Join Us At The Movies This Saturday
The American Southwest at Isis Theatre in Aspen

The American Southwest is a family-friendly wildlife movie that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, the film beautifully showcases the region’s abundant wildlife, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and water overuse, and advocates for better management of the river. Made in association with Natives Outdoors, the movie incorporates an indigenous storyline and is told through the perspective of some of the Southwest’s most charming characters… such as industrious beavers, bugling bull elk, and soaring condors. Between its legendary landscapes and fascinating wildlife, The American Southwest aims to endear millions of people to better cherish, love, and conserve this unique region.

Roaring Fork Conservancy is partnering with American Rivers on a showing of this stunning feature-length film at Aspen’s Isis Theater this Saturday, September 6 at 7:00pm. We’d love for you to see it and stay for a Q&A afterwards.  We’d also love for you to join us at a Happy Hour gathering beforehand at Las Montañas at 5:30pm.

Click here to purchase tickets and let us know if you will join us for Happy Hour beforehand at Las Montañas.

Snowmass Water Supply Tour - Wednesday, September 24 from 9am-2pm

When we turn the tap on, water appears instantaneously, almost like magic... Come and learn firsthand how water is delivered to Snowmass Village, a high alpine town spanning 1,500 vertical feet.  Trace the path of water from mountain streams to the taps of 3,000 people - that expands five-fold in peak season! Tour with staff from Snowmass Water and Sanitation District and Roaring Fork Conservancy and gain an appreciation for the unique challenges of delivering water fresh to our taps and cleaning wastewater to industry-leading standards. We’ll also tour the beautiful Ziegler Reservoir, an important storage area with environmental benefits.

This program is limited to 10 participants.

Register at https://roaringfork.org/events/snowmass-water-supply-tour/.

Join Roaring Fork Conservancy and Pitkin County Open Space & Trails for a rare autumn afternoon walk to enjoy the unique and beautiful Filoha Meadows before its seasonal closure. Thermal hot springs, bighorn sheep, important elk habitat, a local bat population, healthy riparian habitat, and beaver ponds are only a few of Filoha’s distinctive attributes.  Bring binoculars (or a spotting scope) and a camera as we enjoy fall at Filoha.

Register at https://roaringfork.org/events/filoha-afternoon-walk-sept-30/. 

 

Dear River Stewards, I’ve been wading in the river lately, and the water feels pretty warm. Should I consider this when I’m fishing? Signed, Hot Toes     Dear Hot Toes,  As the days grow hotter and the rivers get shallow, the responsible angler has a duty to pay attention. When the water gets above certain temperatures, the fish begin to struggle. Remember that fish don’t have the same definitions of comfort as you or me! When winter comes and we go inside to sit at the fireplace, the fish keep on swimming. While we love a hot day on the riverbank, the fish risk going belly up! As water temps rise the dissolved oxygen that fish breathe starts to decrease. On those hot days, the fight against your fly rod is often enough to completely exhaust a trout.  The unfortunate reality is that you may release a fish after catching it and it swims away then dies soon after. To avoid this, both for the sake of the fish and the fishery as a whole, avoid casting your line if the water temperature is above 68F degrees. You may be wondering, “How can I know the water temperature?”. Use a water thermometer!  You can find an inexpensive thermometer in local fly shops.  Happy Fishing (but only if temps are low enough)!  River Stewards Alyssa, Alex, Chase, PJ, & Melissa

 

 

 

 

We want to hear from YOU!

RFC recently completed a restoration project at Riverfront Park in Carbondale. If you are familiar with the park and use it, we’d love your feedback. Please take 5 minutes to complete our short, anonymous survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RiverfrontParkSurvey2025.

 

Photo: Matthew Brockman

 

 

  

 

 

Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Training When: September 23-25, 2025| 8am – 5pm Where: Aspen City Hall, 427 Rio Grande Place Aspen, CO Learn More & Register: https://www.qwel.net/pub/class/540 The City of Aspen is excited to offer a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Training on September 23-25, 2025, for landscape professionals, resort and grounds staff, water utility staff, and other municipal staff involved in water or irrigation management working in the Roaring Fork Valley.  QWEL is an EPA WaterSense labeled Professional Certifying Program for irrigation system audits. The 3-day course provides landscape professionals with hands-on demonstrations and education on proper plant selection, landscape water use, irrigation system design and maintenance, controller programming and operation, and other principles of sustainable landscaping. Graduates are certified to perform 3rd party irrigation audits as specified by the City of Aspen’s Water Efficient Landscaping Standards and will be listed for hire on the City of Aspen, QWEL, and EPA WaterSense websites. You can find out more here: www.qwel.net. Registration is only $50 and includes all course and testing materials as well as lunch for participants on all three days. Register here to secure your spot!

Make Your Voice Heard on Shoshone, Soon! With a quickly approaching deadline, submit public comments to viola.bralish@state.co.us at Colorado Conservation Board to express your thoughts on permanent protection of Shoshone Water Rights through the State’s instream flow program. For more information visit https://cwcb.colorado.gov/2025-shoshone-isf-acquisition or https://keepshoshoneflowing.org/faqs/.

  

 

	Double your Impact with a Company Match By taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing sheryl@roaringfork.org.

Consider a Charitable Rollover Individuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income. Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers!

	Would you like to be featured as a Spotlight Business Member? Join us as a Premier Business Member! Show your clients and customers that you support essential river research, education, and conservation work and be featured as a Spotlight Business Member!

 

 

  If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting your watershed is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1) Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com

  2) Search for Roaring Fork Conservancy or CV113

  3) Click Enroll and you're ready to support your rivers while you run errands! 

  Learn more at: https://www.citymarket.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/

SEPTMEBER SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER!

R.J. Paddywacks Pet Outfitter

Serving the Roaring Fork Valley for more than 20 years!