The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) helps folks across our valley get outside, learn something new and give back to the lands and waters we all love. We're proud to support them through Moonlight Mondays.

WHO THEY ARE

GARNA connects people with nature through inclusive educational programs, community engagement and effective stewardship initiatives. They serve residents, visitors, youth and families across the Upper Arkansas River Valley, promoting environmental awareness, responsibility and sustainable practices.

WHAT THEY'RE UP TO

GARNA works with communities of the Upper Arkansas River Valley to foster stewardship of our natural environment and the resilience of our communities. Through environmental education and volunteerism, they help safeguard public lands and waters and create opportunities for community members to understand, appreciate and give back to the outdoors around them.

WHERE YOUR MOONLIGHT MONDAY DONATION GOES

Funds raised through Moonlight Monday go directly to supporting GARNA's youth and community education programs.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR GARNA?

GARNA hosts monthly community education programs at the Valley View Nature Learning Center on topics like dark skies, geology, outdoor photography and water issues. They're working to grow in-school environmental science opportunities that support STEM programming, and to expand education around recycling and sustainability, giving community members and local businesses resources to reduce their impact.

A STORY THAT STUCK WITH US

Each winter, GARNA's Hiking Club partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County for a snowshoe day. Youth from the Boys & Girls Club, some who had never snowshoed before, spent the morning exploring the winter landscape alongside hiking club members. Using gear from the Chaffee Gear Library, GARNA helped make the outing happen, giving kids a chance to be outside, try something new and learn from role models in a mountain setting.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer with GARNA's youth programs or public land stewardship days, or come to a community program like a film fest or hiking club outing. GARNA is largely funded through individual and business donations and memberships, so you can also support them at garna.org.