What We Do
Five Initiatives.
One Shared Mission.
1. The Silver Thread Astro Site
Reach the Stars at 11,000 Feet
We're transforming an existing high-altitude site into one of Colorado's premier stargazing destinations. By protecting one of the world's darkest night skies while improving accessibility, we're creating a place where visitors, researchers, and future generations can experience the wonder of the universe.
Your Support Helps
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Build ADA-accessible pathways, parking, and telescope viewing areas
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Preserve our rare Bortle Class 1 dark skies
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Support university research and public astronomy programs
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Grow sustainable astrotourism that benefits the Lake Fork Valley
2. The Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center
Inspiring Discovery Through Outdoor Learning
Our 58-acre Earth & Sky Center is the heart of community education and conservation. From school field trips and scientific research to public events and overnight programs, this growing campus connects people of all ages with the natural world.
Your Support Helps
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Expand our dual-yurt educational campus
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Improve trails and outdoor learning spaces
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Maintain a safe, welcoming educational campground
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Provide hands-on environmental education for every local student
3. The Lake Fork River Recreation Corridor
Healthy Rivers. Stronger Communities.
Healthy rivers support thriving ecosystems, outdoor recreation, and local economies. This watershed-wide initiative restores streambanks, improves public access, and protects critical habitats while creating safe, sustainable places for people to enjoy the water.
Your Support Helps
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Restore riverbanks and reduce erosion
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Improve water access, trails, and recreation areas
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Protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water quality
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Strengthen the Lake Fork Valley's outdoor economy
4. Lake Fork & Henson Creek Water Watch
Protecting Clean Water Through Science
Clean water is essential for healthy fisheries, wildlife, and our community. Through continuous scientific monitoring, we collect the data needed to identify pollution, guide restoration efforts, and safeguard our watershed for generations to come.
Your Support Helps
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Monitor water quality across the watershed
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Deploy advanced field sensors and scientific equipment
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Track long-term environmental trends
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Inform future restoration and conservation projects
5. Community Science & Discovery-Based Learning
Turning Curiosity Into Conservation
Conservation begins with understanding. Our community science programs empower volunteers, students, and visitors to collect real scientific data while exploring the unique wildlife, geology, and ecosystems that make the Lake Fork Valley extraordinary.
Your Support Helps
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Monitor native Mountain Bluebird populations
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Support hands-on geology and ecology education
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Equip volunteer community scientists
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Build long-term environmental data for future research
