As cooler weather rolls in and we look ahead to fall and winter, we wanted to share one last burst of summer beauty from our wonderful RVR community. From rainbows to golden sunsets, colorful blooms to playful moments, these snapshots capture the vibrant warmth of the season before it fades into crisp autumn days.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful homeowners (and team members!) for sharing their photos with us:

Irrigation blowouts will begin the first week of October for common areas and the second week of October for private residences. Work on residences will continue through the end of October.

Once your system has been winterized, a 2025 sticker will be placed on your controller to confirm it has been completed.

Homeowners may install deer fencing after October first. 

Deer season is upon us! To help protect your landscaping, trees, shrubs, and flowers, homeowners may begin installing deer fencing starting Wednesday, Oct. 1. This is a two-week head start from the typical October 15 date outlined in the Fourth Amendment.

To read more about deer feencinng standards in the community, see section 6.58.1 of the Design Guidelines (Fourth Amendment).

It’s that time of year again! The Ranch House fall leaf dumpster will be available soon for community use. As always, we’re keeping an eye on the changing seasons to help determine the best timing for installation. The dumpster is typically installed around October 6, and homeowners can expect a similar schedule this year. 

We are coordinating with the Ranch House renovation project to ensure smooth parking and construction logistics. We’ll share details as soon as the dates are set.

The Ranch House parking lot may be a bit tighter than usual over the next few weeks due to the renovation project and the leaf dumpster installation. 

We invite members to use overflow parking on River Valley Ranch Drive or at the Old Thompson Barn parking lot. A big thank you to Brian Leasure for generously opening his parking lot for Ranch House visitors to use!  Members will also notice some spots reserved for RA Nelson and other contractors, these may be opened up to members when not needed for the project.

We truly appreciate your patience as we work through these updates!

Please be aware of the presence of coyotes in RVR and be very careful when you have small pets or children outside. A large coyote has been spotted on the fairway in RVR between 7 & 8 a.m. for the last few weeks.

Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife to read more about living with coyotes.

Photo Credit: Fred Henry

Demolition for the Ranch House renovation began right on schedule on September 2. We’re excited to share that the lap lanes and hot tubs were reopened ahead of schedule, and are open and available for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, work has now begun around the kiddie pool, as well as in the east wing of the building where demolition and early foundation work are underway. Everything is progressing smoothly, and we’ll continue to keep you posted as the project moves forward.

Renovation Updates - Hot Tub & Lap Pool Closure

Looking ahead, we anticipate a temporary closure of the lap lanes and hot tubs again in mid-November while roofing work is underway. This closure will be necessary to ensure a safe environment for all guests. The exact timing and duration are still being finalized, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. This differs from our previously released estimated timeline. We appreciate your patience and understanding—we continue to prioritize keeping those areas open as much as is possible.

Click here to learn more about renovation updates (newly added information provided in blue).

For a Firewise approach to your landscaping, homeowners may avoid using combustible mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips right next to your home. These materials can easily ignite from embers during a wildfire, putting your house at greater risk.

Instead, choose non-combustible or low-combustible alternatives like gravel, stone, or well-maintained, irrigated plants in the first 5 feet around your home. This “non-combustible zone” acts as a buffer, helping stop fire from reaching your walls, decks, or siding.

Keeping this immediate area clear of flammable mulch is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to improve your home’s defensible space.

Don't forget to check out the Firewise Home Design page on our website, where you’ll find expert guidance on everything from fire-resistant building materials to smart landscaping strategies!

Email Sarah.Gager@rvrma.org to RSVP your vendor spot.

RSVP Here.

Click here to RSVP

RSVP here for the Boo Bash!

Do you have a passion, talent, or area of expertise you’d love to share? Whether you’ve written a book, developed a unique skill, or have knowledge that could inspire or educate others — we want you for our Ranch House Community Presentation Series! This is your chance to present to your neighbors, showcase your craft, lead a demo, or dive into a topic you love. It’s all about connecting, learning, and celebrating the incredible talent within our RVR community.

Interested in presenting? Please send an email to Sarah Gager at sarah.gager@rvrma.org.

Phillips, K. (2025, September 10). Local author’s playful new book, ‘Tai Chi for Kids,’ brings ease to life’s flow. The Sopris Sun. Photo by Kate Phillips.

RVR’s own Cari Shurman is spreading the joy of tai chi with her new book, Tai Chi for Kids — and the Adults Who Love Them. Recently featured on the front page of this week's The Sopris Sun, Cari shares her decades of experience and her playful, uplifting approach to teaching.

With over 30 years of teaching tai chi around the world, Shurman has reimagined the ancient practice into creative, engaging forms that inspire peace, focus, and well-being. Filled with poems, whimsical illustrations, and audio guides, her book invites kids and their caregivers to move, breathe, and relax together.

Click here to read Cari's full article.

Millions of birds are migrating through Colorado now through Sept. 24. Nighttime lights can confuse them, leading to deadly collisions. By turning off or shielding outdoor lights in the evenings, we can all help give our feathered friends a safer journey!

Click here to read more in the Aspen Times.

We’ve received reports of dogs chasing foxes in the community, and in the past, pets have also been seen chasing deer. We kindly remind all homeowners to keep their pets from disturbing local wildlife, and please remember — Carbondale’s leash laws are in effect throughout RVR.

You can read more about the topic from Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.

The Naughty Knitters meet weekly at the Ranch House on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Whether you knit, stitch, or are just curious to give it a try, you’re invited to join in the fun, everyone is welcome!

Interested in staying in the loop? Email Sarah Murr at sarahmurr100@gmail.com to be added to the Neighbors’ Knit & Stitch email list. 

Stay Connected with RVR4Good

RVR4Good is a network of engaged RVR homeowners working to support the broader community. The group connects people and shares volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits across a wide range of causes including education, food insecurity, the arts, health and human services, and more.

Visit the RVR4Good website here.

Visit the RVR4Good Facebook page here.

Click here to view the Town of Carbondale meeting calendar.

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for Carbondale Tourism emails here to get updates on local events and activities.

For official Town of Carbondale communications, including newsletters, press releases, and important announcements, you can join the Town’s mailing list here.

The RVR Farmer's table has returned! RVR residents can now find the Farmer's Table set up at the Ranch House. Members are welcome to share excess veggies or flowers from your garden with the community.

Residents are also welcome to take home any of the veggies on the table. Stay Healthy! 

Donations inside the Ranch House in the blue tub by the entrance

The Board reviewed a proposed Investment Policy Amendment at the August meeting which was initially posted to the RVR website on Friday, Aug. 22 and released within the board packet on Saturday, Aug. 23.

We invite the community to preview the policy here: Investment Policy Amendment

970.963.6300  •  www.rvrma.org