ACES 2016 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

This is

what we do

22

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Letter from the CEO

12 Naturalist Field School

20 Financials

5 About ACES & Trustees

14 Forest Health

21 Energy

6 ACES Ed

16 Catto Center at Toklat

22 Donors

8 Sustainable Agriculture

17 Tomorrow’s Voices

27 ACES’ Reach

10 Naturalist Program

18 Events

28 Staff and Partnerships

ACES is leading an education revolution to create an environmentally literate society.

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LETTER FROM THE CEO: FOOD, FIRE AND THE FOREFRONT OF ECOLOGICAL CITIZENSHIP Who would have thought that an environmental non-profit organization would be growing beef, pork and vegetables; burning and cutting down trees; and cultivating ethical student leadership?

FOOD When I-70 closed for a week this year due to a rockslide, it didn’t take long for Roaring Fork Valley residents to realize just how precarious our food system is since only one road connects our grocery stores to the outside world.

In a world where up to 30 percent of carbon emissions are derived from agriculture-related activities and where industrial agriculture is one of the leading causes of water pollution, ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch is on the forefront of the sustainable food movement. Beyond organic, this is food grown mere meters away from where it is being harvested and eaten. Vegetables are grown without synthetic chemicals in year-round season extension structures that have net zero energy consumption. Pasture raised animals integrate into the local ecology, providing ecosystem services through our multi-species rotational grazing system.

This year, the Ranch was the first in Colorado and one of only a few in the country to receive the Wildlife Friendly certification in addition to our Animal Welfare certification.

At the Ranch, ACES teaches thousands of children and adults alike that food is not something that comes from a grocery store, but from an ecosystem that must be protected. ACES provides replicable, scalable models of sustainable agriculture while producing 30,000 pounds of local meats and vegetables annually for residents (See details on page 8).

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FIRE Here in the “wild, wild, west,” where naturally occurring wild fire has been stamped out by humans for the last hundred years, one of the most ecologically beneficial things land managers can do is conduct prescribed burns.

This year, ACES partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Aspen, and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails to conduct a 900-acre prescribed fire in Hunter Creek valley. This controlled, lowintensity burn of gambel oak and aspen stimulates new vegetative growth, reduces buildup of hazardous fuels, and enhances wildlife habitat, resulting in a more diverse, resilient forest. This decreases the chance of catastrophic wildfires, which pose a significant risk to the Aspen area. This is groundbreaking work for an environmental organization, and ACES is leading the way (See details on page 14).

ECOLOGICAL CITIZENSHIP Issues like climate change or water pollution are more than mere environmental issues, they are also human rights issues. Addressing issues like these requires more than environmental science education, it requires human action.

ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices is a university-level class offered to local high school students. The class develops ethical student leaders in our community by exploring issues such as environmental justice, activism, animal rights, land stewardship, and politics. These young adults will change the world for the better (See details on page 17).

Through our programs, lectures, and events, we continue to incubate community leaders, promote civic engagement and public discourse, and create an environmentally literate citizenry, while protecting the true spirit of why we choose to live here – the natural environment.

ACES also continues to do what we do best: educate youth. In the last year, ACES taught life, earth and environmental sciences every day in regional schools to an annual total of 5,050 students, teaching more than 2,700 in-school classes and 397 outdoor field programs in partnership with 48 schools, helping schools meet state science standards and connecting thousands of youths to the natural world through hands-on outdoor experiential education.

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

ACES makes over 120,000 education contacts each year, building science literacy and a community of environmental stewards.

ACES also partners with land trusts, public agencies, government entities, and non-profits to collaboratively steward the regional landscape.

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.”

In this circus of a presidential election year, I hope we do not forget that, whether you are Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, religious or secular, we all need pure water, clean air, a stable climate, healthy forests, sustainable food systems, and functioning ecosystems that support wildlife, our life, and our children’s lives.

This is ACES’ work. This is what we do best.

Chris Lane Chief Executive Officer

TRUSTEES

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 Berg

Kim Master Gina Murdock Jerry Murdock Wally Obermeyer Margot Pritzker Daniel Shaw Rachel Sherman, Secretary Maile Spung, Officer Tillie Walton Peter Welles Alison Wente 5

ACES ED: A SCIENCE CLASSROOM WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

ACES ED BY THE NUMBERS

66

11 180 65,000 48 5,010 120 2,700 397

ACES Educators School days Student contacts Schools Students After-school lessons In-school classes Field programs

BLENDING SCIENCE, CRITICAL THINKING, AND OUTDOOR HANDS-ON LEARNING For over 35 years, the ACES Education program has been at the forefront of an environmental education revolution. Using environmental science as our platform, the ACES Ed program helps create thousands of ecologically literate students each year.

By combining science, critical thinking skills, and creative expression, ACES Ed helps develop the knowledge and skills critical for future KIRIVEXMSRW XS ½RH ERH MQTPIQIRX WSPYXMSRW XS XSHE]´W IGSPSKMGEP ERH social problems.

Our Model: The ACES Ed program continues to be the only one of its kind in the country, providing full-time, standards-based science education in three public school classrooms. ACES )H EPWS SJJIVW I\TIVMIRXMEP ½IPH WGMIRGI programs in the dynamic learning environment of the Roaring Fork Valley. By immersing students in the complexity and magic of nature, ACES Ed supplies critical life experiences that enhance academic success, ecological literacy, health, and well-being.

Our Students: The ACES Ed program works with a diverse range of students from across the western slope of Colorado. From Aspen to )EKPI XS 6M¾I ERH FI]SRH %')7 )H teaches students from kindergarten to college in an integrated and experiential setting. Our students represent a wide diversity of cultures, communities, language, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Our Educators: In the past three years our ACES Education staff has grown by 60%, in step with the expansion of our ACES Ed programing.

Many of our current staff hold advanced degrees and teaching licenses ERH WIZIVEP EVI ¾YIRX MR 7TERMWL ;MXL FEGOKVSYRHW MR ½IPH FMSPSK] FMPMRKYEP teaching, and backcountry guiding, our Educators help shape the coming generations in these same critically MQTSVXERX ½IPHW

Expanding Our Reach: 2016 brings new opportunities for hands-on exploration of local ecology, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and a wide range of other environmental science topics. ACES Ed continues to offer new learning experiences to an even wider range of students through after-school science classes, QMHHPI WGLSSP GPEWWVSSQ ZMWMXW ERH ½IPH programs, high school backcountry science, and teacher professional development in ecological literacy.

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ROCK BOTTOM RANCH: A “SCHOOL” FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

2015 ROCK BOTTOM RANCH FOOD PRODUCTION VEGETABLES:

7,650+ POUNDS

EGGS:

6,000 POUNDS (4,000 DOZ)

PORK:

8,000 POUNDS

LAMB:

4,500 POUNDS

CHICKEN:

800 POUNDS

TOTAL:

26,950 POUNDS

CREATING LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch (RBR) is a 113-acre working farm Eco Ed Trail and Bike Byway: In 2015, ACES was awarded a grant from centered around healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food. It is Great Outdoors Colorado that resulted in 1.2 acres of habitat restoration, also a nature preserve and environmental science learning JIIX SJ RI[ XVEMP ½ZI MRXIVTVIXMZI )GS )H WXEXMSRW SYXHSSV GPEWWVSSQW and a playscape and water feature. A bike byway now connects the Rio Grande center, providing an outdoor classroom that accommodates trail to the Ranch, providing easy access for cyclists and other trail users to over 12,000 educational contacts per year, both in school explore the site and learn more about our sustainable agriculture, restoration, and classrooms and on-site. education programs.

At RBR, ACES teaches scalable and replicable sustainable agriculture practices to children and adults Seed Start House: %')7´ RI[ TEWWMZI WSPEV WXVYGXYVI MW [LIVI SYV ZIKIXEFPIW EVI “born”.

Through proper orientation, high quality glazing, insulation, a Ground-to-Air alike, demonstrating that wildlife habitats and ecosystems Heat Transfer System (GAHT), and substantial thermal mass including state-of-the-art can thrive alongside agricultural production.

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Phase Change Material (PCM), this building will maintain at least 40ºF year round without the need for supplemental heat.

RBR BY THE NUMBERS

Solar PV: ;MXL XLI EWWMWXERGI SJ E Randy Udall Energy Pioneer Grant JVSQ XLI 'SQQYRMX] 3J½GI JSV 6IWSYVGI )J½GMIRG] '36) %')7 installed a 25kw Solar Photovoltaic system at the Ranch to generate all of its electrical energy.

12,416 34 749

Educational contacts Farmer’s Market days Farm to Table meals served

Chicken Tractors: ACES worked with the team from Jeffrey Berkus Architects to design two new, high-functioning chicken houses.

During the spring, summer and fall, the chicken tractors (which each house 300 chickens) are moved every day to new paddocks to ensure that the chickens have a continual supply of fresh pasture.

Wildlife Friendly: In addition to SYV ERMQEP [IPJEVI GIVXM½GEXMSR MR 2015 Rock Bottom Ranch became XLI ½VWX MR 'SPSVEHS XS EGLMIZI 'IVXM½IH ;MPHPMJI *VMIRHP] 7XEXYW 8LMW XLMVH TEVX] GIVXM½GEXMSR IRWYVIW that our production practices allow our neighboring wildlife and natural habitats to thrive.

Egg Production: Rock Bottom Ranch dramatically increased egg production over the last 12 months.

Egg production has quadrupled since 2014 and RBR plans to produce around 8,000 dozen chicken eggs during the 2016 season.

Living Wall: 8LI 6ERGL´W RI[ “living wall” produces food indoors for visitors to pick fresh off the wall.

9

NATURALIST PROGRAM: WHERE ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FIND THEIR VOICE

NATURALIST PROGRAM BY THE NUMBERS

22 42,250 2,250

10

Naturalist Guides Total contacts Total guide mileage

GAINING EXPERIENCE BY CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PLACE ACES offers an intensive Naturalist Internship program for college graduates each summer. Naturalists arrive at ACES with strong academic backgrounds and full of enthusiasm to change the world. Following in-depth training, these FYHHMRK IRZMVSRQIRXEP PIEHIVW ½RH XLIMV ZSMGI EW XLI] HIZIPST ERH PIEH TYFPMG tours and programs at iconic places in the Aspen area. Naturalists learn how to FIWX GSQQYRMGEXI XLI WYFNIGXW XLI] EVI QSWX TEWWMSREXI EFSYX KEMRMRK GSR½HIRGI as they start their professional careers. Since 1985, over 400 Naturalists have participated in the program, many moving on to meaningful careers as teachers, university professors, wildlife biologists, land managers, environmental lawyers, ZIXIVMREVMERW RSR TVS½X EHQMRMWXVEXSVW WYWXEMREFMPMX] I\TIVXW ERH QER] QSVI

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: THE MAROON BELLS An Authentic Interaction ACES Naturalists provide the opportunity for guests to interact more deeply with their surroundings and 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 or resident can more fully understand and be invested in the future of these special places.

2015 marked the 29th year that ACES and the U.S. Forest Service have TEVXRIVIH XS TVSZMHI JVII 2EXYVEPMWX KYMHIH XSYVW EX 1EVSSR 0EOI ;LMPI programmatic offerings have varied over the years, two ACES Naturalists currently lead four tours at this site each day, offered to the general public on E ½VWX GSQI ½VWX WIVZIH FEWMW 8LI ±1EVSSR 0EOI² XSYV QIERHIVW EPSRK XLI PEOI WLSVI [LMPI XLI ±'VEXIV 0EOI ,MOI² EWGIRHW MRXS XLI ;MPHIVRIWW EVIE -R the summer of 2015, 1,664 people participated in tours at the Maroon Bells.

11

NATURALIST FIELD SCHOOL: OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS FOR ALL AGES

NFS BY THE NUMBERS

100+ 50+ 25+ 40+ 5 1,100+

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Program offerings for families, kids, teens, and adults Week-long kids’ classes at Hallam Lake Week-long kids’ classes at Rock Bottom Ranch Drop-in classes for 4-6 year olds Adult classes offered for graduate credit Program participants

EXPLORING THE NATURAL WORLD IN ACES CLASSES AND CAMPS %')7´ 2EXYVEPMWX *MIPH 7GLSSP LEW KVS[R JVSQ E LERHJYP SJ 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 offered to the public each year. In these programs, explorers young and old build their understanding of environmental science and further appreciate %WTIR´W REXYVEP PERHWGETI

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: NATURE & MUSIC This class for 8-10 year olds was co-taught by an ACES Educator and E ZMWMXMRK QYWMG XIEGLIV JSV XLI ½VWX XMQI PEWX WYQQIV /MHW I\TPSVIH nature sounds and rhythm, learned about musical instruments, and LERH QEHI E HVYQ % LMKLPMKLX SJ XLI GPEWW [EW XLI IRH SJ XLI [IIO TIVJSVQERGI JSV XLIMV TEVIRXW SR XLI TPEXJSVQW SZIVPSSOMRK ,EPPEQ 0EOI 8LI] [IRX LSQI [MXL XLIMV S[R HVYQ WIXW XS GSRXMRYI XLIMV REXYVI ERH QYWMG I\TPSVEXMSR

Adult Programs: Offerings range from onehour informational classes to in-depth courses offered for graduate credit and taught by visiting TVSJIWWSVW 8STMGW VERKI JVSQ XVII MHIRXM½GEXMSR pollination, geology, mushrooms, and astronomy, to sustainable agriculture, writing, cooking skills, and nature photography.

Kids’ Programs: Classes and camps are offered for ages 4 to 14 and range from drop-in to week-long experiences. Budding naturalists spend summers with ACES year after year! New classes this year include: The Ultimate ACES Experience, Farm Foodies, Adventure Kids, Farm to Table, My Side of the Mountain, and Jr. ;MPHPMJI &MSPSKMWXW

ACES Environmental Education Apprenticeship: A sumer program that trains juniors and seniors in high school to be future environmental educators through handson experiences. Students gain experience as teaching assistants and through an immersion ½IPH WXYH] [IIO [MXL %')7 )HYGEXMSR (MVIGXSV

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FOREST HEALTH: RESEARCH, RESTORATION, AND COLLABOTATION

WORKING TOWARDS RESILIENT FUTURE FORESTS %')7´ For the Forest program is confronting the interface between climate change and forest health, actively restoring and improving the resiliency of local forests while generating groundbreaking VIWIEVGL SR XLI GYVVIRX ERH JYXYVI WXEXI SJ %QIVMGE´W JSVIWX EWWIXW Through our extensive public outreach campaigns on forest health and our science-informed restoration efforts, ACES is establishing a new paradigm for communicating and collaboratively addressing the challenges facing our forests today.

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Hunter-Smuggler Cooperative Plan: ACES continues to lead a 20-

year stewardship plan that will improve forest health and wildlife habitat on 4,861 acres of federal land adjacent to Aspen. This innovative process paved the way for new Farm Bill legislation that makes it easier for outside entities to undertake collaborative restoration projects on budget-strapped Federal lands.

Last year, ACES completed ten acres of beetle-killed lodgepole pine restoration (pictured above ERH WIX TPERW MR QSXMSR JSV E TVIWGVMFIH ½VI XS MQTVSZI LEFMXEX increase resiliency, and reduce fuels in aspen and oakbrush ecosystems (see Program Spotlight above right). Pre- and post- treatment monitoring (pictured above left) is being conducted by Colorado State University ecologists to determine the IJ½GMIRG] SJ XLI XVIEXQIRXW ERH XS MRJSVQ JYXYVI QEREKIQIRX HIGMWMSRW

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: PRESCRIBED FIRE In spring 2016, the U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with ACES, GSRHYGXIH E TVIWGVMFIH ½VI MR XLI ,YRXIV 'VIIO :EPPI] EW TEVX SJ XLI ,YRXIV 7QYKKPIV 'SSTIVEXMZI 4PER 8LI STIVEXMSR WYGGIWWJYPP] XVIEXIH EGVIW SJ QSYRXEMR WLVYF ERH EWTIR IGSW]WXIQW MQTVSZMRK [MPHPMJI LEFMXEX ERH VIHYGMRK LE^EVHSYW [MPH½VI JYIPW 8LMW IJJSVX WIVZIW EW E TS[IVJYP I\EQTPI SJ GSPPEFSVEXMZI VIWXSVEXMSR ERH WLS[GEWIW XLI ZEPYI SJ TVIWGVMFIH ½VI EW ER IJJIGXMZI XSSP JSV IGSPSKMGEPP] WSYRH PERH QEREKIQIRX MR SYV EVIE

Forest Health Index & State of the Forest Report: The third iteration of the

Forest Health Index, a “report card” for our [EXIVWLIH´W JSVIWXW [EW TYFPMWLIH MR .ERYEV] 2016 with a score of 86. A peer-reviewed paper co-authored by ACES was published in the Journal of Forestry EHHMRK WYFWXERXMEP WGMIRXM½G credibility to our work. The second iteration of the State of the Forest Report, an engaging magazine-style publication on local forest issues, was published in 2015 to critical acclaim. www.foresthealthindex.org

Forest Forecasts: ACES has developed

an interactive online tool that dramatically illustrates how climate change may impact the backyards and treasured landscapes of XLI %QIVMGER ;IWX :MWMXSVW XS XLI WMXI GER I\TPSVI ;IEXLIV 'LERRIP WX]PI ERMQEXMSRW SJ how 100 tree species are expected to respond to future climate change scenarios. Initial analysis of this modeling work predicts that the %QIVMGER ;IWX GSYPH PSWI SJ MXW JSVIWXW F] 2080 (compared to 15% under the best-case scenario). www.forestforecasts.org 15

CATTO CENTER AT TOKLAT: WHERE ECOLOGY MEETS SPIRITUALITY

FOSTERING DEEPER CONNECTIONS TO WILDERNESS THROUGH INQUIRY

In 2004, with the help of long-time ACES supporter Jessica Hobby Catto,

The Catto Center at Toklat was once the family home of one of

%')7 EGUYMVIH 8SOPEX XS TVIWIVZI 7XYEVX´W PIKEG] ERH XLMW GSQQYRMX]

%')7´ QSWX MR¾YIRXMEP JSYRHIVW 7XYEVX 1EGI ERH LSPHW KVIEX

touchstone. Located 12 miles south of Aspen near the headwaters of Castle

meaning for the Aspen community. Toklat (an Inuit word meaning

Creek in a dramatic landscape of rich ecological diversity, the ACES at Catto

“headwaters”) was built by Stuart and his wife, Isabel, in 1948 as

Center at Toklat now serves as a “window into wildness,” a gathering place, and

a wilderness lodge and family home. The dogsled center, small lodge, restaurant, and art gallery, all set within a pristine sub-alpine environment, set the stage for tall tales told around the hearth in the evening and drew visitors from all over the world.

16

a retreat for cultural and ecological discourse. Beyond the traditional interpretive center, the Catto Center at Toklat challenges the visitor to unplug and participate MR E HIITIV MRUYMV] I\TPSVMRK XLI WGMIRXM½G LMWXSVMGEP GYPXYVEP GVIEXMZI TLMPSWSTLMGEP and spiritual roots of human relationships with the natural world.

TOMORROW’S VOICES: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ECOLOGICAL CITIZENSHIP ACES’ Tomorrow’s Voices class is a class that did not teach limited views, but instead inspired the generation of tomorrow, a generation of hopeful change.This course introduced me to material that I otherwise would not LEZI WIIR XLYW MR¾YIRGMRK QER] SJ Q] present and future actions and voices.

Most importantly, I have gained a new knowledge of the events around the world and I have since grown into a more active and knowledgeable citizen of this community and population as a whole. I plan to take what I have learned and share this to the generation of LSTIJYP GLERKI MR LSTIW SJ MR¾YIRGMRK XLI [SVPH for the better.

— Cassiopeia Suzuki-Ward, Basalt High School 2016

CULTIVATING ETHICAL STUDENT LEADERS 2S[ MR MXW XL ]IEV %')7´ 8SQSVVS[´W :SMGIW MW E YRMZIVWMX] PIZIP GPEWW offered to local high school students throughout the school year. The class works to develop ethical student leaders in our community through exploring critical and sensitive issues like race relations, middle-east political GSR¾MGX IRZMVSRQIRXEP EGXMZMWQ ERH ERMQEP VMKLXW ;MXL E JSGYW SR WSGMEP NYWXMGI ERH IRZMVSRQIRXEP WXI[EVHWLMT 8SQSVVS[´W :SMGIW GSQIW EX E GVMXMGEP XMQI [LIR XIIRW RIIH EGXMSR oriented, issues-based investigation through which to understand their place in the world and become active members of their community.

In the 2015-16 school year, an enhanced scholarship program was offered

by ACES to encourage a wider range of student representation in the class and a roster that mirrors the diverse demographics of the Roaring Fork Valley.

-R EHHMXMSR XS XLI YRMUYI PIEVRMRK STTSVXYRMXMIW TVSZMHIH F] 8SQSVVS[´W Voices, this is also the only class offered the in the Roaring Fork School District that brings together students from different high schools into the same classroom. The opportunity for “cross-pollination” and networking amongst diverse student populations is a critical element in building alliances and effective social and political change in our home watershed.

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ACES EVENTS: CELEBRATING COMMUNITY

Jessica Catto Dialogues:

Evening on the Lake:

Founded in memory of Jessica Hobby Catto and inaugurated by Bill McKibben, this series brings environmental luminaries to Aspen to inspire our community. In 2015, ACES hosted Naomi Oreskes, one of the [SVPH´W PIEHMRK LMWXSVMERW SJ WGMIRGI 'EVP 7E½RE VIRS[RIH IGSPSKMWX GSRWIVZEXMSRMWX ERH EYXLSV ERH .SIP Salatin, famed farmer and local food advocate.

8LMW .YP] FIRI½X MW SRI SJ E OMRH Dine on the banks of Hallam Lake beneath graceful trees while enjoying a delicious and locally grown meal. This evening WYTTSVXW %')7´ IRZMVSRQIRXEP science education programs.

In 2015, ACES honored keynote WTIEOIV ) 3 ;MPWSR

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Potbelly Perspectives speaker series:

Naturalist Nights lecture series:

3R ;IHRIWHE] RMKLXW EX ,EPPEQ 0EOI January through March, enjoy exciting slide show presentations and stories by members of your community. Topics include travel, adventure, culture, volunteerism, mountaineering, and more.

On Thursday nights at Hallam Lake January through March (and ;IHRIWHE] RMKLXW EX XLI 8LMVH 7XVIIX Center in Carbondale), hear from experts on topics ranging from wildlife biology to atmospheric science to environmental advocacy, and more.

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

Farm to Table series: Throughout the growing season, ACES hosts elegant, locally sourced meals at Rock Bottom Ranch. Tour the TVSTIVX] PIEVR EFSYX SYV VIKMSR´W GSQQYRMX] SJ JEVQIVW ERH VERGLIVW ERH HMRI FIRIEXL XLI STIR EMV FEVR

Harvest Party: Celebrate the harvest season at Rock Bottom Ranch in October. This event includes live music, ranch games, pumpkin carving, a silent auction, ERH QSVI 4VSGIIHW WYTTSVX %')7´ environmental science programs for regional schools.

Fall Colors Potluck:

Picnic on the Preserve:

Raptor Fair:

This September membership event at the Catto Center at Toklat honors the legacy of Stewart Mace, a founding trustee of ACES. Gather EVSYRH XLI ½VI [MXL KSSH GSQTER] and enjoy the autumn beauty of the Castle Creek Valley.

8LMW .YRI IZIRX FVMRKW XSKIXLIV %')7´ membership at the Hallam Lake REXYVI TVIWIVZI ERH ZMWMXSV´W GIRXIV to enjoy live music, a catered dinner, and libations. A true community celebration and kick-off to the summer season!

This free community event in July features birds of prey, live and in person! Bird enthusiasts of all ages ¾SGO XS XLMW ERRYEP GSQQYRMX] celebration to meet and learn about eagles, hawks, owls, and raptors of all kinds.

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FINANCIALS REVENUE

EXPENSES Investment Income <1% Capital Campaign <1%

Other Income 3%

Fundraising Expenses 9%

Management & General Expenses 12% Admissions & Tuition 26%

Contributions 46% Membership 5%

Total Program Expenses 79%

Endowment 13% Grants 7% Revenue & Other Support Contributions Grants Endowment Capital Membership Income Admissions & Tuition Other Income Investment Income Total

2015

2014

2013

$1,310,310 $208,375 $375,000 $1,250 $147,178 $734,073 $87,262 $2,374 $2,865,822

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

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

2015

2014

2013

$1,731,617 $1,731,617

$1,688,392 $1,688,392

$324,540 $205,309 $529,849

$269,847 $160,267 $430,114

$2,261,466

$2,118,506

$774,794

$171,750

Assets Cash & Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Grants Receivable Pledges Receivable Inventory Investments Land, Building & Equipment (Net) Total Assets Liabilities

Expenses and Losses

Program Expenses Educational Expenses $1,976,438 Total Program Expenses $1,976,438 Supporting Service Expenses Management & General Expenses $290,115 Fundraising Expenses $234,938 Total Supporting Service Expenses $525,053 Total Expenses and Losses $2,501,491 Excess of Revenue Over Expenses $364,331

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Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Total Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets (Undesignated) Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Permanently Restricted Net Assets Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets

2015

2014

2013

$2,654,621 $0 $277,478 $249,897 $5,960 $600,000 $7,008,684 $10,796,640

$2,523,408 $0 $35,000 $705,989 $7,041 $0 $6,975,781 $10,247,209

$1,809,756 $10,500 $19,818 $565,311 $4,639 $0 $6,984,689 $9,394,713

2015

2014

$183,373 $171,455 $354,828

$169,728 $0 $169,728

2013

2015

2014

2013

$5,311,514 $1,180,298 $3,950,000 $10,441,812 $10,796,640

$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

$3,003 $84,643 $87,646 Â

FINANCIALS

OUR ENERGY %')7´ 2)8 '%6&32 (-3<-() )1-77-327 -2 1)86-' 8327

REVENUE & EXPENSES $3M

160 140

$2.5M

120 $2M

100

$1.5M

80

$1M

60 40

$500 20 $0

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0

2008

management and commitment to environmental science education.

8LI ½RERGMEP WXEXIQIRXW SJ %')7 [IVI EYHMXIH F] 6IIWI ,IRV] 'SQTER] -RG % GST] SJ XLI GSQTPIXI Independent Accountants Review Report is available upon request.

2010

Gasoline

Expenses

ACES concluded the 2014/15 fiscal year with $2,865,822 in revenue, its fourth consecutive year of $2 million or more in revenue. The Admissions and Tuition revenue category grew by 43% year over year reflecting strong community participation in ACESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational programs and events. Membership revenue grew by 15%, another indicator of increased community support and engagement.

Total Expenses of $2,501,491 increased by approximately 11% from the previous year, resulting in Net Income of $364,331.

Expenses related to Educational Programs increased by 14% while expenses related to G&A and Fundraising held steady with the previous year.

Educational Program expenses accounted for 79% of Total Expenses. This is a robust indicator of ACESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prudent financial

2009

2011

Propane

2012

2013

Natural Gas

2014

2015

Electric

ACESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal is to offset as much energy as we use by 2018. In 2015, Rock Bottom Ranch trended to higher energy use due to increases in agricultural production. The installation of a 25 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system this year addressed this growth. A fully-functional online monitoring dashboard for our hydroelectric system at Toklat helps us optimize the output of that system by allowing us to anticipate fluctuations in flow at Devaney Creek.

2015 SOURCE

USAGE

UNITS

COST

MMBTU

CO2*

)PIGXVMGMX]

/;,

Fuel

1,675

Gallons

$7,002.50

192.63

14.89

Natural Gas

2,607

Therms

$3,312.83

260.70

13.04

Propane

2,968

Gallons

$5,376.30

271.89

17.15

$30,426.08

1165.60

128.30

Total *CO2 measured in metric tons

21

DONOR CIRCLES: MAKE AN IMPACT 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.

OUR DONORS We would like to thank the following individuals, businesses, organizations, and families for their extraordinary support between November 1, 2014 and October 31, 2015.

Chairman’s Circle ($50,000 and above) Anonymous Ann and John Doerr Lori and Laurence Fink Melony and Adam Lewis Jerry and Gina Murdock Robert Pew and Susan Taylor The Walton Family Foundation Restorer’s Circle ($25,000 - $49,999) Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Barron Catto Charitable Foundation Sally Cole Suzanne Farver and Clint VanZee Malott Family Foundation Thomas and Margot Pritzker Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw Dawn and Peter Welles Benefactor ($10,000 - $24,999) Anonymous (2) Bishop Family Foundation John and Jackie Bucksbaum Bill and Jess Budinger Michael and Natalie Carricarte Jamie and Bush Helzberg Shana and Clint Johnstone Leslie and John McQuown Laurie Michaels and David Bonderman Helen Ward and Walter R. Obermeyer Lynda and Stewart Resnick Gunnar and Alex Sachs Tori and Vincent Smith Christopher and Becky Steere Christy Walton Mr. and Mrs. S. Robson Walton Ziff Family Foundations

22

Innovator ($5,000 - $9,999) Dawn Arnall Mr. Edward P. Bass Jeff and Becky Berkus Mike and Jackie Bezos Ruth H. Brown Foundation Bill Budinger and Zoe Baird Amy Margerum Berg and Gilchrist Berg Sarah Challinor Chevy and Jayni Chase Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Cotsen Gary and Sylvie Crum Mr. and Mrs. David Dillon Mrs. M. Joan Farver Ronda Ferber Joseph and Carson Gleberman Mary and Jim Griffith Bill and Lelia Harriman Mr. & Mrs. Henry Hite Annie and Jerry Hosier Michael and Carol Hundert Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Hunt Ellen and Bill Hunt Robert and Soledad Hurst Allison and Warren Kanders Daniel and Margaret Loeb The Rodel Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schermer Rachel and Tony Sherman Robert and Gillian Steel Donna and Ron Thompson Jeff and Elisha Zander Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley Paula Zurcher Advocate ($2,500 - $4,999) Randy and Althy Brimm Clint and Nancy Carlson Mr. and Mrs. William Catto

David Corbin Eric and April Cotsen Brian and Andy Davies Muffy and Andy DiSabatino Laura Donnelley Leo and Marcy Edelstein Lauren and Ryan Elston Michael and Robin Fox Alan and Diane Franco Anna and Matt Freedman Michelle and Perry Griffith Reenie Kinney and Scott Hicks Louise and Phil Hoversten Kim Master and Noah Lieb Willem and Lisa Mesdag Mr.and Mrs. Werner Neuman Norman and Melinda Payson Hensley and James Peterson Bob Purvis Ken and Emily Ransford Betsy Rockett Mr. and Mrs. David T. Schiff Douglas and Gabriella Stuart The Schuster Family Foundation Steward ($1,200 - $2,499) Anonymous Cara and Robert Barnes Sallie and Thomas Bernard Ms. Sharon Bistline Ginny and Charles Brewer Galen Bright and Lucy Tremols Ella and Scott Brittingham R. Malcom Brown Sam Brown and Alison Teal Tony and Terri Caine Ruth Carver Mrs. Carol G. Craig Andrew DePaul Leslie Desmond Mr. and Mrs. Donnelley Erdman Peter and Patty Findlay Joshua and Filipa Fink Mr. Peter Fornell Marc and Karen Friedberg Wally and Kristen Graham Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald D. Hines Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone Cindy Kahn, Steve Marker and Ruby Marker Nancy Kantor

Mike and Laura Kaplan Jane and Gerald Katcher Alex and Scott Kendrick Cathy and Jon Koplovitz Gary and Laura Lauder Rebecca and Doug Leibinger John and Catherine Maas Mr. and Mrs. John McBride Barbara and John Patrick McMahon Posey and Mark Mealy Mr. and Mrs. William Nitze Chad and Ilona Oppenheim Ali and David Phillips Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo Lexie and Robert Potamkin Mark and Lorraine Schapiro Phyllis and David Scruggs Carole and Gordon Segal Ryan and Anda Smalls Bruce and Nancy Stevens Curt Strand Cheryl Towning Bob and Ruth Wade Robert Wagner and Jill St. John Jay and Patti Webster Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woods Black Bear ($600 - $1,199) Anonymous (2) Lisa and George Baker Mr. Bruce Berger Kenton and Donna Bruice Emily and Keith Bryant Carolyn Bucksbaum Amy and John Charters Adam and Mary Cherry Tom and Megan Clark Thomas E. and Noel R. Congdon Art and Allison Daily Marsha and David Dowler Ellen and Matt DubĂŠ Maja and Nicholas DuBrul Gail and Richard Elden John and Muriel Eulich George and Susan Fesus Sara Fitzmaurice Barbara Fretz Ashley Friedman Tom and Ann Friedman Dr. Leland Garrison Julia Geaghan-Breiner Pat Goudvis Kristen Henry

Clark and Tavia Hunt Barbara Reid and David Hyman Rusty and John Jaggers Matt and Jessica Jay Marianne and Richard Kipper Martin Kohout Emily Kolbe and Gilbert Thiel Vanderaa III Brent and Suzanne Lehring Peter Looram Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Marx III Joe McGuire and Matthew Frum Ralph and Marian Melville Sarah Meserve Beth and Josh Mondry Steve and Linda Monosson Marcie and Robert Musser Constance Hoguet Neel and Richard Neel David Newberger Jan and Jim Patterson Jennifer Preece and Ben Shneiderman Ashley and Mike Ramos Sara Ransford Phillip and Emily Ring

John Rowland and Sarah Broughton Judith Scherer Darlene and Jerome Schwoerer Wendy and David Smith Robin and Kenny Smith Ellie Spence Mr. Bill Stirling William Stolz Lea Tucker Linda and Dennis Vaughn Suzanne and Marc Winkelman Buzz and Alison Zaino Bigshorn Sheep ($300 - $599) Anonymous (5) Duane and Sherry Abbott Michele and Sandy Aron John and Amy Bahl Jane Becker Mr. and Mrs. A. Richard Belding David Bent Drs. Paula and William Bernstein Gerald Biehl

13% 29%

51%

7%

Earned

$823,709

29%

Grants

$208,375

7%

Individuals/Foundations

$1,458,738

51%

Endowment

$375,000

13%

TOTAL

$2,865,822

23

OUR DONORS Mel and Paulette Blumenthal Robert Boeglin Liz and John Bokram Maura and Jason Bradshaw Killeen Brettmann April and Glenn Bucksbaum Mark Guzzi and Mary Elizabeth Callaway Douglas and Beverly Capelin John and Julie Case Clarissa H. and Henry T. Chandler Joanie, Guillaume and Alexander Crete Jesse and Chris Davenport Phil Desmond Anthony Dilucia Mary Dominick and Sven Coomer Antonia P. DuBrul Carol Duell Mr. and Mrs. Llwyd E. Ecclestone Jr. Tracy and Bubba Eggleston James Finch Jerry and Nanette Finger Sara Finkle Donald Fleisher and Audrey Sattler Edmund Frank Kristina Fraser Mr. and Mrs. Owen O. Freeman Jr. Ms. Dorothy Frommer Penny Atzet and Mark Fuller Katherine and Shawn Gleason Andy and Denise Goldfarb Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Greenberg Ruth Grinspoon Nicholas Groos Lisa and Bill Guth Thomas Hall Lillian S. Hardy Mark Harvey Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Casady Henry Juliane M. Heyman David and Lisa Hoener Paul Hoenmans and Judith Zee Steinberg Margaret Idema Kevin Messerschmidt and Denise Jurgens Stephen Kanipe Jaqueline and Chad Kaplan Kristan and Heather Kaplinski Chris and Diana Lane Mary Schmidt-Libby and Russell Libby Roaring Fork Audubon Society Christy and Ted Mahon Mirte Mallory and Philip Jeffreys

24

Carol and Thomas Martin Ann Mullins Kerry and Ricki Newman The O’Hagan Family John Liu and Barbara Page Andrew Pargellis and Sandi Nash Roberta and Samuel Pepkowitz Frank Peters and Marjory Musgrave Avilla Peterson Mr. and Mrs. John Phillips Catherine Anne Provine Susan and Kenneth Quintenz Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robinson Ms. Jean C. Russell Mr. and Mrs. W. Ford Schumann Robert and Louise Schwab Mrs. Mary Hugh Scott Richard and Sarah Shaw Marsha and Stephen A. Smith Natasha and Clifford Stowe Sally Pendleton Thompson Kay and Max Watson Vicki and Vic Weinstein Susan Welsch Alison and Jonathan Wente Mimi Wheeler Christina Wing O’Donnell and Tad O’Donnell Steven Wolff Jennifer Woodward Cutthroat Trout ($100 - $299) Gregg and Catherine Adams Sandra Adreon Barbara Andre Aspen Allergy Conference Rebecca T. Ayres Elizabeth Ballinger Jack and Diane Barlow Justin and Amy Barrow Buddy and Connie Bates Karen Beard Halley Bearding John and Mary Ann Beckley Skip and Donna Behrhorst Chuck Bellock Dina Belmonte John and Janie Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bergman Miriam Berkeley Stephen and Carla Berry Diana Beuttas Kristen and Charles Bieler

Nicole Birkhold and Gregg Heil Verena Bishop Michael and Wendy Blakeslee Mr. and Mrs. Irwin J. Blitt Rita Bloom John and Shelley Bogaert Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Boyles Shannon Bradford Jeff Brigham and Wendy MacPhail-Brigham Phyllis Bronson Matthew Brown Mr. and Mrs. James Bulkley Ruthie and Gene Burrus Heidi and Jim Ingram Jennifer Butler Lawrence and Marla Butler Gary and Lynne Caletti Robert Camp Don and Kallie Carpenter Richard and Nancy Carrigan Kathleen Carter William and Lynn Carter Mr. and Mrs. Philip Carter Toni Case Donna and Steve Chase David and Katherin Chase Warne Chitty Constance Clancy-Fisher and Dr. Robert Fisher Joseph Clark Susan Philp and Lance Clarke Cathy Click Ned and Jan Cochran Ann Colbert Rebecca Cole Shere Coleman and Paul Gray Community First Foundation Barbara Conviser John and Susan Cottle Shelly Coulon-Fields and Andrew Fields David Russell and Jenifer Seal Cramer Michael and Paige Crane Thomas and Lucy Creighton Candace Cross Ms. Pam Cunningham Kelli Cupp and Kristofor Berg Catherine Cussaguet Paul D’Amato and Beth Cashdan Sandy Simpson and Don Davidson Fred and Frances Davies Michael and Kam Davies Jan and Joel Dembinsky

Jason and Alicia Dewey Mr. Dan DeWolfe Julia and Allen Domingos Merle J. Dulien Barbara Dunaway Kathryn Dziedzic Valerie Edgington Mrs. Peggy L. Egertson Shelley Emerick Robert Ephlin Clayton Erikson Ashley Ernemann Gregory and Billie Erwin Mrs. Sandra Eskin The Eyler Family Steve and Debbi Falender Tarek and Yacoub Farouki Peter Feer Kathy and David Finholm Dirk and Lorrine Fleischman Kate Flynn Designs Ilene and Burt Follman Ms. Patricia L. Fox Mr. and Mrs. Robert Freimuth Karen Friedman Ricki and Peter Fuchs Nina Gabianelli Carol and Andrew Gamble The Geiser Family Jonathan Georger and Caitlyn Gembarowicz Christopher and Marni R. George Lynn Nichols and Jim Gilchrist Elizabeth Gile and Dave Ratcliff Justin and Alyson Gish Nicole Gogolak Randy Gold and Dawn Shepard Cheryl and Steve Goldenberg Gary and Barbara Goldstein Elena Gonzalez Anne Goulandris Kate and Chris Greenman Hawk Greenway and Shelley Supplee Jeff Finesilver and Krystina Greenwood Sue Anne Griffith Mr. and Mrs. William Gruenberg Sara Guiffre Jan Clough and Ara Guzelimian Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Hackbarth Michael and Lisa Haisfield Matthew Hamilton Margot Hampleman

Danny Stone and Angela Hanley Krystal Harper Becky Hellbaum and Fred Hartmeister Mrs. Mary Hayes Trautlinde Heater Andy and Jody Hecht Sue and Bob Helm William Hendrix Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Hill III Mrs. Mary Hirsch Ms. Ann Hodges Philip Hodgson Family Phil and Gail Holstein Matthew and Kate Holstein Miles Horton Meredith Houston Janis and George Huggins Riley, JP and Ellis Hutchens Rob Ittner Susan Jackson Janet Johnson Peter and Sandy Johnson Kathleen and Warren Jones Robert Brinker and Pam Joseph Sandy and George Kahle Alexander Kallas and Heather Starr-Kallas Design Workshop Tracy and Brian Kapiloff Lana and Sander Karp Deb Jones & John Katzenberger Patrick and Collins Kelly Phil and Meg Kendall Jack Kennedy Michael and Julie Kennedy Mr. Albert Kern Mary Jo Kimbrough and Jim Harrison Jim Kirschvink and Martha Moran Julie Kolar and Scott Slogan Jim and Jamie Kravitz Judy Kravitz Ruth Kruger Dr. and Mrs. Tom Kurt Kirsten and Alan Langohr Erica Laughlin Stephen and Cheryl Laverty Linda Lay Erika and Robert Leavitt Tom and Leslie Leddy Kimberly Levin Natasha and Mark Leydecker Gary and Daylene Lichtenwalter Francine and Tag Liebel Christine and Andrew Light

Victor and Darlene Liss Mr. Thomas Lovejoy Judy Hill and Amory Lovins Jill and Clay Lowery Leslie Lamont & Lance Luckett Jeanne Mackowski and Len Zanni Patricia Maddalone Marlene Maddalone Sarah Madsen The Mallory Family Dr. and Mrs. David Manchester Patricia Marino Nancy and J. Nick Marzella Jacqui Matthews Tita Caspar and Dan McCarty Emilie McDonough Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McFlynn Antonia Meade Susan Meissner Jeanette Darnauer and Rob Merritt David and Fredericka Middleton Morris Mintz Ms. Elsa R. Mitchell Dick Moebius Cathy and Bernard Moffroid Pam Moore Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Morrow Roger and Mary Moyer Janie Rich and Scott Munro J. Michael Naughton and Maureen Leary Bland Nesbit Herb and Dianne Newman Mona Newton Rick and Virginia Newton Tricia Nichols Dewayne Niebur Donald and Judy Norris Erin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe Bette Oakes Rachael Oakes-Ash Susan Palmer Jean and Allen Parelman Ms. Virginia M. Parker Megan and Kevin Passmore Sue and Kirk Patrick Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Patterson Maggie Pedersen Fred and Sandra Peirce Steven and Barbara Percy Jenifer Blomquist and Paul Perley Diane Tegmeyer and Brooke Peterson Catherine Porter and James Fuller Maureen and Greg Poschman

Doug and Julie Pratte Gloria Pryzant Patricia Rawlings The Reiley Family Elise and Jack Resneck Kimberly Resnick Robert and Myra Rich Todd and Lisen Richmond Kate Roberts Peter Roblin Polly Ross Sarah and Adam Roy Amy Maron and Robert S. Rugile Kathryn Runge Kate Ryan Kathleen Rye Heather and Ned Ryerson Scott Martin and Katherine Sand Lynda and Rick Sauer Kirk Scales Auden Schendler and Ellen Freedman Cheryl Schmidt Anneke Scholten and Cleve Johnson Samuel and Karen Schroyer Merlin and Gail Schulze Bubba and Anna Scott James Scull Barry Seager

Ginette and Peter Sebenaler Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sewell Bill and Pat Sharp Megan Shean Maureen Sheehan Jeffrey Shoaf Davey Singer Andy Kaufman and Ann Sinton Helen Slansky Sandy Smith Maura Smith Gary Sorensen Lorraine and Pat Spector Giulietta Speziani Maile and Carson Spung Steve and Sandy Stay Jason and Jessica Stoller Dr. and Mrs. Lubert Stryer Steve Vance and Michelle Sullivan Stephen and Mary Frances Szoradi Annie, August and Emily Teague Harry and Karin Teague Melissa Temple Scott and Laurel Tesoro Dava Rivald and Jason Thomas Helen Tieber Mary Ann Tittle Anne and William Tobey

LEGACY PLANNING: ELIZABETH PAEPCKE SOCIETY Donors may play a significant role in securing the future of ACES by including the organization 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.

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

25

OUR DONORS

ACES DONOR PROFILE:

Marie Torreano Christian and Susan Touchette Alan Tralins Leslie Ann Trook Nancy Tucker Ms. Deborah Tullman Anne and Mark Uhlfelder Heidi van der Meer Anne-Marie VanLerberg Linda Vidal Mrs. Marguerite Villasanta Paul and Heidi Wade Mary Ann and Ted Wallace Craig and Becky Ward Tom and Donna Ward Laura Warg Christy Werkema Agneta Wettergren Cinder White Jeff White

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

CORPORATE SPONSORS Leader ($10,000 and above) Alpine Bank Aspen Sports City of Aspen The Environment Foundation The Little Nell Patagonia Boulder Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund Premier Property Management Innovator ($5,000 - $9,999) The Aspen Times Bethel Rentals FirstBank Fred Phillips Consulting Halcyon Productions Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Glenwood Springs Post Independent Related Colorado SMOKE Modern Barbecue The Thrift Shop Water Accountability Fund Advocate ($2,500 - $4,999) Aspen Associates Realty Group Aspen Global Change Institute Aspen Sojourner

26

THE HELZBERG FAMILY

Jille White Hans Widmer Everett J Wiehe Piper Foster Wilder and Nathaniel Wilder Larry and Nancy Wilhelms Beth and Pierre Wille Rick Williams and Rosemary Smith Leslie Wilson Mary and Hugh Wise Suzanne Wolff and Gary Tennenbaum Kent and Karen Woodard Robert and Sarah Woods Donald L. Young Brad Yule George and Nancy Lazar Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zanin Charlie and Mollie Zumwalt

Bessie Minor Swift Foundation Kissane Viola Design Gold Leaf Event Design New Belgium Brewing Company Participant Media Resse Henry and Company Steward ($1,200 - $2,499) Aspen Brewing Company Aspen Square Condominium Association Blazing Adventures The Gant KSPN Jeffrey Berkus Architects lululemon usa inc.

ZGtec Partner ($600 - $1,199) Aspen Daily News Forum Phi Holland & Hart Of Grape and Grain Patagonia Patagonia Snowmass Strong Structures Ltd. Two Leaves and a Bud Whole Foods Market Roaring Fork Woody Creek Distillers

.EQMI ERH &YWL ,IP^FIVK [IVI ½VWX MRXVSHYGIH XS %')7 XLVSYKL GLMPHVIR´W WYQQIV TVSKVEQW *VSQ E XMR] EKI XLIMV ½ZI GLMPHVIR LEZI enjoyed ACES camps in what they describe as the most beautiful environment imaginable.

8LIMV JEZSVMXI TEVX SJ %')7´ OMHW GEQTW# .EQMI ±;I [MPP RIZIV JSVKIX the end-of-week performances where children take us out on trails to excitedly show us what they learned and created.There is a very happy vibe at ACES when it is buzzing with little ones everywhere.”

The Helzberg family cares about the environment and makes a QIERMRKJYP MQTEGX F] ERRYEPP] WYTTSVXMRK %')7´ 'LMPHVIR´W )HYGEXMSR *YRH FIGEYWI ±;I PMZI MR SRI SJ XLI QSWX FIEYXMJYP TPEGIW SR IEVXL ;I EVI VIQMRHIH IZIV] HE] [L] [I WLSYPH XEOI GEVI SJ SYV environment.”

Today, the entire family enjoys all of what ACES has to offer, including Rock Bottom Ranch and Farm-to-Table dinners, the annual event An Evening on the Lake “when Hallam Lake glows”, snowshoe tours, children bustling around everywhere, and “a setting that inspires and engages all who experience it.”

Jamie and Bush support ACES because “it is a great investment in our future. It is a gem in the Aspen community. It is authentic and loving and inspires minds young and old. ACES will forever hold a special place in our hearts!”

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 RIFLE

OUR REACH: WHERE ACES WORKS

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 EAGLE AREA Brush Creek Elementary 82

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA Sopris Elemenatary School Elk Creek Elementary School Glenwood Springs Elementary School Glenwood Springs Middle School Glenwood Springs High School St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School Yampah Mountain High School Sunlight Ski Area

ACES at Spring Creek

CARBONDALE BASALT

133

ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch

82

ACES at Hallam Lake

ASPEN 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

ACES at The Catto Center at Toklat 82

MARBLE 133

MARBLE AREA Marble Charter Elementary School

PAONIA

PAONIA AREA Paonia Elementary School

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 Kids First Cottage Pre School Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Maroon Lake Castle Creek Valley Hunter Creek Aspen Mountain Weller Lake Lost Man Lincoln 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

27

ACES COMMUNITY: STAFF AND PARTNERSHIPS

ACES Senior Staff: BACK: Chris R. Lane (CEO),

Partnership: Effectiveness Through Collaboration

Jim Kravitz (Naturalist Programs Director), Jason Smith

At ACES, we strive to provide collaborative and creative solutions to the

(Rock Bottom Ranch Director) MIDDLE: Katie Schwoerer

pressing environmental challenges faced by society today. In return, our

(Finance and Human Resources Director), Christy Mahon

programs, from science education to forest health to sustainable agriculture,

(Development Director), Anda Rojs Smalls (Naturalist Field

EVI KVIEXP] IRLERGIH F] SYV RSR TVS½X EGEHIQMG ERH KSZIVRQIRX TEVXRIVW

School Director) FRONT .EQMI ;IVRIV *SVIWX 4VSKVEQW

ACES would like to thank the following organizations for their commitment

Director), Arin Trook (Education Director), Eliza Greenman

to collaboration.

Burlingame (Marketing Director)

28

ACES’ Partners: ACCESS Roaring Fork Adams State College The Art Base Ashcroft Ski Touring Aspen Art Museum Aspen Center for Physics Aspen Community Foundation Aspen Education Foundation Aspen Fire Aspen Global Change Institute Aspen Public Radio Aspen School District Aspen Science Center Aspen Skiing Company Aspen Valley Land Trust

Basalt Education Foundation Basalt Elementary School Cap K Ranch Citizens Climate Lobby City of Aspen City of Aspen Parks & Open Space Canary Initiative CO Alliance for Environmental Education CO Department of Education CO Mountain College CO Outward Bound School '3 4EVOW ERH ;MPHPMJI CO State Forest Service CO State University

CORE Crystal River Elementary School Crystal River Meats CU Succeed Program The Forest Conservancy Great Outdoors Colorado /MH´W *MVWX The Little Nell The Nature Conservancy Pitkin County Pitkin County Healthy Rivers & Streams Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Roaring Fork Anglers Roaring Fork Audubon Roaring Fork Conservancy

Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Transit Authority Spradley Farms Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center Snowmass Tourism Town of Snowmass Village U.S. Forest Service 9 7 * 7 ;LMXI 6MZIV 2EXMSREP *SVIWX University of Arizona University of Colorado Upper CO River Interagency Fire Management Unit ;) G]GPI ;MPHIVRIWW ;SVOWLST 29

SUSTAINABLE

FOOD SYSTEMS strengthen

COMMUNITY

PEOPLE & PLACE are CONNECTED

ECOLOGICAL LITERACY

HEALTHY FORESTS mean

3030

HEALTHY HUMANS

ECOSYSTEMS must be

CONSERVED & RESTORED fosters RESPONSIBILITY

CITIZENSHIP requires LEADERSHIP

KNOWLEDGE creates

OPPORTUNITY 31

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Aspen, CO 81612 Permit No. 43

100 Puppy Smith Street Aspen, CO 81611

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