ACES utilizes partnerships with local corporate and non-profit organizations and governmental agencies to provide venues for programs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Because ACES maintains a visible and positive reputation in the community, these partnerships are mutually beneficial and allow for participating organizations to access land, available funding and individuals with knowledge of the natural history of the area.
Aspen Skiing Company
ACES has been in partnership with the Aspen Skiing Company since the summer of 1987. This partnership allows ACES naturalists and educators to conduct valuable environmental programs on three of the Aspen Skiing Company mountains. Since the winter of 1995, the Fresh Tracks Nature Tours program has been sponsored and supported by the Aspen Skiing Company, the United States Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. This partnership has been crucial to ACES' growth and ability to perform adequate public outreach.
www.aspensnowmass.com/environment
United States Forest Service
ACES' partnership with the United States Forest Service is centered primarily around work at the Maroon Bells. ACES interns wear USFS uniforms and conduct hourly nature walks at the Maroon Bells every day throughout the summer. With USFS support, these tours are offered free to the public. ACES partnership with the USFS has greatly contributed to the knowledge, credibility and resources of the ACES staff. The USFS is a partner in the Fresh Tracks Nature Tours program.
www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/.com
www.wildernet.com
Colorado Division of Wildlife
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has sponsored ACES'Bring Back the Natives program since 1994. The CDOW has also provided opportunities for ACES to develop specific exhibits and signs, including the trout diorama located in the environmental center.
wildlife.state.co.us
Snowmass Village Resort Association
Since 1992, the Snowmass Resort Association has sponsored ACES' programs at Snowmass including the Snowmass Naturalist Walks, the Snowmass Mountain Walks, and the Summer Wild Things at Snowmass. The financial assistance provided by the SRA allows for these activities to be offered free to the public.
www.snowmassvillage.com
Ashcroft Ski Touring
Located 12 miles above Aspen in the spectacular Castle Creek Valley, Ashcroft offers excellent terrain for all levels of Nordic skiers within 35 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails. At Ashcroft, ACES naturalists lead snowshoe tours in the winter and day hikes in the summer. All tours include a lunch, provided by the Pine Creek Cookhouse.
www.pinecreekcookhouse.com
Aspen Valley Land Trust
The Aspen Valley Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization. It is the oldest land trust in Colorado, and has been serving the Roaring Fork Valley for over thirty years. The Trust manages 35 donated conservation easements, encompassing over 6,000 acres in the greater Roaring Fork Valley. For more
information, call 920.3806 or check out the website at www.avlt.org
Aspen Historical Society
Aspen Historical Society provides mutual support for ACES programs at Ashcroft, Independence town site, staff trainings, and special programs.
www.aspenhistory.org