$18,533 raised by 89 donors
74% complete
$25,000 Goal
Our 2024 Colorado Gives Campaign Goal is to raise $25,000 to open Chaffee County's new Nature Learning Center at the old Valley View Schoolhouse on County Road 140!
The new Nature Center will house classroom educational programs and GARNA events as well as hands-on learning activities through re-naturalization of the two acres of prairie that surrounds the school. That'll allow GARNA to expand outdoor education programs for youth and underserved community members, including Nature Camp and the Chaffee Mobile Gear Library. No family should have to limit their outdoor experiences only due to the limits of the monthly budget.
Since 1996, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association has been providing education and sustainability programs that inspire a conservation ethic across Lake, Chaffee and Fremont counties. We strive every day to give youth and adults access to outdoor experiences in the beautiful Arkansas River valley. Our programs connect our neighbors and visitors to the land and water, and to one another, and our work helps inspire the next generation to be informed, engaged and caring stewards of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. We are truly grateful for the many partners, supporters, members and friends committed to the GARNA vision.
Your gift directly supports GARNA's year-round work to get young people and their families outdoors, learning and recreating!
GARNA, through community collaboration, inspires a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the Upper Arkansas Valley are motivated to take care of the natural resources and leave a legacy of responsible use of the natural environment.
GARNA serves the greater Arkansas River Valley by developing awareness and appreciation for the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Greater Upper Arkansas River Area. Through educational programs, volunteer projects and community involvement, GARNA is a primary connection to the area's diverse natural resources and colorful heritage.
Originally GARNA was created to assist the valley's public land managers, principally the Bureau of Land Management; US Forest Service Salida Ranger District; Colorado Parks and Wildlife; and the Arkansas River Headwaters Area, by administering their volunteer projects and community outreach efforts. Over the years, GARNA has not only continued to work closely with our agency partners but has also become the "go-to" organization to administer county and state funded programs. Currently, GARNA administers the Chaffee County Heritage Area, the Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway and a Waste Diversion project for Chaffee County.
GARNA is a membership association and serves the community by offering year-round adult and youth programming enabling visitors, full- and part-time residents alike to connect with the land and community in ways that enrich their lives. Collaboration and cooperation with other non-profits and agency partners allow GARNA to tap into expert resources to enhance GARNA's programs and community outreach with professional experience and knowledge. GARNA continually strives to be an effective agent for conservation and stewardship of the area's rich and diverse resources.
Organization name
Greater Arkansas River Nature Association
other names
GARNA
1996
Tax id (EIN)
84-1321011
Category
Environment
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
209 E 3rd StOther
PO Box 1522Chaffee County, CO, US