Greater Arkansas River Nature Association

Garna provides environmental education including the provision of lectures, films, naturalist programs, field trips and hikes on natural science, environmental and conservation topics to youth, members and the general public. Particular focus is given to stem focused educational experiences to underserved youth populations with a focus on equity and inclusion. In excess of 2,000 youth participate on an annual basis. In 2022, garna began implementing the chaffee mobile gear library, with a goal to reduce access barriers to public lands for disinvested and underresourced populations.

Garna partners with various agencies that oversee public lands in the upper Arkansas River valley to assist in stewardship of those lands. It is currently conducting a program which engages over 300 volunteers to monitor and maintain dispersed camping sites on public lands in the valley. Through educational exhibits and direct contact with visitors to the valley, volunteers educate the public in responsible use of environmental resources. ---------------------------- garna provides administrative and promotional support for the stage and rail trail project and the chaffee county heritage area advisory board.

Garna conducts sustainability activities within its area of geographic focus, including recycling and composting at community events. Garna staff also conducted a sustainability study aimed at determining specific waste reduction goals and strategies for chaffee county which was provided to county policy makers to assist them in decision making around waste reduction and diversion issues. Full mission statement: the organization works to inspire a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the upper Arkansas valley are motivated to take care of its natural resources and will use those resources in a responsible manner.