NEWS RELEASE

Greater Arkansas River Nature Association                           Phone: 719-539-5106

PO Box 1522                                                                                       Email: info@garna.org

Salida, CO 81201

Date:     9-21-2020

Become Part of the Action: Join GARNA’s 2020 Environmental Hero Awards and Annual Fundraiser

On September 26, National Public Lands Day, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) will kick-off an online celebration of local environmental heroes meant to ignite hope in our community and inspire others to become environmental stewards. The two-week media campaign highlighting four local environmental heroes through short videos, social media posts, print ads, articles, email, and radio will culminate on Saturday, October 10 with a virtual awards ceremony where each recipient will receive a functional, sustainable, one-of-a kind award handcrafted by Mark Rittman of The Maverick Potter.

One of the most respected and longest serving non-profits in the area, GARNA relies heavily on volunteers to provide stewardship and educational opportunities on public lands in the Upper Arkansas River Valley.  “GARNA reaches over 45,000 residents and visitors per year with messages about sustainability, conservation, and responsible enjoyment of our local natural resources,” says Dominique Naccarato, Executive Director. “Our work wouldn’t happen without broad community collaboration and hard-working volunteers.”

Long-time volunteer and activist, Denny Arter of Salida will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 20 years of service to GARNA. Additional awards align with GARNA’s three pillars of activism: Stewardship (Mike Conlin of Leadville), Sustainability (Jacy Doumas of Buena Vista) and Education (Keith Krebs of Nathrop).

“We had to get creative this year, but hope our online celebration will honor these heroes, and engage the community and allow them to support our work,” says Naccarato. Contributions from sponsors such as Freeport-McMoran, Eclipse Real Estate and Property Management, LaGree’s Food Stores and local individual donors, are helping to make the event possible. Through a matching program utilizing generous contributions from local businesses, GARNA hopes to multiply the impact of individual donations. Those who participate in social media and online events will also be entered into a drawing for packages including donated items and experiences like vacation stays at unique local venues, gift certificates to restaurants and more. Stay tuned for ways to participate.

“The Environmental Hero Awards shine a light on GARNA’s many volunteers, supporters and partner organizations who are critical to the progress we have achieved,” says Lisa Martin, Board Chair. “GARNA depends on our supporters and allies to work together to create positive change. With the rapid increase in outdoor recreation, influx of new residents and building permits, and largescale public lands issues including climate change, GARNA’s work is more important than ever. Our hope is that together, you will help create a community of public lands lovers that will prevail to future generations.”

Become a part of the action. Donate and learn more at GARNA.org

Register to join the virtual awards ceremony on October 10:  http://bit.ly/GARNAHeroAwards