Outdoor Series
How Climate Change Impacts the Colorado Outdoors
What is the Outdoor Series?
Each Outdoor Series event will focus on the economic, recreational and environmental impacts climate change brings to Colorado and will feature an informative panel of experts, community advocates, athletes & outdoor enthusiasts that all have their own unique outdoor mission. The events are free and open to all!
Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry is not only a source of joy and leisure, but also one of the state’s largest providers of jobs and state revenue. However, the harsh reality is that climate change, largely driven by fossil fuel operations, is directly affecting our outdoor opportunities. We’re witnessing decreased snowpack, longer drought seasons, increases of wildfires, heatwaves, and an unusual amount of Ozone Alert days. The climate crisis is not just a distant threat, but a clear and present danger to our outdoor spaces, recreational opportunities, jobs, economy, health and Colorado way of life.
Past Outdoor Series Events
SPRING 2024
On May 4th, we hosted another great Outdoor Series event – this time we focussed on the Dolores Canyons National Monument proposal. Our gathering at the lively Sanitas Brewing was dedicated to the mission of elevating Dolores Canyons to the status of a National Monument! We were fortunate to hear from insightful speakers such as Rebecca, who shared the Conservation Alliance’s perspective; Teal, the ‘Western Water Girl,’ who shed light on the water conservation aspect; and Soraya, who discussed the importance of harnessing their business voice for the climate movement from Backpacker’s Pantry Backpackers Pantry’s viewpoint.
Special thanks to our partners, hosts, panelists, donors, volunteers and all the attendees!
FALL 2023
On November 11th we held another hugely successful Outdoor Series! We heard from outdoor leaders doing the work for Colorado’s air quality from many angles – outdoor accessibility, outdoor advocacy, and policy. Every effort in this fight is how we come together to protect our air quality and protect our communities from fossil fuel driven climate change. The climate crisis threatens the future of our outdoor spaces, recreational opportunities, jobs, economy, and Colorado way of life.
Thank you Lady Justice Brewery for hosting us! Thank you NextLevel Burger for providing delicious lunch. Huge shout out to our partners at Defend Our Future, Earthworks, Earthjustice & Footprints for taking part in this important discussion on the health and safety of the outdoors!
SPRING 2023
We had another successful Outdoor Series! Thank you to our partners at Patagonia Denver & American Whitewater. We heard from outdoor leaders doing the work for Colorado’s rivers from many angles – outdoor accessibility, outdoor stewardship, hydrology, economics, and policy. Every effort in this fight is how we come together to save our waters and protect our communities from fossil fuel driven climate change.
Here are some other highlights of the evening:
- The Colorado Fiscal Institute report compared jobs and economic data from the oil & gas industry to our outdoor recreation and tourism industry here in Colorado.
- A live muralist created a painting for a future outdoor demonstration against the Uinta Oil Basin Railway.
- Everyone enjoyed tasty food & drinks from our friends at Vegan Van and 3rd bird Kombucha.
WINTER 2023
Over 100 people showed up to have a beer, bite & real conversation at Patagonia Denver’s store for an important “Party with a Purpose” in collaboration with Protect Our Winters and Colorado Rising for Communities. The event brought together expert voices from the scientific, environmental economics, and outdoor adventure community to share perspectives on how warming temps are taking a toll on our winters and the future of accessibility for outdoor recreational opportunities. Huge shout out to Patagonia Denver for offering their space to connect on these issues. And to our sponsors Make it Vegan and Lady Justice Brewery for the delicious catering and beer!