On September 7
High Country News & Paonia Books invite you to
Location:
Blue Sage Center For the Arts
228 Grand Avenue, Paonia, CO
Date:
Saturday, September 7
5:30 – 6:30pm
No matter the outcome of the November elections, Western communities have an opportunity—and an obligation—to play a leading role in conservation.
Join High Country News Contributing Editor Michelle Nijhuis for a conversation about how people in Colorado and across the West are working together to safeguard landscapes and wildlife. Grassroots conservation solutions take work, and patience, and a willingness to build trust across political and cultural divides. But when done well, they offer stability amid whipsawing political winds, and pathways to a more civil and sustainable future.
For more information, contact Carol at carolnewman@hcn.org.
We are reader-supported journalism for the West.
Thank you for joining us in this work.
You make a difference.
Michelle Nijhuis, Contributing Editor, High Country News
Michelle began her journalism career as a High Country News intern in 1998, and has since written for National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine and many other publications. She is the author of the 2021 book Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction, and currently leads HCN’s “Conservation Beyond Boundaries” project.
Hannah Stevens, Executive Director, Western Slope Conservation Center
Hannah worked in botanical science for thirteen years leading the New York Botanical Garden’s Conservation GIS program, as well as consulted for national and international organizations. Her roots in the North Fork Valley were planted over 30 years ago when her family moved here and started an organic garlic farm.
Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, Cross Cultural Programs Manager, Montezuma Land Conservancy
Regina is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Towaoc. She has served on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council and as a co-chair of the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and education director for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose. She currently serves on the boards of the Telluride Institute, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Torrey House Press and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Jason Wrich, Regenerative Cattle Rancher
Jason Wrich was born and raised in Western Colorado. A self-described good-ol’-boy, he spent 15 years working in the local mines and now runs Wrich Ranches, a conception to plate, grass-fed and finished, all natural, Black Angus beef operation. They focus on sustainable farming and ranching practices while providing a healthy, all natural, nutrient dense protein for our friends, family and neighbors.
Following the panel discussion, join us for a fundraising reception at Paonia Books, 7:30-8:30pm.
Limited space — Reserve your ticket now to guarantee a seat at the panel discussion and the reception.
A collaboration of
