Climate Action Week, the annual event hosted by Walking Mountains and the Climate Action Collaborative, is all about making climate action feel a little more real, local, and doable here in Eagle County. At a time when climate headlines can feel relentless and overwhelming, it can be difficult to know where, or even how, to get involved. This week is designed to break down that barrier and make climate action approachable, community centered, and even fun.

At a glance, this year’s Climate Action Week included:

• 21 events over 8 days across Eagle County
• 1,100 community members engaged
• 89 first-time downloads of the Sole Power Plus commuting app
• 80+ attendees at the Earth Day Happy Hour
• 20+ local partners across government, nonprofits, and businesses
• A countywide focus on transportation, water, energy, food systems, and waste reduction

In its fifth year, the event has continued to grow as more community partners and participants join the effort to support the goal of the Eagle County Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Achieving greenhouse gas reductions and a more resilient community requires collaborations, creativity, and community participation. Climate Action Week is one step to increase climate awareness and engagement that is needed in this all hands on deck effort. Action, no matter what size, is needed more than ever.

This year’s Climate Action Week, held April 14-22, featured 21 events across eight days and engaged 1100 community members. Events ranged from hands-on workshops and educational panels, to volunteering, tours, and social outings.

Several fan favorites were reprised this year including Sustainability Trivia, the Spanish Family Film Night, and Garden Volunteer Day, all which provide approachable entry points to sustainability and connection with like minded individuals.

Back by popular demand was the Local Sustainable Agriculture Tour hosted in partnership with the Eagle County Conservation District and Eagle Valley Land Trust. Participants visited three local agriculture operations, different from the year prior, to gain a deeper understanding of the realities and importance of local agriculture in our mountain community, the challenges faced, and the many ways community members can support.

Eagle County Director of Facilities, giving a behind the scenes tour of the new Eagle County geothermal project during the Green Buidlings Tour.

This year also brought a refreshed version of the Green Homes Tour. Reimagined as the Green Buildings Tour, participants received a behind-the-scenes look at the Eagle County Geothermal Project and toured a home in Eagle Ranch that has undergone multiple energy retrofits through local rebate programs. The tour offered tangible examples of how residents and businesses can reduce energy use and improve comfort of buildings.

The Community Water Panel hosted with the Eagle River Coalition and Colorado Water Trust kicked off the week of events.

Given the ongoing concerns around drought, wildfire risk, and water supply, especially this upcoming Summer, several events focused on water conservation and forest health. The Eagle River Coalition and Colorado Water Trust hosted a Community Water Panel that created open dialogue with local experts and community members on  the future challenges and solutions of agriculture in the West.Other events included a Beyond Lawn DIY Landscape Conversion Workshop, a Science Behind Drought and Forest Health with Old Growth Tree Services and a Lunch & Learn with the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District that focused on water restrictions, conservation strategies, and what residents can do to reduce strain on our water system and save money.

Habitat ReStore Vail Valley joined the long list of partners to host a Drinkering & Tinkering at their store in Gypsum. Attendees learned about the ReStore’s impact on waste diversion and affordable housing while upcycling donated tile into planters. They also enjoyed a discounted shopping experience on donated goods.

Another new addition was a series of Core Transit Pop-Ups held at  high traffic bus stops in Avon, Eagle, Edwards, and Vail throughout the week. These pop-ups celebrate public transit riders while encouraging them to participate in Climate Action Week and download the Sole Power Plus app. Sole Power Plus is the Eagle County green commuting challenge that rewards people for replacing single occupancy car trips with walking, biking, bussing or carpooling. A special challenge ran throughout the Climate Action week, with a chance to win an e-bike on the line for those that downloaded the app and tracked a trip.

Everything culminated on Earth Day with a Sole Power Plus Happy Hour at Ein Prosit. Over 80 people gathered for free food and drink and eagerly awaited the prizes drawings, including that of the e-bike. During the week, we had 89 first time downloads and trip tracking, which made an impact in expanding the Sole Power Plus network.

As Climate Action Week continues to grow, so does the buy-in and momentum of community driven solutions in Eagle County. Whether someone attended a workshop, rode the bus, or simply joined a conversation at a happy hour, every action contributed to a larger collective effort.  While the challenges ahead are significant, so is our community’s willingness to come together, innovate, and create change.

Hannah Remke is a Sustainability Outreach Fellow at Walking Mountains that plans and hosts Climate Action Week.