Aspen Center for Environmental Studies kicks off winter events
Ella Dunn/Courtesy photo
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is bringing the community together this winter with a slate of special events designed to inspire environmental action and deepen connections with nature. Alongside their annual lecture series and educational programs, ACES will feature activities ranging from community gatherings on the slopes to presentations by world-renowned conservationists.
Buttermilk Uphill Social: Jan. 17
The season begins with the Buttermilk Uphill Social at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Participants are invited to hike or skin up the Buttermilk slopes, followed by breakfast at the Cliffhouse starting at 8:45 a.m. This free event, sponsored by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, fosters camaraderie and a love for the outdoors. Uphill passes are required, and educational stations will share how Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy influenced the environmental justice movement.
Jessica Catto Dialogues: Featuring Ami Vitale on Feb. 25
At 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, National Geographic photographer and conservation advocate Ami Vitale will present at the Wheeler Opera House as part of ACES’ Jessica Catto Dialogue series.
Vitale, often referred to as a “younger Jane Goodall,” will share stories and imagery that spotlight global conservation efforts and the communities working to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
Vitale’s visit extends beyond the stage, as she will engage middle school students in the Roaring Fork Valley with her Vital Impacts curriculum. Through photography and storytelling, students will explore conservation themes and develop creative tools to connect with the natural world.
She expressed the urgency of the environmental crisis, saying, “In the last fifty years, we have lost 73% of the world’s wildlife. The future of our planet is in our hands. We cannot afford to feel paralyzed by the scale of the challenge — it’s up to us to act.”
ACES Education Director Andrea Aust highlighted the value of her visit, noting “Environmental education works best when we connect with others globally. Ami’s stories will inspire our students and families to take meaningful action.”
Workshops at Rock Bottom Ranch
Food enthusiasts can explore sustainability through workshops at Rock Bottom Ranch.
January programs include gnocchi-making and a deep dive into fermentation with kimchi and kraut. These hands-on sessions blend culinary arts with ACES’ commitment to environmental stewardship.
Connecting the community with the environment
ACES CEO Chris Lane emphasized the organization’s mission, saying, “Our events this winter are for everyone who engages in the Aspen community and is passionate about taking action on countless environmental fronts.”
ACES invites the public to join these programs and become part of a global movement toward sustainability. For more information and registration details, visit aspennature.org.
About ACES
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is a nonprofit offering environmental education and stewardship programs for all ages. With three locations between Aspen and Carbondale, ACES focuses on natural history, regenerative agriculture, and climate solutions.
Recognized with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, ACES is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future through education and community engagement.
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