Fort Collins, CO April 2023

R e s p i t e C a r e , I n c . i s a n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n i n L a r i m e r C o u n t y t h a t p r o v i d e s s h o r t t e r m , q u a l i t y c a r e f o r c h i l d r e n w i t h d e v e l o p m e n t a l d i s a b i l i t i e s , g i v i n g r e s p i t e t o t h e i r f a m i l i e s , a n d e n h a n c i n g t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e f o r t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y . W e b e l i e v e t h a t a c h i l d w i t h a d i s a b i l i t y i s a c h i l d f i r s t a n d t h a t h i s o r h e r c h a l l e n g e s a r e s e c o n d a r y . W i t h t h i s m i s s i o n a n d p h i l o s o p h y i n m i n d , R e s p i t e C a r e s t r iv e s t o c r e a t e a n i n t e r a c t i v e , s t i m u l a t i n g , a n d s a f e e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t a d d r e s s e s t h e p h y s i c a l , e m o t i o n a l , s o c i a l , a n d m e n t a l n e e d s o f e a c h i n d i v i d u a l c h i l d .

Peace of Mind

Permission To Explore

Dear Readers,

Northern Colorado is a special place, full of unique culture, rich history, and fascinating stories waiting to be told. As a reader, you have the power to explore and learn from the communities that surround you. We urge you to use your own backyard as a chance to understand the world better, and that is precisely what this issue is all about.

Through the stories of local residents and business owners, you will be given a glimpse into our shared human experience. By exploring the stories of our community, you will gain a profound appreciation for the diversity and richness of our world. The chance to learn from and appreciate one another is a gift, and it is right here in our own backyard.

We believe that exploration is essential for growth. We must make room for trying new things, going to new places, and even getting lost, to make connections, foster friendships, and build trust. It is in these open-ended times that we find the magic of life.

Our hope is that this issue will inspire you to make room for exploration. To set aside time for yourself and escape from the regular schedule of life. To immerse yourself in a project, embark on a new adventure, and experience joy.

So, happy April! Take this opportunity to discover something new about your community, your neighbors, and yourself. We can't wait to hear what you find.

Sincerely,

JAHNA EICHEL, PUBLISHER @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2023

PUBLISHERS

Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com

Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Morgan Henderson morgan@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Matthew Hart matthew@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

The Creative Agency hello@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

STAFF WRITER

Allie Bellows

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tony Deyo, Jordan Klepzig

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

ARTICLE BY ALLIE BELLOWS

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

Breeze Thru's commitment to its employees is also a core value of the business. The company provides personal and professional development through various programs like the Employee Apprenticeship Program, which is recognized by the Department of Labor, and offers a certificate in Operations Management that can be used across all industries. The company's commitment to education doesn't stop there as the upper-level staff takes courses on how to more effectively teach and develop employees, resulting in a better customer experience.

BREEZE THRU CARWASH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN KLEPZIG

Breeze Thru carwashes have become a beloved staple in Northern Colorado with their more than a dozen conveniently located sites from Cheyanne to Longmont. But this family-owned local business is much more than just a car wash. It's a groundbreaking business that is committed to its values and to giving back to the community.

Breeze Thru's commitment to community involvement and giving back is evident in everything they do, from providing quality car washes that use top-of-the-line technology to hosting fundraisers that involve and educate kids about the importance of work ethic and raising money for causes they care about. The company also believes in making charitable donations to causes like Larimer County Search and Rescue and in helping to protect the environment by participating in river clean-ups and educating the youth of the community about the importance of environmental restoration.

Breeze Thru's President, Justin Salisbury, believes in investing in employees and spreading knowledge to elevate the entire industry, resulting in a better customer experience. The company's commitment to its employees has resulted in a company culture where every employee has a voice, and constant feedback is used to improve daily operations.

Pushing the envelope of how to run a business is something Breeze Thru strives for.  Their corporate headquarters, in South Fort Collins, was chosen carefully because of what the building could provide- classrooms.  Continuing education for their employees is how Breeze Thru truly commits to their employee's future success.

Development comes about through continuous coaching and training.  This education goes way beyond teaching their employees how to properly wash a car.  There are two employee programs that stand out and prove that Breeze Thru is a beacon in not just their industry, but in all industries. Every employee knows the company’s values and what they stand for, and they all know what they are working towards.  With each milestone an employee crosses, it is a cause for celebration, and then recalibration, aiming toward the next one, always striving to be better.

The commitment to education doesn’t stop at employees. The upper-level staff regularly takes courses on how to more effectively teach and develop employees better.  As they learn how to teach and coach more effectively, they are spreading their knowledge. Leadership Worth

Following is a leadership program run by Breeze Thru’s President, Justin Salisbury.  In this program, he teaches other leaders in the industry of car washes, how to be great leaders, and how to train and coach employees.  Through foundations such as these, he believes the entire industry will get better, resulting in a better customer experience.  He teaches this mindset of investing so much into your employees because he knows it’s going to elevate the entire industry, as he has seen it do with Breeze Thru.

Breeze Thru is a perfect reminder not to judge a book by its cover.  While it’s a place you go to get your car washed, it’s so much more.  Salisbury and Keith describe that “Zen moment” when their customers realize the few minutes they take out of their day to get their car washed, has purpose and meaning to the community.  By choosing Breeze Thru you’re in turn supporting and giving back to the community too.  As much as washing cars is the business they’re in, Breeze Thru is all about their employees and making each one better, personally and professionally.  It’s no wonder Breeze Thru is one of the top employers in Northern Colorado.

Salisbury said of Breeze Thru’s continued success, “Be purposeful in why you’re in business.  Be transparent in how you’re going to commit to it.  Remember to empower your team to achieve it, as people are the business.  Business is a concept.”   It’s through their mission and values like these, that Breeze Thru is leading the way to being the change they want to see in the world.

Breeze Thru is not just a place to get your car washed, but a purposeful business committed to giving back to the community, protecting the environment, and developing its employees to be professionals that can succeed in any industry they choose. It's a perfect reminder that a company's purpose and values are what truly set it apart from the rest.

John and Janiece Agnew

We’re Crazy About Empowering Local Community Businesses to Thrive Together

Apply today at locothinktank.com

Builders

5 or fewer employees, Revenue less than $500k, Dedicated to growing Facilitators

Thinkers

5-25 employees, Revenue between $500K - $5MM, Committed to solutions

Facilitators: Jaime Cawthorn, Brandon Avery, Mike Gugliotto, Pat Nicholson

Next Level

25 or more employees, Revenue over $5MM, Too big to be small, too small to be big

Facilitators: Drew Yancey, Kim O’Neil

Catalysts

Key employee/leader, reports directly to owner, committed to small business growth & networking

Facilitator: Kristen Truman-Allen

Next Level Catalysts

Key employee/leader of $5MM+ business, reports directly to CEO/President, committed to business growth & networking

Facilitator: Allison Seabeck

Sharing business journeys that inspire and entertain

(left to right): Hunter Wylie, Moses Horner

Pictured: Sarah Lukemire, Founder & Lead Strategist of Brindle Digital Marketing

A Wild Idea

HOW IDEA WILD PRESERVES ADVENTURE

ARTICLE BY KERRY RILEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN KLEPZIG

Wally Van Sickle is an unstoppable force of a man. He has tackled giant armored armadillos in Brazil, has swam the Gulf of California to photograph the fingerprint-like patterns on the backs of whale sharks, and has helped train Anatolian Shepherds, livestock guardians to prevent big cat attacks in South Africa. He’s climbed the peaks of mountains and plumbed the depths of oceans, all in the name of biodiversity. Each adventure marks a moment where Wally has impacted the future of the planet. However, in a treasure chest of lifelong conservation adventures, Wally Van Sickle’s crown jewel in exploring biodiversity is IDEA WILD, a leading-edge nonprofit that’s equipping our planet’s heroes with the technology they need to save our world. Wally’s adventures with IDEA WILD began over thirty years ago on a small island chain in the Great Barrier Reef, in the heart of a cyclone.

It was 1990 and Wally Van Sickle had found himself in an unusual spot. He was stranded on Lady Musgrave Island, a small crescent-shaped island, approximately thirty-five nautical miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Fresh out of graduate school and festy from gallivanting around the mainland for four and a half months of birdwatching, Wally and his two friends had decided to wrap up their grand post-grad adventure on the Great Barrier Reef with a marine experience.The remote Lady Musgrave Island is only protected by the reefs that lurk below the ocean’s surface with nothing but hundreds of miles of ocean between it and New Caledonia. To reach it, Wally and his team had needed to hire a boat and crew to drop them off, chartering for them to return in a fortnight.

Wally Van Sickle

It was only a week after they arrived when the cyclone struck. The boat crew was unable to traverse the cyclone-battered sea to pick them up again. Of course, being stranded on a remote island wasn’t anything unusual for Wally. What was unusual in this instance was that Wally, the ultimate outdoorsman, and adventurer, had found himself trapped indoors as the storm raged outside in the pre-internet era of 1991. The man literally had nothing to do. So, Wally’s mind started wandering. He began to contemplate what his calling was, where he had been, and where he was going. More importantly, his mind kept circling back to something he had seen time and time again.

THE DISCREPANCY

When Wally had been working in graduate school as a biologist researching mountain lions, he had everything he could ever want equipment-wise. He had access to technicians and radio telemetry. He could get helicopters, airplanes, trucks, and snowmobiles.

This was a stark contrast to what he would see working in wildlife conservation. The first time he noticed the discrepancy was back in ‘86. It had been his first experience as a volunteer in Kenya, working with an ornithologist. Far from the flashy equipment Wally was used to, the ornithologist’s equipment to capture and tag the birds was completely substandard. Of course, it was. The entire conservation project was being funded from the ornithologist’s own pocket.

Then the same thing happened in Australia. Wally had been working with a mammalogist studying Australia’s nocturnal marsupials with a spotlight at night. In the middle of the project, his spotlight died, plunging the entire project into darkness. The mammalogist couldn't afford a new one. Wally noticed these shortcomings for conservationists everywhere, in Australia, in Belize, in Kenya. He realized that a lot of the people who were working on the frontlines to save our planet – smart, dedicated scientists – were horribly illequipped to do their jobs.

As he sat on the island, waiting for the storm to pass, Wally Van Sickle kept revisiting these moments, pondering the discrepancy. It just didn't seem like the way it should be. In his mind, there needed to be a nonprofit to make sure these wildlife heroes had the equipment they needed.That is when Wally decided to start IDEA WILD.

GETTING STARTED IN JACKSON HOLE

It began on the island, but it would take another year before Wally got any traction behind his idea. He had struck out for Wyoming with his now-wife Joni Triantis, an equally determined and passionate conservationist for whom The chilobrachys jonitriantisvansicklei tarantula is named. At that time, Wally was working on publishing his mountain lion research and he had taken up giving wildlife tours in Jackson Hole during tourist season.

The duo settling in Wyoming was serendipity for two reasons. The first was that, in the shoulder seasons, Wally and Joni would return to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The university happened to have an office entirely dedicated to starting nonprofits. With their guidance, Wally navigated the difficulties of starting a nonprofit: creating bylaws, writing the articles of incorporation, filing for IRS standing, and forming a board. By 1991, Wally had officially and legally started IDEA WILD. The second bit of serendipity, and the main reason Wally took the touring job in Jackson Hole, was because it put him in daily contact with people who both cared a lot about wildlife and who had money to spare. Jackson Hole was and still is the richest place in the country. He figured if they cared about his cause and had resources, they might donatesomething.

THE TEN DOLLAR CHECK

To spread the word, the duo wrote letters to the people Wally had toured around Jackson Hole. They physically wrote over two hundred letters and sent them out to what would become IDEA WILD’s first mailing list. In the era of no internet, no smartphones, and no email, contacting people out of the blue was a lot more tedious. Still, even after hours and hours of handwriting letters, when Wally dropped those two hundred letters at the post office, he was on cloud nine. He knew he had such a great idea; he was convinced thousands of dollars would be pouring in to support it. After all, this nonprofit addressed such a severe need to save the planet! He then waited.… and waited.

It took about a week of nothing before the shine came off. Then another before Wally began to really doubt himself. The silence seemed to echo on and on. Every day he checked the mailbox. Each time that there was nothing, he felt his doubt grow a little more. In retrospect, the echoing silence only lasted about two weeks, but as anyone on tenterhooks about a life dream can attest, they were some of the longest weeks of Wally’s life.

Then, one day, there arrived a small envelope addressed to Rob Gibson. Rob Gibson was a wildlife fisheries biologist and a good friend of Wally’s. Inside the small envelope was a ten-dollar check: IDEA WILD’s first donation. The relief was instantaneous, and his excitement was renewed. Someone believed in his idea. Throughout the years, IDEA WILD has gotten many more donations, but Wally Van Sickle has never forgotten the significance of that first ten-dollar check.

Once the ball started rolling, it didn’t stop. After the ten dollar check came the first hundred-dollar check. After that, the first thousand-dollar donation, which Wally fondly recalled, came from a couple in Norway whom he had taken on a wildlife expedition in Jackson Hole. With money trickling in, IDEA WILD started to grow. As IDEA WILD grew, so did the number of applications for support. They needed to upgrade their fundraising methods.

Now known for their wild and impactful fundraisers, it’s bizarre to think of the younger IDEA WILD stumbling as the team perfected its fundraising strategy. Nowadays IDEA WILD raises hundreds of thousands annually for conservationists around the globe. At their events, donors get to directly bid on conservation projects, up to and including hand-delivering the equipment themselves to these bio-diverse hotspots around the world.

Back in the early days, the first events were more traumatic than anything. The powerhouse

duo found themselves learning some harsh lessons early on about the pitfalls of fundraising. They also found it difficult to fund all the projects that needed equipment. There were just so many conservationists who needed support. The game changed in 2000. At the start of the new millennium, Wally was invited to a Conservation International Meeting in Guatemala.

There Wally found himself speaking in front of a crowd that included the likes of Hollywood star Harrison Ford, industry tycoon Gordon Moore, and John Swift of Conservation International. Getting IDEA WILD’s message out to these people had a dramatic impact on their resources. With growing donors and higher donations, IDEA WILD was reaching more conservationists than ever before.

After another six years of steady growth, IDEA WILD hit another huge turning point. In 2006, the owners of Fort Collins's iconic Nature’s Own donated their building to the nonprofit. This meant that Nature’s Own would provide a steady stream of income to IDEA WILD through rent payments. They have continued to support IDEA WILD in this way for over fifteen years. After Nature’s Own donated the building, it leveled out the rollercoaster for sourcing funding and allowed the nonprofit to really flourish in the years that followed.

Last year, IDEA WILD celebrated thirty years as a nonprofit. It gave Wally Van Sickle a moment to reflect on how much his dream has grown. In that time, they’ve created wildlife reserves, brought species back from the brink of extinction, and helped idealistic biologists just starting their careers move into prominence for their conservation efforts. IDEA WILD has had a profound global impact with plans to continue to do so for many years to come.…and it all started on a tiny island in the middle of a cyclone.

If you’re interested in learning more about IDEA WILD, please visit their website at www.ideawild.org .

Wally Van Sickle is an unstoppable force of a man. He has tackled giant armored armadillos in Brazil, has swam the Gulf of California to photograph the fingerprint-like patterns on the backs of whale sharks, and has helped train Anatolian Shepherds, livestock guardians to prevent big cat attacks in South Africa. He’s climbed the peaks of mountains and plumbed the depths of oceans, all in the name of biodiversity.

Wally Van Sickle

Amy Stevens 970-227-8867

Andrea Jones 970-599-4186

Aventus Team 970-821-5113 / 970-800-1669

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Shannon Miller 970-818-8895

NORTHERN COLORADO REAL ESTATE AT ITS FINEST

Immerse Yourself in a Cinematic Dreamland

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY DEYO, JORDAN KLEPZIG

The Metrolux at Centerra in Loveland, Colorado has recently added a new attraction that is sure to delight moviegoers of all ages - an IMAX theater. The new IMAX theater is the first of its kind in the region and has already proven to be a popular addition to the Metrolux complex.

The IMAX theater at the Metrolux boasts state-of-the-art technology and is designed to provide moviegoers with an immersive experience. The theater features a massive screen that is over 70 feet wide and over 40 feet tall, providing a larger-than-life viewing

THE ETHEREAL EXPERIENCE OF IMAX

experience that is sure to leave an impression. The sound system is also top-notch, with 12 channels of digital audio that are designed to create a fully immersive audio experience.

But the IMAX theater at the Metrolux is more than just a larger-than-life movie experience. It also features cutting-edge technology that is designed to provide the most realistic viewing experience possible. The IMAX projector is capable of producing images that are over four times the resolution of standard digital projectors, providing a level of detail and clarity that is unparalleled. This means that moviegoers will be able to see every detail of their favorite films in stunning clarity and detail.

The new IMAX theater is also designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable movie experience for all. The theater features plush, stadium-style heated seating that is designed to provide the best possible viewing experience.

The addition of the IMAX theater to the Metrolux is sure to have a positive impact on the local community. The theater is expected to draw in visitors from all over the region, boosting the local economy and providing a new entertainment option for residents and visitors alike.

But the IMAX theater at the Metrolux is not just a new entertainment option. It is also a testament to the continued growth and development of our region. The Centerra development has long been known for its focus on creating a vibrant, walkable community that is centered around entertainment, dining, and shopping. The addition of the IMAX theater at the Metrolux is a perfect example of this commitment to creating a thriving community that is focused on providing the best possible experience for its residents and visitors.

The addition of the IMAX theater is just the latest in a long line of developments that have helped to make Centerra one of the most vibrant and exciting communities in Colorado. The development has been steadily growing

over the years, with new restaurants, shops, and entertainment options being added regularly.

The theater is sure to be a hit with moviegoers of all ages, providing a larger-than-life movie experience that is sure to leave an impression.

“We’ve been a part of the community for a long time and we’re thrilled to provide guests with the most advanced technology in movie viewing,” Metropolitan Theaters President David Corwin said. “And there’s no better brand in the business than IMAX. So bringing the first one to Northern Colorado is exciting for us and for movie-goers.”

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Mummy Mountain

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s c a p e t o y o u r o w n p r i v a t e o a s i s i n a b r e a t h t a k i n g w a t e r f r o n t p r o p e r t y , n e s t l e d j u s t a s h o r t d r i v e N o r t h o f F o r t C o l l i n s E x p e r i e n c e t h e p e r f e c t b a l a n c e o f l u x u r y a n d a d v e n t u r e w i t h t h e c o n v e n i e n c e o f w a t e r s k i i n g r i g h t i n y o u r b a c k y a r d . I ' m r e a d y t o s h a r e m o r e d e t a i l s a b o u t t h i s e x q u i s i t e h o m e a n d h e l p y o u m a k e i t y o u r s . D o n ' t w a i t , c o n t a c t m e n o w a n d t a k e t h e f i r s t s t e p t o w a r d s t h e l i f e s t y l e y o u d e s e r v e .

Wild Side A WALK ON THE

Since 1995 there has been an incredible sanctuary nestled back in the foothills of Northern Colorado.  Every evening when the sun goes down, residents of this sanctuary make their presence known… by answering their call to nature and howling at the moon.  W.O.L.F Sanctuary gives these awe-inspiring animals the best life possible, even though right from birth, they are set up for failure.

The wolves at W.O.L.F Sanctuary are a combination of wolf dogs and wolves that are bred to be domestic pets.  The problem is that wolves are not domesticated animals.  They are not dogs, no matter how much dog they have in them.  They are not meant to live in homes and sleep in doghouses.  It’s estimated that up to 250,000 of these animals are born in the United States every year.  Many of these animals end up abandoned because even though they resemble domestic dogs, their personalities and needs say different.

Advocating for these animals is a group of workers and volunteers at W.O.L.F Sanctuary.  The mission of this sanctuary is to give these animals a chance at life and friendship, both with other wolves and wolf dogs, and the humans that obviously love them so much.  This organization runs entirely off of donations and volunteers.  There are many things on the horizon for these animals.

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY DEYO, JORDAN KLEPZIG

First up is the sanctuary’s move to Red Feather Lakes.  This move is exciting for not only the wolves, as they will have more room to run around and explore, but also for the public.  For the first time, W.O.L.F. Sanctuary will be offering tours to the public.  People can see these animals in their habitats and can learn all about them with the help of the volunteers.

W.O.L.F Sanctuary is so excited for the public to be able to view these animals and see their unique personalities shine.  At the Sanctuary now, any visitors are welcomed by the official greeters, Ashima and Spartacus.  The playful demeanor of Spartacus, who is one of the older wolves is reminiscent of a dog, but he definitely has the look of a wolf.  He is a great reminder that these are not domesticated animals.  His personality is evident in all that meet him.

Much like dogs, each of the wolves has a unique personality.  Wolves are not the vicious creatures portrayed in folklore.  Wolves are generally shy and are described by the Executive Director of W.O.LF. Shelley Coldiron as “cats in a canine body”.  Coldiron does what she does because of the incredible relationships she forms with these animals.

To Coldiron, the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary is more than just a job.  Her home in Loveland is used as an infirmary for wolves that need to heal from any injuries or necessary veterinary procedures.  She also used her home in 2012 to house 14 wolves for 3 and a half weeks when the High Park fire threatened the sanctuary.

Coldiron has formed close, personal bonds with these wolves, like Mecqua, who had to get his eyes removed.  She watched him go from being a wolf, terrified of humans, in rough shape, and very much alone, to him “blossoming”.   She couldn’t stand the thought of him spending the winter alone and

scared, so she took him in at her home. He started interacting with her dogs and in doing so, regained his confidence.  He lived to the ripe old age of 21, which is longer than anyone expected him to live and is years past the average life expectancy of such an animal.

Watching these animals transform, from how they arrive at the sanctuary, to how they become with companionship and the enrichment provided to them by the volunteers and workers at W.O.L.F Sanctuary.  The companionship and enrichment wolves need are just two of the differences between the wolf and the domesticated dog.

These success stories are why Ironside and her colleagues do what they do.  It’s incredibly rewarding to look at Ember or Zoey, who both were illegally bred at fur farms, and were due to be used to make fur coats, and to see them running around and howling at the moon, as they are truly meant to do, is their reason.

W.OL.F Sanctuary has an exciting event on its upcoming calendar.  Howling For Mother Earth Gala 2023 will be held on April 22nd at the Hilton Fort Collins.  This marks the 27th fundraising gala for the sanctuary.  Tickets are being sold here:  https://wolfsanctuary.co/w-o-l-f-gala-dinner2023-howling-for-mother-earth/

Getting involved with the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary is easy.  The sanctuary is always looking for volunteers and donations so they can continue their efforts.  With moving to the new facility and all that the future holds, they need help from the community now, more than ever before.  Go to https:// wolfsanctuary.co/ to learn more about how you can volunteer your money or time to help these incredible animals.

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Outdoorsy

As Coloradoans, we all have an inherent sense of adventure.  How we individually define that adventure is what makes each of us different.  One thing is certain: no matter what your definition of adventure is, Colorado has it.  There is an incredible group of volunteers right here in Northern Colorado who are doing amazing things to keep one adventure-filled state park beautiful, accessible,

and a source of unparalleled education. Meet the Friends of Lory State Park.   The people that make up the Friends of Lory State Park are a group of volunteers who are committed to the preservation of and education about Lory State Park.  They encourage all Coloradoans to recreate in the beautiful Lory State Park and also teach about recreating responsibly.

ARTICLE BY ALLIE BELLOWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN KLEPZIG

WITH THE FRIENDS OF LORY STATE PARK

Located just to the west of Fort Collins, about a 20-minute drive,  Lory State Park is one of the most beautiful and now, accessible state parks for NoCO residents. Accessibility to this park is getting easier and easier for Colorado residents.  With the “Keep Colorado Wild Pass”, residents can include a state park pass with the registration of their car.  A pass is regularly $80 a year, but the price is lowered to $29 when included with your car registration at the DMV.

Another way you can easily access the park is with your library card.  All the state libraries in Northern Colorado have a state park pass that you can essentially rent out.  You can borrow the pass for up to a week from your local library.  Also, the libraries have backpacks you can take with you that come fully loaded with everything you might need for hiking in the Rockies.  Who knew your library card could take you on such an adventure?  With just your library card you can access the more than 26 miles of trails in Lory State Park, for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Lory State Park has something for every type of adventure.  If your idea of adventure is getting out of town and having a picnic, Lory has plenty of spaces for picnics.  If your idea of adventure is a little more extreme, Lory has something for you too.  There is something at Lory for every type of adventure.

Lory State Park made history back in 2006 with their bike park which was the first of its kind in a state park.  Offering dirt jumps and a pump track area.  Today there are more than 21 miles of trails for mountain bikers.  These trails cover all types of terrain, from valleys to hogbacks.  There are trails for all skill levels of mountain bikers.

Lory State park also offers trails for hikers, trail runners, and even horseback riders.  There are more than 26 miles of trails all over Lory, for whatever adventure you want to go on, and whatever skill level you are.

Birding is a popular activity at Lory State Park.  There are many types of migratory birds that call Lory home for part of the year.  Birding groups come to Lory to see all the different kinds of birds.  Entomologists and amateur entomologists come to Lory to see the unique insects that are at Lory.

Stargazing groups and amateur astronomers have been coming to Lory, welding their telescopes.  Lory is far enough out of the city that the stargazing is incredible.  The Friends of Lory State Park help groups like these to coordinate and use Lory to its fullest potential.

Friends of Lory helps all kinds of groups become well acquainted with Lory State Park.  They are continually trying to educate about all of the nature that surrounds us here in Colorado and how to preserve it.  The Boys and Girls Club and Girl Scouts come to Lory State Park for educational opportunities coordinated by and taught by the volunteers that make up the Friends of Lory.

The Friends of Lory are providing an incredible service to Northern Colorado.  They are spreading their love for nature and preservation through education.  They strive to keep the environmental impacts of all the visitors to Lory minimal while ensuring accessibility to as many people as possible.  This seemingly impossible dichotomy is a balancing act that is being perfected by these incredible volunteers.  Through education about all the recreating opportunities at Lory, as well as how to recreate responsibly, Friends of Lory know they can keep this delicate balance and preserve the state park they love so much.

Volunteers like Friends of Lory State Park are at the forefront of keeping Colorado the wild, awe-inspiring place it is.   To volunteer, go to the Friends of Lory website.  Volunteers do everything from educating and taking groups on tours, to trail maintenance.  It is thanks to them that we have this beautiful park filled with so many opportunities for adventure right in our own backyard.  So choose your own adventure and get out to Lory State Park.

One thing is certain: no matter what your definition of adventure is, Colorado has it.

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Sleep Inside, Outside

3 Incredible places to (literally) sleep under the stars

Photography by Amangiri, USA

It’s always magical to spend a night sleeping under the stars. In decades past, adventure seekers have packed the SUV or camper with tents and gear for ‘roughin’ it’ in the great outdoors. But the swanky and exploding category of luxury outdoor hotels is something to investigate for an unforgettable, next-level experience. For those who prefer glamping rather than pitching their own tent fireside, here are a few options that incorporate sweeping views and a unique

opportunity for travelers to be more authentically embedded in the landscape of the place they’re visiting. These resorts have bucket list-worthy rooms that capture the best of both the luxury resort experience and the outdoors.

Whether you crave the dry heat of the remote Utah desert or the luminous beauty of the Northern Lights, we’ve curated a short list of some places you *must* check out.

Amangiri, Utah

In southern Utah, Amangiri is a five star resort perfect for an adventurous weekend in the desert. However, it is the simple rooms built to emphasize the beauty of Canyon Point that truly make it an incredible place to stay. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with private pools or rooftop terraces available too. Don’t miss a dip in the ‘gram-worthy pool, which wraps around the landscape’s curved dunes and arid plateaus.

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Photography by Amangiri, USA

Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza

The Spanish island Ibiza boasts lush pine forests, hidden calas (cove beaches) and Hacienda Na Xamena, a resort suspended on a cliff 600 feet above the Mediterranean. Guests flock to its spa for the eight saltwater thalassotherapy (seawater as a form of therapy) lagoons, which are linked together with waterfalls. Swim to the edge of the pool and drink in the sweeping sea vistas.

Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

This jungle hideaway is so out there, you have to whitewater raft down a river or ride a gondola to get there. A network of hanging bridges connect the villas, which have thatched roofs, plantation teak wood floors, rattan furniture and private plunge pools. In the evening, zip 400 feet down a cable for a meal at the Nest, a platform at the top of a ceiba tree, then take a night-time stroll along romantic pathways lit by candles and lanterns.

Photography by Pacuare Lodge

Photography by Pacuare Lodge

Photography Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza ©

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