Colorado Public Lands Day Celebration

In May 2016, Colorado became the first state in the nation to establish a state holiday for our public lands. The third Saturday in May is now recognized as Colorado Public Lands Day, a day to celebrate how our public lands are central to our economy and our quality of life. Coloradans know that our forests, rivers, mountains, grasslands, and parks are a huge part of our economy, from fueling tourism and outdoor retailers to drawing in new businesses and residents. But more than that, our public lands are a place for people to connect with nature, challenge themselves to grow, get closer to the people they’re with, and learn about the world around us.

Join Headwaters Trails Alliance, outfitters, federal agencies, outdoor organizations and groups and the outdoor industries of Grand County to celebrate this new holiday on Saturday, May 18th from 1-4 pm at the Headwaters Center in Winter Park.

There will be booths with information on upcoming outdoor summer events, where to go for outdoor recreation and to give back to the lands that we all love and enjoy. Join us for this kick off party to the summer season and learn what’s ahead for the summer throughout Grand County.

Enjoy some refreshments and snacks as you check out the different booths. There will be live music by Weston Smith from 2-4pm.

Help save the Fraser River

The Colorado River Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be planting willows along Ranch Creek, near Tabernash on May 18th and 19th planting. To learn more about the project and to volunteer, visit coheadwaters.org.

BLM seeks volunteers for Wolford Mountain Clean-up May 18

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking volunteers to help clean-up the Wolford Special Recreation Area north of Kremmling on Saturday, May 18th from 9 am to 1 pm. The clean-up is one of many events throughout the state celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day.

The Wolford Recreation Area Cleanup will include the roads and trails throughout the area. Anyone wanting to volunteer to help clean-up this popular recreation area is welcome. BLM will have gloves and trash bags for volunteers.

Directions to the meeting area: from US Hwy 40, turn north on County Road 22 for one mile, then turn left onto 224 Road for .5 miles, then turn right into Wolford Open OHV Area.

For more information, contact John Monkouski (970) 724-3040 or jmonkous@blm.gov.

Call for nominations for the 2019 Award for Excellence in Health Service

Do you know someone who exemplifies service to the local health and whose contributions to Grand County need recognition?

The Grand County Rural Health Network is accepting nominations for the 2019 Award for Excellence in Health Service. The criteria are simple: in at least 500 words, please tell us about someone who best personifies service in the health field and would be a worthy role model to be emulated by others.

Our goal is to honor modern-day health pioneers every year who truly impact the health and lives of individuals and our community. Past award recipients include: Heather Bentler, RN and John Nichols, MD in 2018; Wade Walker, RPh in 2017; Val Lind, RN in 2016; Hannah Foley, NP and Ray Jennings in 2015; Mary Jo Hargadine, RN in 2014; and Therese McElroy, RN in 2013.

Future award recipients should be in the health field, either professionally or as a volunteer. They do not have to be a healthcare provider, but someone(s) who has significantly contributed to the local health field – because health is more than healthcare. Nominees are voted on and selected by the Network’s Board of Directors. Recipients are honored at the 7th annual Bulls, Boots, and BBQ fundraiser on August 15, 2019 at B Lazy 2 Ranch in Fraser Colorado.

Award nomination forms are available at gcruralhealth.com/Bulls,BootsBBQ. Nominations are due by May 24, 2019.

Aviation Museum wins award

Our Grand County Historical Association Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum, located in the historic Rocky Mountain Airways former airline terminal on Granby/Grand County Airport, just won the statewide 2018 History Colorado Caroline Bancroft Award for their children’s aviation history programs. This prestigious annual award is given by History Colorado to the organization or museum in a Colorado Community with a population of less than 50,000 which demonstrates outstanding contributions to their community and local history. This recognition and a monetary awarded to our Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum children and youth aviation history programs. Congratulations to all their volunteers. Be sure to stop by and see this award-winning local aviation museum all summer long, Friday and Saturday 11AM to 2PM. FREE and family-friendly.Learn morewww.grandcountyhistory.org   

Trail Ridge Road opening soon

Park crews continue to work their way across the park, from Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Center and the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spring snow conditions have presented the usual challenges for snow removal and it is hoped the road can be opened in time for Memorial Day weekend. To get the most up to date road status, call the park’s status line: (970) 586-1222.

A-Basin extends season

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area announced Tuesday that it will extend its season beyond June 2, which marks the longest season in the state. The resort will remain open seven days a week until June 2, then open for the weekend of June 7-9.

If conditions remain good, they may open for additional weekends after that. The ski area has 82% of terrain open and all lifts are still running. To learn more, visit arapahoebasin.com

Vendors Wanted

The 2019 Granby Farmers + Artisan Markets is looking for vendors. The market dates are June 14, June 28, July 12 & July 26, from 1-5pm. The fee is $30 per market or $100 for all 4 markets.

Give the Granby Chamber of Commerce a call to discuss more details (970) 887-2311 or register at: granbychamber.com/fam.