For more than 35 years, SJMA staff, donors, and volunteers have played a crucial role in safeguarding the San Juan Mountains’ unique ecosystems, promoting sustainable recreation, and fostering environmental education. Our efforts have made a tangible difference, from maintaining pristine hiking trails and restoring native habitats to organizing educational programs that inspire the next generation of stewards. However, to sustain and expand our impact, we need your support now more than ever. Check out what we were able to accomplish in 2024 with your support!
This is what your donations make possible: more accessible trails, empowered youth, and resilient public lands. As public lands face increasing pressure from visitation and climate impacts, we need your help to continue this essential work.
Whether you're a lifelong local, a visiting hiker, or a parent wanting your child to learn outside -- your support keeps the San Juans thriving. Please make a gift today to help us explore, learn, and protect -- TOGETHER!
"This program is essential in our community. Providing the opportunity for our children to learn and appreciate our local environment, and learn to respect public lands is crucial. Thankfully, we’ve been fortunate enough to have this program to allow our children to explore, learn, and take advantage of the wonderful knowledge and guidance provided by the counselors. This will serve them well as they grow, and will serve the future of our public lands. Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful program. I support it fully in the future." - Parent of Summer Camper
"This was my child's first time attending any kind of summer camp, and he had a great time! If it weren't for the scholarship, he would not have been able to attend. His week at SJMA enriched his life so much, and he's still talking about everything he did while there. The only thing he said was that he wished he were able to attend the sleep-away camp because it's a longer and more immersive experience. Overall our family is so grateful for the scholarship that we were given, and we want to thank all the donors. You changed a little boy's life for the better this summer, and for that we can't thank you enough!" - Scholarship Recipient
"My daughter has learned so much about the natural environment where we live with the SJMA programs. She really enjoys being in the outdoors, and I really appreciate knowing she's with a diverse group of kids of different ages exploring not only the outdoors but personalities and friendships in a safe program with good and enthusiastic leaders." - Parent of Summer Camper
"Thank you for your service! The (Alpine) loop is one of the cleanest trails I travel, especially considering how much use it gets!" - Brian
"I wanted to extend my extreme gratitude to you and your team for all you have done and do across the San Juan’s. Ice Lakes has a special place for me since it led to me packing up my life and moving from the Midwest and I was very happy to see it was still just as clean and well-maintained as the day I hiked it seven years ago. Please pass on my gratitude to your team because I’m sure they don’t receive enough for all the hard work and education they do with the public. " - Brett P.
"Best kept trails, very welcoming and awesome people (Trail Ambassadors)." - Ice Lake Trail Hiker
SJMA inspires and empowers connection to and responsible use of the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado.
Established in 1988 at the request of the San Juan National Forest Supervisor, San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) was formed by a group of local citizens who recognized the need for public involvement and awareness about public land management. SJMA's aim at creation was to facilitate open communication and cooperation between agencies and residents of communities surrounding the public lands in Southwest Colorado.
In the beginning, SJMA programs were developed by one part-time staff person and a dedicated cadre of volunteers. Today, with 22 year-round staff and more than 40 staff during the busy summer season, we work hard to help our federal public land partners care for the incomparable San Juan Mountains. This amazing staff at SJMA is a group of highly motivated, incredibly talented and extremely dedicated people that now serves as the interpretive partner to multiple federal public land management agencies, including the San Juan National Forest, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest, the Rio Grande National Forest, BLM Canyons of the Ancients, and the BLM Field Offices in Gunnison and Uncompahgre.
In 2020, SJMA merged with Durango Nature Studies to become the premier outdoor education organization in Southwest Colorado with nature-based science enrichment programs provided to schools throughout La Plata, Montezuma, and now, Archuleta Counties. Through our growing education programs, we are working to inspire the next generation of conservationists and stewards throughout the entire Southwest Colorado region.
We remain true to the spirit in which we were created, and expanded offerings allow many more programs and volunteer opportunities on public lands. From the inspired handful of volunteers, SJMA now counts its membership as more than 700 individuals who participate in various volunteer programs, as well as support SJMA financially. Without your support, we would not be able to accomplish all that we have.
Organization name
San Juan Mountains Association
other names
SJMA, San Juan National Forest Association, Four Corners Forum
1988
Tax id (EIN)
23-7437775
Category
Environment, Youth Development, Education, Recreation & Sports
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
15 Burnett CourtMailing
PO Box 2261La Plata County, CO, US
Montrose County, CO, US
Gunnison County, CO, US
Rio Grande County, CO, US
Ouray County, CO, US