$19,043 raised by 89 donors
63% 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 helps people learn about and care for the land, animals, water, and history of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. We do this through engaging programs, volunteer work, and community events. GARNA helps connect people to nature and the special places in our valley.
GARNA was started to help groups like the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management. We helped them with volunteer projects and community events. Now, GARNA also helps run special programs for Chaffee County, like the Heritage Area and a waste recycling project.
GARNA gives people of all ages — kids and adults — chances to learn and explore outside all year long. Whether you live here full-time, part-time, or are just visiting, you can join our programs and feel more connected to the land and community.
We work with many partners, like other nonprofits and experts, to make our programs even better. Most of our programs are free, but we count on members and donors to help keep GARNA going strong.
Thank you for supporting GARNA and helping protect this beautiful place!
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