Larimer County Announced 2020 Environmental Stewardship Awards

On Thursday, Kids in Nature, the Xanterra Travel Collection, the city of Fort Collins Water Treatment Facility and the Wildland Restoration Volunteers were given Environmental Stewardship Awards for 2020.

According to the Reporter-Herald, each organization completed highly impactful projects this year, including the following:

• The installation of a micro-hydroelectric generator, which was completed by the Fort Collins Water Treatment Facility. The generator reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides significant pollution-reduction in Larimer County.
• The restoration of the You Gulch Trail, which was organized and executed by The Wildland Restoration Volunteers. The trail was damaged during the 2012 High Park Fire and 2013 floods, but through their effort and dedication, the group has repaired 42 stream crossings.
• The education and involvement of 400 children over the last year. The Kids in Nature program teaches land stewardship, environmental awareness and the importance of public lands.
• The installation of over 150 solar panels. Due to the Xanterra Travel Collection's efforts, these new panels will cover 90% of the electricity needed for the Alpine Trail Ridge Store and Café atop Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The annual Stewardship Award has honored 92 residents, businesses and/or organizations since 1995.