Sopris Mountain Photo Credit: Tricia Pionzio

Due Today - Friday, Aug. 1

The second installment of the special assessment, $2,750, is due today, Friday, Aug. 1. If you have already paid the full $5,500 assessment, no further action is needed.

If you're enrolled in auto-pay and submitted the authorization form, your payment will be processed automatically on Friday, August 1.

If you’re on auto-pay but haven’t yet signed the authorization form, please complete it as soon as possible to ensure your payment is processed on time. You can find the form here: https://rvr.formstack.com/forms/special

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to make arrangements to coordinate your payment.

Prefer to pay by check? Mail your payment, payable to RVRMA, to:
444 River Valley Ranch Dr, Carbondale, CO 81623

If you have any questions, please email James at accounting@rvrma.org or call 970-963-6300.

A big thank you to Bob Limacher for capturing a stunning image of the sun glowing through smoky skies over RVR along with a "local fisher".

We would love to feature your photo in an upcoming mailing. If you're interested in having your photo highlighted in the weekly news, please submit images to: jessica.hennessy@rvrma.org.

As wildfire risk continues to grow across Colorado, RVRMA is committed to supporting homeowners in designing and building more fire-resistant homes. Whether you’re planning a renovation or building from the ground up, our Design Review Committee welcomes and encourages fire-defensive design.

We recently launched a new Firewise Home Design page on our website, where you’ll find expert guidance on everything from fire-resistant building materials to smart landscaping strategies.

Follow the link to explore the page and see how you can help protect your home, your neighbors, and the broader RVR community: Visit the Firewise Home Design page

Class A roofing doesn’t just look great, it adds serious protection. With the highest fire-resistance rating, it can help slow the spread of flames, protect your home, and even extend the life of your roof. It’s a smart choice for safety, durability, and peace of mind.

Important Reminder!
Garfield County is now under stage 2 fire restrictions. This applies to all of Garfield County. RVRMA covenants, section 3.11, also prohibits exterior fires within the Common Interest Community (exterior gas units are allowable). 

Thank you for another memorable summer at the Ranch House pool! As our high school and college-aged staff return to athletics and school, pool operations will change as well.

Lifeguards and the slide – the last day for lifeguards and the slide will be Sunday, August 10. The recreation pool will be Swim at Your Own Risk from Monday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 24.

Snack Bar – the snack bar will be operational through Sunday, August 17.

**This schedule is based on current staff availability. It’s possible that dates may change. Stay tuned!

Phase one of the Ranch House Renovation project will begin on Monday, August 25. The last day the recreation and baby pool will be open for the summer will be Sunday, August 24.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the RVR Open Gardens Tour this past weekend!

Heather Becker, owner of Nordic Gardens, gave a wonderful presentation in Orchard Park, and tourgoers spent the day enjoying a beautiful lineup of Featured Gardens at homes throughout RVR.

We’re grateful for the community’s enthusiasm and we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

A mountain lion was sighted earlier this week at a residence on Crystal Canyon Drive.

Please stay alert and take appropriate precautions to help keep your children and pets safe. 

 Friday, Aug. 8 | 5:30-7:00 P.M

No RSVP Required!

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.

We’ve recently had a few concerns raised about off-leash dogs in the neighborhood, including an unfortunate pet altercation.

For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, please remember to keep your dog leashed while out and about in the community. This simple step goes a long way in preventing stressful or dangerous situations between pets and neighbors.

If you're ever involved in an incident where a dog becomes aggressive or a bite occurs, it's important to exchange contact information and report the situation to the Carbondale Police Department.

Thanks for helping us keep RVR a safe and welcoming place for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike!

We appreciate your efforts towards courteous pet ownership and helping to preserve the peaceful enjoyment of River Valley Ranch!

And don’t forget — Carbondale’s leash laws apply in RVR.

By Donna Chase, Master Naturalist for the Forest Conservancy

This summer has been a banner year for wildflowers. Poisonous plants are part of this abundance and need to be recognized and avoided. Reactions to these plants range from rash/dermatitis to severe illness and death.

Definitions: toxic--a broad term that includes any substance that can cause harmful effects on a living organism.

Poisonous: this term is more specific. It refers to a substance that is harmful when inhaled, ingested or absorbed. Poisons can injure or impair body functions. A toxic substance can be poisonous if taken in a large enough dose. Note: other factors involved in reactions to a plant could be age and overall health. It is best to avoid the plants listed below or use protective gear if contact is necessary.

Below is a partial list of the poisonous plants of Colorado. Other plants (i.e. Stinging Nettles) are not deadly but should be avoided.

Two members of the Parsley Family (which includes carrots, parsley, celery etc.) are listed as the "Most Poisonous Plants in Colorado" and other parts of the country. These two plants resemble other parsleys by the umbrella shaped flower head and lacey leaves.

Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock: most often along streams and ditches. Stems are hollow and have purple stripes or spots or solid purple. All parts of these plants contain toxins (cicutoxin or coniine) which act on the central nervous system causing paralysis. Socrates died from ingesting hemlock.

Other deadly plants (formerly of the Lily Family) are Mountain Death Camas (bulbs resemble onion but are extremely poisonous) and Corn Lily (roots and new growth were used by Native Americans to poison arrow tips).

Other plants to become familiar with and to avoid: Monkshood (used for rat poison), Larkspur, Mountain Lupine, Locoweed and Red Baneberry.

Visit Colorado State University website - Guide to Poisonous Plants to learn more.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Hazel Lazar, a talented young athlete who lives in RVR’s Old Town neighborhood, for her incredible performance at the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in Roanoke, Virginia.

Hazel took third place in the 17-18 women’s cross-country marathon, an extraordinary accomplishment on a national stage. Representing the Roaring Fork Cycling’s Pinnacle Mountain Bike Team, Hazel held her own against some of the top riders in the country and walked away not only with a bronze medal but with valuable experience and motivation for what’s ahead.

Hazel’s determination, sportsmanship, and rapid growth as a rider have made our whole community proud. Please join us in offering a huge congratulations to Hazel on this outstanding achievement, we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!

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.

Click here to register for Parent & Tot Swim Class.

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! 

Kids' Summer Tennis Camps are now available to book! 

Click here for more information and to register.

Ages 10-14

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

Strength & Stretch in the Park

Join Christi Small for Stretch and Strength in the Park, a new fitness class offering on Wednesdays from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. at Orchard Park in RVR. No registration required.

970.963.6300  •  www.rvrma.org