$18,733 raised by 89 donors
62% complete
$30,000 Goal
GARNA's youth educational programs develop a sense of wonder, excitement and empowerment. Research demonstrates how programs that do so also deliver specific, measurable improvements to mental health for participating kids. We’re excited to deploy the new Valley View Nature Learning Center as an asset for youth (and the entire community) throughout our region to offer academically grounded and experiential learning. Our youth ecological literacy program aligns with Colorado science standards and introduces students to local ecology, geology, and water systems through direct experience. Whether testing water quality in the Arkansas River, modeling aquifers, or building nature journals, participants engage deeply with place-based science while developing confidence, curiosity, and environmental awareness.
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!
Help us reach our $25k goal to:
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 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. While many of our programs are free and open to the general public, we rely on membership support for general operations and programming.
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