Through our multispecies rotational grazing system we are growing food in a manner that improves soil health, improves the land, and reduces natural resource and fossil fuel consumption. RBR livestock are ethically raised from an animal welfare standpoint (RBR operations are third-party certified as Animal Welfare Approved and Wildlife Friendly).

In 2014, RBR added two unheated hoop houses to extend the growing season. The mobile “Rolling Thunder” hoop house exposes soil to rain, UV light, and other elements that support soil health, while allowing us to protect different sections of the field throughout the growing season depending on the needs of each crop. A climate battery system and insulation in another house stores excess heat during the hottest part of the day for use later in the evening, extending the harvest season to more than ten months of the year - quite a feat in the Roaring Fork Valley!

In 2015, RBR is producing more than one hundred varieties of vegetables, 6,000 dozen eggs, 10,000 pounds of pork, 2,000 pounds of chicken, and more. RBR foods are now served by restaurants in Aspen and Carbondale, and are available to the community at both the Aspen Saturday Market and the Basalt Farmers’ Market.

In March, ACES won a bid for a three-acre parcel of the Glassier Open Space, located just down the road from RBR, in an ideally situated plot for producing vegetables and cut flowers. In the first year of managing this small parcel, most of the work will be cover cropping and preparing the soil for production in 2016.

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ROCK BOTTOM RANCH FOOD PRODUCTION

Goats Meat Chickens Sheep Pigs Meat Turkeys Laying Hens Ducks Rabbits Vegetable Varieties

2013 2014 2015 5 3 3 300 350 500 0 6 6 5 36 50 0 5 40 30 150 450 8 24 60 2 43 50 0 38 114

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While most Naturalists stay with ACES for only a year, the experience they get helps them as they move on in their careers. Since 1985 over 400 Naturalists have moved through this respected program. ACES Naturalists have gone on to meaningful careers as teachers, wildlife biologists, university professors, environmental lawyers, veterinarians, local and national non-profit directors, writers, sustainability experts, and more.

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ACES IS... ON THE MOUNTAINS Naturalists Educating at Aspen’s Most Inspiring Places In 2014, ACES Naturalists interacted with over thirty thousand visitors from all fifty states and at least twenty-five countries. These Naturalists greet and guide guests in the most beautiful and iconic places in our area, often making important first impressions on Aspen’s visitors.

ACES Naturalists are ambassadors for the Aspen area and we are honored to be trusted in this role by our partners, The US Forest Service, Aspen Skiing Company, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Ashcroft Ski Touring, and Snowmass Village. We are fortunate to have Naturalists that are energetic, positive, intelligent, and inspiring role models that shine a positive light on Aspen and on the importance of caring for our world.

ACES Naturalists provide the opportunity for visitors to interact more deeply with their surroundings, and to have authentic experiences. By knowing who and what lives where, how the weather affects the landscape, and environmental issues that our area faces, a visitor can more fully belong and be invested in the future of these special places.

Naturalist guides 22

42,250 total contacts $146,587 Naturalist Program earned income 2,250 total guide mileage

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ACES IS... IN YOUR ADVENTURES CLASSES AND CAMPS ACES’ Naturalist Field School has grown from a handful of naturalist courses for adults in the 1970s, to many seasons of bustling activities for all ages. Knowledgeable Naturalists and Educators inspire a sense of wonder through hands-on environmental learning experiences in more than 100 classes offered to the public each year. In these programs, explorers young and old build their understanding of environmental science and Aspen’s natural landscape.

Adult courses range from one-hour informational classes to in-depth courses offered for graduate credit and taught by visiting professors.

Topics range from tree identification, pollination, geology, mushrooms, and astronomy, to sustainable agriculture, writing, cooking skills, and nature photography.

Kids’ programs are offered for ages 4 to 14 and range from daylong classes to weeklong camps. Budding naturalists spend summers with ACES year after year! New classes this year include: Young Scientists, ACES Trekkers, Ranch Hands, Adventure Kids, Farm to Table, and ACES Adventure Week.

Each summer the ACES Environmental Education Apprenticeship trains juniors and seniors in high school to be future environmental educators through this hands-on program. Students gain experience as teaching assistants and through an immersion field study week with ACES’ Education Director.

Enhancing connection to the natural world and 12

40+ weeklong kids’ classes at Hallam Lake 20+ weeklong kids’ classes at Rock Bottom Ranch 1,100+ participants $190,000 earned income 5 classes offered for graduate credit program offerings for families, kids, teens, and adults 100+

enthusiasm for exploration.

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From the local to the national level, media outlets look to ACES as forest experts. Our discussions on the state of America’s forests have been featured in USA Today, on Grist.org, and on NPR’s On Point live radio broadcast. Our Forest Forecasts project was featured in the Aspen Ideas Festival, and both the Denver Business Journal and 5280 magazine covered the Forest Health Index. We are also in the process of implementing a science standards-based forest health curriculum in our K-4 ACES Ed program.

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ACES IS... IN OUR FORESTS Forest Health in the Face of Changing Climate ACES’ For the Forest (FTF) program produces groundbreaking scientific research and actively restores our forest landscapes. Dramatic changes to our forests will likely continue as climate change predicted for the 21st century unfolds.

ACES’ forest program is taking steps to promote management towards resilient, thriving forests.

Hunter-Smuggler Cooperative Plan: In April 2014, the US Forest Service formally approved this 20-year stewardship plan for 4,861 acres of federal land adjacent to Aspen. ACES now leads an implementation team that identifies projects for the upcoming field season. In September 2014, restoration work began on five areas of lodgepole pine forest on Smuggler Mountain. By encouraging new growth in otherwise even-aged stands, our forest can better defend itself against insect and disease infestations, while simultaneously providing more robust wildlife habitat.

Forest Health Index and State of the Forest Report: The second annual Forest Health Index for the Roaring Fork Watershed was released in January 2015 with an overall score of 82 (a four point improvement). The inaugural iteration of the accompanying State of the Forest Report reached an audience of tens of thousands, to critical acclaim. In addition to updating existing indicators, we added more in-depth studies of streamflow and snowpack. The City of Aspen has formally adopted the Index as the ecological health metric for their Sustainability Dashboard, and ACES co-authored an academic paper on the science behind the Index that will be published in the Journal of Forestry. www.foresthealthindex.org Forest Forecasts Model: In partnership with the University of Arizona, ACES has developed a revolutionary model that utilizes millions of species occurrence records and the most cutting-edge climate models to produce a high resolution picture of our future forests. The model includes current and future species distributions of 100 Western tree species under both best- and worstcase climate change scenarios. We are also producing 3D movies illustrating how communities will actually look as our forests change under varying climate scenarios. www.forestforecasts.org

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ACES IS...

IN OUR COMMUNITY Tomorrow’s Voices: Ecological Citizenship for High School Students ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices program cultivates critical thinking, responsible citizenship, and ethical leadership in high school students of the Roaring Fork Valley. With a focus on social justice and environmental stewardship, Tomorrow’s Voices comes at a critical time when teens need actionoriented, issues-based investigation through which to understand their place in the world and become active members of their community.

Tomorrow’s Voices has been inspiring teenagers to find their voices for more than ten years. In 2013, Tomorrow’s Voices merged with ACES to continue building an integrated pre-K to college curriculum.

Students receive both college and high school credit in these semester-long courses, navigating complex conversations and readings that ultimately lead to action and leadership around vital topics like environmental sustainability, social justice, and civic responsibility. It is this foundation that empowers students to be agents of change in their community, harnessing their passion and enthusiasm into leadership and service just before college.

2000 3,400

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Tomorrow’s Voices Founded

Hours of Civics & Environmental Education Per Year High Schools Represented:

Roaring Fork, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Yampah, Bridges, & Colorado Rocky Mountain School

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STUDENT TESTIMONIAL

RUBY LANG “From my first moment in Tomorrow’s Voices, I was entranced by the in-depth discussions.

The class helped me find not only who I wanted to be, but how to get there. The program inspired me to make a difference in my community and I have successfully worked to get my high school to be 100% solar powered, as well as started my own awareness project called Stay Wild, to inform people about the cruelty of captivity for dolphins.

ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices class has shaped who I am as a student and activist and has inspired me to change the world.” Ruby Lang, Roaring Fork High School ‘15

EVENTS

Farm to Table series Join us throughout the growing season for elegant, locally sourced meals at Rock Bottom Ranch. Tour the property learning about our region’s community of farmers and ranchers, then dine beneath the open air barn.

IN MEMORIAM:

WILLARD CLAPPER For over 25 years, Willard Clapper was an exemplary teacher with the Aspen School District. After formally retiring from the Aspen Schools in 2001, Willard continued to inspire and sculpt the youth of our community through founding the Tomorrow’s Voices program (with AO Forbes) for local high school students. The class provides students the opportunity to explore critical social and environmental issues, and Willard’s teaching inspired students to take action and roles of leadership in their community. This is perhaps the greatest service anyone can offer to shape the future of their community.

Fall Colors Potluck This September event at the Catto Center at Toklat honors the legacy of Stewart Mace, a founding trustee of ACES. Gather around the fire with an instrument and enjoy the autumn beauty of the Castle Creek Valley.

Jessica Catto Dialogues

Potbelly Perspectives lecture series

Naturalist Nights lecture series

Harvest Party at Rock Bottom Ranch

Founded in memory of Jessica Hobby Catto, and inaugurated by Bill McKibben, this series brings environmental luminaries to Aspen to inspire our community. In June 2014 ACES hosted Craig McNamara, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, and in August 2014 ACES featured famed wilderness author, Rick Bass.

January through March on Wednesday nights at Hallam Lake enjoy exciting slide show presentations by members of your community. Topics include travel, adventure, culture, volunteerism, mountaineering, and more.

January through March on Thursday nights at Hallam Lake (and Wednesday nights at the Third Street Center in Carbondale) hear from experts on topics ranging from wildlife biology to atmospheric science to environmental advocacy, and more.

Celebrate the harvest season at RBR in October.

This midvalley event includes live music, ranch games, pumpkin carving, a silent auction, and more.

Proceeds support environmental science programs for regional schools.

Picnic on the Preserve

Raptor Fair

Evening on the Lake

This June event brings together ACES’ membership at the Hallam Lake nature preserve to enjoy live music, a catered dinner, and libations. A true community celebration and kick-off to the summer season!

This July event features birds of prey, live and in person! Bird enthusiasts of all ages flock to this annual event to meet eagles, hawks, owls, and raptors of all kinds.

This July benefit is one of a kind. Dine on the banks of Hallam Lake beneath graceful trees while enjoying a delicious and locally grown meal. This evening supports environmental science education.

ACES brings together people of all ages to learn about the natural world and celebrate community.

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FINANCIALS REVENUE Other Income 7%

EXPENSES Investment Income <1%

Management & General Expenses 14%

Fundraising Expenses 9%

Admissions & Tuition 17%

Membership 4%

Total Program Expenses 77% Endowment 11% Contributions 54% Grants 7%

Revenue & Other Support Contributions Grants Endowment Capital Membership Income Admissions & Tuition Other Income Investment Income Total Expenses and Losses

2014

$1,711,453 $208,000 $346,000 $0 $128,528 $513,677 $126,389 $2,213 $3,036,260 2014

2013 $1,065,211 $180,500 $320,550 $136,540 $119,599 $397,473 $69,288 $1,095 $2,290,256 2013

Program Expenses: Educational Expenses $1,731,617 $1,688,392 Total Program Expenses $1,731,617 $1,688,392 Supporting Service Expenses: Management & General Expenses $324,540 $269,847 Fundraising Expenses $205,309 $160,267 Total Supporting Service Expenses $529,849 $430,114 Total Expenses and Losses $2,261,466 $2,118,506 Excess of Revenue Over Expenses $774,794 $171,750

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2012 $1,279,454 $282,500 $236,000 $526,100 $81,340 $362,409 $21,886 $1,099 $2,790,788 2012 $1,478,852 $1,478,852 $256,934 $164,462 $421,396 $1,900,248 $890,540

Assets

2014 2013

2012

Cash & Cash Equivalents $2,523,408 $1,809,756 $1,368,000 Accounts Receivable $0

$10,500 $2,885 Grants Receivable $35,000

$19,818 $10,000 Pledges Receivable $705,989 $565,311 $802,206 Inventory $7,041

$4,639 $3,127 Land, Building & Equipment (Net) $6,975,781 $6,984,689 $7,028,090 Total Assets $10,247,209 $9,394,713 $9,214,308

Liabilities & Net Assets Liabilities 2014 2013 2012

Accounts Payable $169,728

$3,003 $5,678 Accrued Expenses $0

$84,643 $66,291 Note Payable $0

$0 $7,022 Total Liabilities $169,728

$87,646 $78,991

Net Assets 2014 2013 2012 Unrestricted Net Assets (Undesignated) Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Permanently Restricted Net Assets Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets

$4,888,628 $1,238,853 $3,950,000 $10,077,481 $10,247,209

$4,237,534 $1,119,533 $3,950,000 $9,307,067 $9,394,713

$3,997,685 $1,187,632 $3,950,000 $9,135,317 $9,214,308

FINANCIALS

OUR ENERGY ACES’ NET CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS IN METRIC TONS

REVENUE & EXPENSES $3M

160 140

$2.5M

120

$2M

100

$1.5M

80

$1M

60 40

$500 $0

20 ‘07 – ‘08 ‘08 – ‘09 ‘09 – ‘10 ‘10 – ‘11 ‘11 – ‘12 Revenue

‘12 – ‘13

‘13 – ‘14

0

2007

Gasoline

Expenses

The 2013/14 fiscal year ended with $3,036,260 in total revenue, approximately a 30% increase from the previous year. Much of this income growth was a result of increased donor contributions and pledges, growth in program earned income, and expanded educational events, such as the Evening on the Lake fundraiser and Farm to Table dinners.

Total expenses of $2,261,466 increased by less than 10% from the previous year, resulting in net income of almost $775,000. This strong financial performance has allowed ACES to sustainably and strategically plan for much-needed facility improvements and to offer additional environmental education programs to children and adults throughout western Colorado.

The financial statements of ACES were audited by Reese Henry & Company, Inc. A copy of the complete Independent Accountant’s Review Report is available upon request.

2008

2009

2010

Propane

2011

2012

2013

Natural Gas

2014

Electric

ACES’ goal is to offset as much energy as we use by 2018. In 2014, Hallam Lake trended to lower greenhouse gas emissions due to efficiency measures and a lower Holy Cross Energy carbon factor.

Rock Bottom Ranch trended to higher energy use due to increases in agricultural production. Future plans for solar energy at Rock Bottom Ranch will address this growth.

2014 SOURCE Electricity

USAGE

UNITS

COST

MMBTU

101,104

KWH

$11,714

344.97

CO2* 73

Fuel

1,675

Gallons

$7,003

192.63

14.89

Nat Gas

2,419

Therms

$ 3,255

241.90

12.10

Propane

2,817

Gallons

Total

$7,223

258.10

16.28

$29,195

1,037.59

116.27

*CO2 measured in metric tons

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DONOR CIRCLES

OUR DONORS

ACES’ Donor Circles members are individuals and families that support ACES programming through significant gifts of $1,200 or more. Throughout the year, ACES’ Donor Circles members are invited to unique dinners at ACES sites, private receptions with visiting scientists and speakers, and special Naturalist-led hikes and adventures.

Join today at aspennature.org, by calling 970.925.5756, or by emailing Development Director, Christy Mahon, at cmahon@aspennature.org.

We would like to recognize the following individuals, businesses, organizations, and families for their extraordinary support between November 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014.

Chairman’s Circle ($50,000 and above) Anonymous John and Ann Doerr Laurence and Lori Fink Adam and Melony Lewis Jerry and Gina Murdock Robert Pew The Walton Family Foundation

Restorer’s Circle ($25,000 - $49,999) Dawn Arnall Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Barron Suzanne Farver and Clint VanZee Daniel and Margaret Loeb Malott Family Foundation Thomas and Margot Pritzker Lynda and Stewart Resnick Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw

Benefactor ($10,000 - $24,999) Anonymous (3) Dr. and Mrs. Archer Bishop Jr. Thompson Bishop John and Jackie Bucksbaum Bill and Jess Budinger Michael and Natalie Carricarte Center for Living Peace Foundation City of Aspen Community Office for Resource Efficiency The Environment Foundation Pat Goudvis Ellen and Bill Hunt The John Denver Aspenglow Fund Linda Lay Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund Amy Margerum Berg and Gilchrist Berg Christopher and Becky Steere Mr. and Mrs. S. Robson Walton Water Accountability Fund

Innovator ($5,000 - $9,999) Anonymous Basalt Education Foundation Mr. Edward P. Bass Jeff and Becky Berkus Sarah Challinor Chevy and Jayni Chase Charlie Cole Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Cotsen Gary and Sylvie Crum Eagle Couny Commissioners Leo and Marcy Edelstein Jamie and Bush Helzberg Louise and Phil Hoversten Michael and Carol Hundert Robert and Soledad Hurst Ms. Shana B. Johnstone Allison and Warren Kanders Mr. Jonathan Lewis Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners The Rodel Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schermer Rachel and Tony Sherman Mary and David Solomon Donna and Ron Thompson Town of Basalt Selim K. Zilkha And Mary Hayley Paula Zurcher

Advocate ($2,500 - $4,999) Ms. Sharon Bistline David Corbin Eric and April Cotsen Susan Crown and William Kunkler Mr. and Mrs. Andy DiSabatino Laura Donnelley Lauren and Ryan Elston Ronda Ferber

Michael and Robin Fox Anna and Matt Freedman Mary and Jim Griffith Bill and Lelia Harriman Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hite Reenie Kinney and Scott Hicks Michele and Jack Lafield Mr. Leonard A. Lauder Willem and Lisa Mesdag Maria Millares Mr. and Mrs. Werner Neuman Chad and Ilona Oppenheim Norman and Melinda Payson Bob Purvis Betsy Rockett Mr. and Mrs. David T. Schiff The Schuster Family Foundation Town of Snowmass Village

Steward ($1,200 - $2,499) R. Malcolm Brown Galen Bright and Lucy Tremols Sarah Broughton and John Rowland Sam Brown and Alison Teal Kenton and Donna Bruice Keith and Emily Bryant Adam and Mary Cherry Sally Cole Mrs. Carol Craig Anthony Dilucia George and Susan Fesus Alan and Diane Franco Lynn Nichols and Jim Gilchrist Wally and Kristen Graham Michelle and Perry Griffith Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone Cindy Kahn and Steve Marker Gary and Laura Lauder Rebecca and Doug Leibinger Ms. Toby D. Lewis Nancy and Larry Master Barbara and John Patrick McMahon Craig McNamara The McQuown Family Beth and Josh Mondry Steve and Linda Monosson Marcie and Robert Musser Hensley and James Peterson Carol Racine Mark and Lorraine Schapiro Carole and Gordon Segal

Bruce and Nancy Stevens Mr. Bill Stirling Curt Strand Bob and Ruth Wade Jay and Patty Webster Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woods Buzz and Alison Zaino

Black Bear ($600 - $1,199) Anonymous (3) Tyler and Caroline Alkire Lisa and George Baker Dr. & Mrs. Michael Berkeley Sallie and Thomas Bernard Allison and Randall Bone Ginny and Charles Brewer Jeff Brigham and Wendy MacPhail-Brigham Carolyn Bucksbaum Dr. Tara Carson John and Julie Case Clarissa H. and Henry T. Chandler Tom and Megan Clark Ms. Marcia Corbin Margaret Culver Germaine and Al Dietsch Maja and Nicholas DuBrul Preston and Michelle Fox Barbara Fretz Carolee Friedlandar Ashley Friedman Penny Atzet and Mark Fuller Michael Goldberg Andy and Denise Goldfarb Emily Gordon-Harvier and Alex Harvier Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Greenberg Andrew Hauptman Juliane M. Heyman Lisa and Sam Houston Clark and Tavia Hunt Barbara Reid and David Hyman Rusty and John Jaggers Matt and Jessica Jay Mike and Laura Kaplan Martin Kohout Emily Kolbe and Gilbert Thiel Vanderaa III Mr. & Mrs. Tom McCloskey Sarah Meserve Constance Hoguet Neel and Richard Neel David Newberger

Helen Ward and Walter R. Obermeyer Jim Patterson Ken and Emily Ransford Margaret and Dwayne Romero Kate Ryan Scott Martin and Katherine Sand Judith Scherer Darlene and Jerome Schwoerer Deborah and John Scott Phyllis and David Scruggs Suzanne Sennatt Ryan and Anda Smalls Colter Smith Ellie Spence Robert and Gillian Steel Angus and Karen Swainson Tamara Tormohlen and Marc Breslin Cheryl Towning Barbara Trueman Linda and Dennis Vaughn Robert and Jill Wagner Howard and Anne Weir Julie and James Young

Bighorn Sheep ($300 - $599) Anonymous (4) Duane and Sherry Abbott Harry and Karen Andrews Aspen Allergy Conference Mr. Bruce Berger Mr. and Mrs. Irwin J. Blitt Mel and Paulette Blumenthal John and Liz Bokram Al Beyer and Ruthie Brown Clint and Nancy Carlson Ruth and Martin Carver David and Katherin Chase Lisa Chiles Kathy Crowe Mrs. Marian Lyeth Davis Andrew DePaul Jan and Joel Dembinsky Mary Dominick and Sven Coomer Carol Duell Mr. and Mrs. Llwyd E. Ecclestone Jr. Gregory and Anita Erwin Mrs. M. Joan Farver

11%

21% 61% 7%

Earned $642,279

21%

Grants $208,000 7% Individuals/Foundations $1,839,981

61%

Endowment $346,000 11% TOTAL $3,036,260

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OUR DONORS Jerry and Nanette Finger Kathy and David Finholm Sara Finkle First Giving Heather and Louis Fouts Elizabeth Sargent and Tomas Franceschi Kristina Fraser Mr. & Mrs. Owen O. Freeman Jr. Marc and Karen Friedberg Alison Friedman Sharon Geaghan Bill and Marilyn Getz Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Greenberg Ruth Grinspoon Beth Haga Thomas Hall Lillian S. Hardy Kristen Henry Rebecca Henry David and Lisa Hoener Jefferson and Karen Hughes Carol Hundert Matt and Breckie Hunt Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jelinek Janet Johnson Kevin Messerschmidt & Denise Jurgens Lisa KaneJung The Kanipe Family Jaqueline and Chad Kaplan Kristan and Heather Kaplinski Jenny and Justin Kennedy Chris and Diana Lane Francine and Tag Liebel Peter Looram Paula and Monty Loud Judy Hill and Amory Lovins Christy and Ted Mahon Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys Pete McBride Elizabeth and Kent Meager Gail and Alec Merriam Deborah Musika Neil-Garing Agency, Inc. Herb and Dianne Newman John and Nell Otto John Liu and Barbara Page Andrew Pargellis and Sandi Nash Molly and Jon Peacock Roberta and Samuel Pepkowitz Frank Peters and Marjory Musgrave Ali and David Phillips Karthik Ramaswamy Barbara Reid and David Hyman

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The Reiley Family Roaring Fork Audubon Society Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Robinson Will Roush Amy Maron and Robert S. Rugile Debra and Dennis Scholl Mr. & Mrs. W. Ford Schumann Mr. & Mrs. Alan Schwartz Mrs. Mary Hugh Scott Richard and Sarah Shaw Jason and Sarah Smith Michelle and Kenneth Stiller Laura Stover Natasha and Clifford Stowe Paul and Katie Viola Jeanne and John Walker Kay and Robert Watson Doug and Lynda Weiser Susan Welsch Alison and Jonathan Wente Elizabeth Wills Steven Wolff Kent and Karen Woodard Jennifer Woodward Mary and Bob Wooten Young Presidentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Aspen Chapter Heidi Zuckerman

Cutthroat Trout ($100 - $299) Ashley and John Adams B.J. and Michael Adams Sandra Adreon James Arnott and Melanie Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Evelyn All Trips Destination Protection Program Aspen Allergy Conference Rebecca T. Ayres Sarah Barclay Jack and Diane Barlow Cara and Robert Barnes Buddy and Connie Bates Erin Becker Susan Beckerman John and Mary Ann Beckley Nancy Beckwith David Cook and Christine Benedetti Drs. Paula and William Bernstein Stephen and Carla Berry Michael and Wendy Blakeslee William and Barbara Bleeker Rita Bloom John and Shelley Bogaert Corinne Bradley

Barbara Brett The Scheer/Brown Family Mrs. Robin Buchalter Mr. and Mrs. James Bulkley Robin Bullington Patricia C. and Neil C. Burlingame Ruthie and Gene Burrus Heidi and Jim Ingram Jennifer Butler Gary and Lynne Caletti Robert Camp Richard and Nancy Carrigan Mr. & Mrs. Philip Carter Jamie Carter-Horn Toni Case Jennifer Causing and Peter Waanders Devan Chandler David and Katherin Chase Steve and Molly Child Susan Philp and Lance Clarke Ned and Jan Cochran Shere Coleman and Paul Gray Barbara Conviser Christine Cooper John and Susan Cottle Stacey Craft Erin Craig Thomas and Lucy Creighton Candace Cross Jennifer Crossett and Shawn Murry Casy Machado and Sean Cumberlige Ms. Pam Cunningham Charles Curtis Catherine Cussaguet Dan Daly Sandy Simpson and Don Davidson Fred and Frances Davies Regina and Robert de Wetter Mr. Dan DeWolfe Julia and Allen Domingos Marsha and David Dowler Peter and Isabel Driscoll Gigi Durand Mrs. Charles B. Edison Mrs. Peggy L. Egertson Shelley Emerick Robert Ephlin Kristin Ericson Gerald and Sandra Eskin Ms. Mary Katharine Etheridge Joan Fabry Melvin and Theba Feldman James Finch

Donald Fleisher and Audrey Sattler Gina Berko and David Fleisher Kate Flynn Ted and Marlene Forke Melissa and Tad Foster Edmund Frank Mr. & Mrs. Robert Freimuth Ms. Dorothy Frommer Ricki and Peter Fuchs Benjamin Funk Ms. Carol Gault Nancy and Wolf Gensch Catherine Gildor Elizabeth Gile and Dave Ratcliff Randy Gold and Dawn Shepard Gary and Barbara Goldstein Carol and Ronald Gonsky Shere Coleman and Paul Gray Kate and Chris Greenman Hawk Greenway and Shelley Supplee Robert Grundy and Paula Johnson Austa and John Guarascio Valerie Gunsalus Arjun Gupta Jan Clough and Ara Guzelimian Mr. Jim Hallock Matthew Hamilton Becky Hellbaum and Fred Hartmeister Mrs. Mary Hayes Jamin Heady-Smith Trautlinde Heater Hetta Heath Andy and Jody Hecht Alexander Hehmeyer Sue and Bob Helm Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Casady Henry Alex and Lesley Hill Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Hill III Preston H. Hill Mrs. Mary Hirsch Tom and Maureen Hirsch Cynthia Hirschfeld Ms. Ann Hodges Ned S. Holmes Phil and Gail Holstein Elizabeth Holtze Mark Horoszowski Lisa and Sam Houston Bobbi-Ann Houtsma Alison Howell Christy and Nathan Hunter Riley, JP and Ellis Hutchens

Margaret Idema Rob Ittner Susan Jackson Wesley Smith Chonnie and Paul Jacobson Laura James Jim and Jane Jenkins Kristofer and Dori Johnson Peter and Sandy Johnson Madelyn Jones Robert Brinker and Pam Joseph Natalie Kahla Sandy and George Kahle Lisa Kantor Tracy and Brian Kapiloff The Karlinski Family Jane and Gerald Katcher Deb Jones and John Katzenberger Patrick and Donna Keelty John and Linda Keleher Karla and Jon Kelly Lolly Kelly Phil and Meg Kendall Alex and Scott Kendrick Jack Kennedy Michael and Julie Kennedy Mr. Albert Kern Mary Jo Kimbrough and Jim Harrison Marianne and Richard Kipper Jim Kirschvink and Martha Moran Liza and Jake Klearman Marcia Kneiper Diana Tomback and Jim Knowles Julie Kolar Emily Kolbe and Gilbert Thiel Vanderaa III Suzanne Kosnitzky Judy Kravitz Dr. and Mrs. Tom Kurt Kirsten and Alan Langohr Megan Larsen Denise Latousek Erica Laughlin Julie Leaf Tom and Leslie Leddy Elizabeth Lewis Victor and Darlene Liss Cristal and Mark Logan Jennifer and Mark Lotke Mr. Thomas Lovejoy Jill and Clay Lowery Leslie Lamont & Lance Luckett Jeanne Mackowski and Len Zanni The Mallory Family

Dr. & Mrs. David Manchester Katharine Mann David and Samantha Mann Jacqui Matthews Sarah and Bryan Mazlish John and Sunni McBride Tita Caspar and Dan McCarty Mr. & Mrs. Timothy McFlynn Elizabeth and Graeme Means Barbara Menendez Jeanette Darnauer and Rob Merritt David and Fredericka Middleton Ms. Elsa R. Mitchell Beth and Rob Mobilian Dick Moebius Diane Moore Angela Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Morrow Brittany Moss Janie Rich and Scott Munro Bernie and Donna Mysior Anna Naeser and Gerald Terwilliger Alan Quasha and Ilona Nemeth-Quasha Travis Newcomb Liz and George Newman Kerry and Ricki Newman Rick and Virginia Newton Audra Nicholson Donald and Judy Norris The O’Hagan Family Erin O’Keefe Bette Oakes Karin Offield Chuck and Meredith Ogilby Ruth Owens Christina Pagano Jean and Allen Parelman Ms. Virginia M. Parker Brandi Parsley Daniel Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Patterson Fred and Sandra Peirce Steven and Barbara Percy Sarah Pesikoff Avilla Peterson Lori and Tom Pevny Mr. & Mrs. John Phillips Vanessa Piampiano Kathy Pitner and Robert Leatherman Lucian Platt Catherine Porter and James Fuller Maureen and Greg Poschman Dale and Sally Potvin

Jennifer Preece Courtney and Tim Presutti Steve and Missy Prudden Gloria Pryzant Roger Pulwarty Susan and Kenneth Quintenz Bob and Gabrielle Rafelson Elise and Jack Resneck Robert and Myra Rich Eric Ringsby Richard and Pam Rosenfeld Polly Ross Philip Rothblum John and Susan Rothchild Sarah and Adam Roy Joanne Rubinoff Gunnar Sachs Loren Sackett Lynda and Rick Sauer Auden Schendler and Ellen Freedman Cheryl Schmidt Anneke Scholten and Cleve Johnson Karen Schroyer Carole and Dave Schuller Merlin and Gail Schulze Gail Schwartz James Scull Peter and Ginette Sebenaler

Jeannie and John Seybold Susan T. and Maziar Shams Bill and Pat Sharp Megan Shean Vincent S. and Susanne E. Shimp Carolyn and John Shurman Juggy Sihota Margaret and Mike Simmons Beth Slater Ms. Len D. Slusser Wendy and David Smith Scott and Caitlin Sonia Gary Sorensen Allison and Mike Spayd Lorraine and Pat Spector Rick and Beth Spieler Maile and Carson Spung Juliet Spurrier Tyler Stableford Steve and Sandy Stay Elisabeth Steel John and Gertrude Steel Mike and Kit Strang Dr. and Mrs. Lubert Stryer Elaine and Severin Swanson Larry Talley Harry and Karin Teague Lois and Doug Teegarden

“ACES brings wonder and joy to our children through ACES Ed, ​field trips​,​and camps allowing them to consciously connect with, appreciate,​and become advocates for the amazing natural resources that they are surrounded by.” ­— Alex and Scott Kendrick

A S P E N C E N T E R F O R E N V I R O N M E N TA L S T U D I E S | W W W. A S P E N N AT U R E . O R G

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Ms. Mimi Teschner Scott and Laurel Tesoro Tamara Tormohlen The Thomas Family Drs. Nancy Thomas & Roger Davis Helen Tieber Annie and Mike Tierney Riley Tippet Mary Ann Tittle Anne and William Tobey Marie Torreano Christian and Susan Touchette Jean Townsend Julianne Tran Lea Tucker Paula and Bill Turner Anne and Mark Uhlfelder Marykate Valentine Mark and Katie Van Alstine Margaret Van Ert Paulina Vander Noordaa & Dick Jackson Tamara and Zoltan Varga Chuck and Linda Vidal Mrs. Marguerite Villasanta

Anna Walker-Arlein Mary Ann and Ted Wallace Tom and Donna Ward Trevor Washko Aimee and Stuart Way Gayle and Richard Wells Mimi Wheeler Cinder White Jillian White Tim and Jacque Whitsitt Hans Widmer Everett J Wiehe Beth and Pierre Wille Dexter Williams Leslie Wilson Mary and Hugh Wise The Wohlstadter Family Rick and Jill Woolworth Christopher Wright Brad Yule George and Nancy Lazar Mr. & Mrs. Joe Zanin Robert Zupancis and Deb Stein

ELIZABETH PAEPCKE SOCIETY Donors may play a significant role in securing the future of ACES by including ACES in their wills. Individuals who have made a planned gift to ACES are welcomed to the Elizabeth Paepcke Society that recognizes these foresighted donors whose gifts will extend beyond their lifetimes.

Recognition in the ACES Annual Report is a benefit of Cutthroat Trout membership and above.

CORPORATE SPONSORS

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Leader ($10,000 and up) Aspen Sports

Innovator ($5,000 - $9,999) Alpine Bank Aspen Sojourner The Aspen Times Bethel Rentals Elumenate Inc. Filson First Bank Fred Phillips Consulting Halcyon Productions Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel The Glenwood Springs Post Independent Related Colorado Signature Flight Support SMOKE Modern Barbeque Specialty Sports Venture The Thrift Shop Viceroy

Advocate ($2,500 - $4,999) Gold Leaf Design Kissane Viola Design New Belgium Brewing Company

Steward ($1,200 - $2,499) Aspen Daily News Blazing Adventures DMH Design Jeffery Berkus Architects Reese Henry and Company ZGtec

Partner ($600 - $1,199) Alchemy Aspen Associates Realty Group Aspen Brewing Company Aspen Square Bethel Party Rentals Crystal River Meats Different Indeed Gorsuch Ken Ransford, P.C. KSPN Of Grape & Grain Mountain Chalet Aspen Stirling Peak Properties Two Leaves and a Bud Whole Foods Market Roaring Fork

Donors interested in making a planned gift may contact ACESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Development Director, Christy Mahon, at 970.925.5756 or cmahon@aspennature.org.

WHERE WE WORK ASPEN AREA Aspen Elementary School Aspen Community School Aspen Country Day School Aspen Middle School Aspen High School Buddy Program Early Learning Center Little Red School House Wildwood School Mare’s Playgroup Kids First Cottage Pre School Maroon Lake Castle Creek Valley Hunter Creek Aspen Mountain Weller Lake Lost Man Linkins Lake Red Butte Buttermilk Snowmass Nature Trail Ghost Town of Ashcroft American Lake Cathedral Lake Crater Lake Snowmass Rabbit Run Aspen Meadows Trail Catto Center at Toklat Hallam Lake East of Aspen North Ranch BASALT AREA Basalt Elementary School Basalt High School Basalt Middle School Basalt Library Blue Lake Pre School Cornerstone Christian Academy Rock Bottom Ranch Spring Creek Woods Easement

INTERST ATE

EAGLE

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

RIFLE

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BASALT

CARBONDALE

82 133

ASPEN

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MARBLE 133

PAONIA

CARBONDALE AREA Roaring Fork High School Crystal River Elementary School Bridges High School Carbondale Community School Carbondale Middle School Colorado Mountain College Colorado Rocky Mountain School Ross Montessori School Waldorf School

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA Sopris Elementary School Elk Creek Elementary School Glenwood Springs Elementary School Glenwood Springs Middle School Glenwood Springs High School St. Stephen’s School Yampah Mountain High School MARBLE AREA Marble Charter Elementary School

RIFLE / NEW CASTLE AREA Elk Creek Elementary School Highland Elementary School Kathryn Senor Elementary School Rifle Middle School Roymoore Elementary School Graham Mesa Elementary School PAONIA AREA Paonia Elementary School EAGLE AREA Brush Creek Elementary

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ACES SENIOR STAFF

Chris R. Lane

Jim Kravitz

Jamie Cundiff

Anda Rojs Smalls

Arin Trook

Chief Executive Officer

Naturalist Programs Director

Forest Programs Director

Naturalist Field School Director

Education Director

Christy Mahon

Jason Smith

Katie Schwoerer

Olivia Siegel

Rock Bottom Ranch Director

Finance and Human Resources Director

Community Outreach Director

Development Director

Eliza Greenman Marketing Director

ACES PARTNERS CRYSTAL RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Our world is shaped by people.

People are shaped by education.

Educate for the world you want.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Aspen, CO 81612 Permit No. 43

100 Puppy Smith Street Aspen, CO 81611

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