The Toklat Gallery, The Roaring Fork Conservancy, and Snowmass Mountain may seem like three unrelated entities, but they share a common thread: a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado.
The Toklat Gallery, located in the ghost town of Ashcroft, was founded by Stuart Mace and his wife, Isabel, in 1949. The gallery showcases the works of local artists and serves as a cultural center for the community. However, the Maces’ mission went beyond promoting art; they were also dedicated to preserving the environment. Stuart Mace was a legendary mountain guide, and he and Isabel were instrumental in the establishment of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, which protected the land surrounding the gallery.
The Roaring Fork Conservancy is another organization committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Founded in 1996, the Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the rivers and streams of the area. They educate the public about water conservation and offer programs that encourage people to get involved in protecting the watershed.
Snowmass Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. However, the mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as elk, deer, and bears. In order to protect these animals and their habitats, the Snowmass Mountain Ski Area has implemented a number of environmental initiatives, such as recycling and composting programs, energy-efficient snowmaking, and wildlife monitoring.
The unifying idea that connects these three entities is the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Stuart and Isabel Mace understood the value of the land surrounding their gallery, and their efforts to protect it helped pave the way for organizations like the Roaring Fork Conservancy to continue their work. The conservation efforts of the Conservancy and the Snowmass Mountain Ski Area ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of the valley.
As Stuart Mace once said, “Preservation of the natural environment is not a partisan issue. It transcends politics.” The Toklat Gallery, The Roaring Fork Conservancy, and Snowmass Mountain are living proof of this sentiment. Their commitment to preserving the environment is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the natural beauty of our world.
Sources:
– “About Toklat Gallery.” Toklat Gallery. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.toklatgallery.com/about.
– “About Roaring Fork Conservancy.” Roaring Fork Conservancy. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.roaringfork.org/about-us/.
– “Sustainability at Snowmass.” Aspen Snowmass. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.aspensnowmass.com/we-are-different/sustainability.