Workshops / Lectures

SJMA Education Volunteers Training - April 29, 9am-4pm,San Juan Public Lands Center and Junction Creek Campground.
For anyone interested in assisting with various aspects of the SJMA education program including field trips, special events and summer programming for children. Previous teaching experience not required-just a love for the outdoors and an interest in teaching others, especially children, about the wonders of our natural world. For more information or to register contact Gabi Morey at 385-1256.

Lightweight Backpacking Presentation, April 30
Exploring the wilderness with a pack on your back is an empowering experience, but lugging a heavy backpack is a humbling experience! Is your pack weighing you down? Are you tired of carrying a heavy pack that weighs 40 or 50 pounds? You don't have to. After all, the whole idea is to have fun and enjoy the wilderness.It's easy to lighten your pack substantially, down to a base weight of 20 pounds or less, without sacrificing comfort or safety. With a lighter pack, you can hike farther, faster, longer, and easier, with less physical stress, fewer injuries, more safety and security, and far more satisfaction.

Plan to attend a Lightweight Backpacking Seminar sponsored by the San Juan Mountains Association, Backcountry Experience, and Backpacking Light Magazine. The Seminar will be held at Backcountry Experience (1205 Camino Del Rio, Durango CO) April 30 from 6:30 to 9 PM. The presenters are Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl, SJMA volunteers and staffers at Backpacking Light Magazine. Will and Janet have a combined 80 years of backpacking experience, and have published over 200 articles on lightweight backpacking gear and techniques.

Old Spanish Trail Conference

Saturday, May 10th -9:00 to 4:00 pm Center of Southwest Studies, Fort
Lewis College, Durango

Please join us for a FREE conference and learn about the Old Spanish Trail,
a National Historic Trail.

Conference funding provided by the National Park Service and the Colorado
Council for the Arts. For additional information, contact Ruth Lambert
385-1267.

SJMA Members Only Trails Presentation
May 13, Tuesday
A slide show by Chris Schultz, USDA Forest Service Wildlife Biologist on his hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007 and John Peel, local author, presenting on local trails of interest. 6:00pm-8:00pm
San Juan Public Lands Center. Contact Kathe Hayes 385-1310.


Four Corners Back Country Horsemen Packing Clinic, June 14
Contact Elizabeth Testa 970-259-1581

Forest Service, Horse Packing Clinic & Trainers Leave No Trace Course, June 16-20
Contact Don Kelly 970-375-3309

Training Day for Durango Mountain Resort Summer Naturalists - June 19- If you are interested in wildflowers, wildlife, trees, geology, and the outdoors, and would like to teach about this to others throughout the summer, come to this informative training. Contact Gabi Morey 385-1256.

SJMA 'Dolores River Explorations' Kids Camp- June 23-28. Bring your children to learn about the water, plants and animals of the the Dolores River ecosystem. Free and open to children entering Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Pre-registration required. Some parents will be asked to stay with their children to help manage the group. Camp takes place from 9:30am-11:30am each day. Contact Gabi Morey 385-1256

'Biodiversified' Kids Camp at Mancos State Park - July 28 through August 1st. Kids going into 3rd-5th grades are invited to join an SJMA naturalist at Mancos State Park for this fun and interesting camp. Kids will explore the biodiversity of our local wetland and upland ecosystems, including bugs, fish (including fishing!), birds and mammals, and the plant life of Mancos State park. Pre-registration required:space is limited. Camp takes place for 10am-1pm each day; children should bring their own lunch & water. Contact Gabi Morey 385-1256.