It’s been almost seven years since Sunrise Minturn, Alpine Quest Sports, and Minturn Anglers started contributing daily to the Land & Rivers Fund, launching the program’s official start. Since then, they and many other businesses have contributed almost $700,000 to the fund.
Why do they do it? From Up the Creek to Maker + Stitch to Main Street Grill, businesses contribute to the fund because it directly pays for the protection and stewardship of our local lands, watersheds, wildlife habitats, drinking water, recreational access, and open spaces. On top of that, it funds a scholarship for a local high school senior heading toward a career path in environmental science, natural resource management, or related fields.
Participating businesses understand that protecting the lands and rivers that our community depends on, that our economy depends on, is just good business.
The fund was founded by a partnership between the Eagle Valley Land Trust and the Eagle River Watershed Council in 2017, a joint venture that’s stronger than ever. While each organization focuses on protecting different aspects of our local landscape, their missions are complementary. Plus, they both depend on community support to make their work a reality.
Every project that the organizations have worked on or completed in the last five years has been propelled by these participating businesses. From conserving Sweetwater Lake to expanding the system to alert subscribers to high water temperatures, to protecting local elk habitat, to removing 19+ tons of trash from Eagle County roadways this year, Land & Rivers dollars have helped make it happen.
Over the past year, the Watershed Council has invested in a variety of river restoration projects that improve water quality and expanded its reach through inclusive conservation education programs. From the annual Eagle River Water Festival, which brought together more than 300 of the county’s fifth graders to its monthly RiverWatch water monitoring program, the nonprofit is committed to the protection of local waterways.
The Land Trust, meanwhile, has been working on a variety of new land conservation projects, developing new inclusive community programming aimed at addressing barriers to accessing nature, protecting important wildlife habitats, and stewarding over 14,000 acres of permanently conserved land.
“Businesses find it to be a simple way to make a difference every single day,” said Bergen Tjossem, the Land Trust’s Deputy Director. “A tiny donation, typically assessed to the customer at the point of sale, adds up quickly when you consider how many businesses are doing it every day. The fund contributes impressive amounts to EVLT and the Watershed Council every quarter. We really can’t thank these businesses enough for their commitment to our community.”
Local businesses protecting local natural resources is a movement that makes an impact. To support these businesses, the Land & Rivers Fund is launching its third annual “Shop Local” campaign through December. By choosing Land & Rivers Businesses for your holiday shopping needs, you’re also protecting the lands and rivers that help our community, rivers, and wildlife thrive.
Participating businesses include:
- 714 Home
- All the Good Stuff
- Alpine Kayak
- Alpine Quest Sports
- ANB Bank
- Bishop Shreds
- Blue Goat Apothecary
- Boot Mechanics
- Color Coffee
- Eagle River Liquors
- Ethos Landscaping
- Everyday Outfitters
- Fancy Pansy
- Form Attainment Studios
- Gracie’s Coffee
- Jerry Sibley Plumbing
- Made the Cut
- Main Street Grill
- Maker and Stitch
- Mauka Poke Bar
- Minturn Anglers
- Roam Restaurant
- R Farmers’ Market
- Robert Schilling-Coldwell Banker
- Sendy Sauce
- Sunrise Minturn
- Synergy Center for Wellness
- The Bunkhouse
- Up the Creek
- UPS Stores
- Vail Fine Wines
- Yoga Off Broadway
Source: Vai Ddaily
