Chaffee County Extension

09/02/2026

Huge thank you to the ranch hosts, speakers and attendees to the first High Country Rancher Days! We shared two rich days of learning at Badger Creek Ranch and La Dolce Vita Ranch learning about grazing, soil health, riparian restoration, cattle nutrition, mineral supplements, ranch apprenticeships and regenerative ranching practices from around the world.

08/25/2026

Last chance -- sign up today at https://extension.colostate.edu/park/event/high-country-rancher-day-1/ and join us at Badger Creek Ranch or La Dolce Vita Ranch to learn about grazing, soil health, mineral programs and more!

One of the best parts of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 is the chance to ask practical questions and hear how other ranchers are approaching similar challenges.
Whether you’re thinking about grazing management, soil health, livestock mineral needs, or what it takes to host an intern or apprentice, this event is designed to create space for real conversation and shared learning.
We hope participants leave with a few new ideas, useful connections, and a deeper sense of what’s possible when ranchers gather to learn from one another.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 / 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://extension.colostate.edu/park/events

08/25/2026

08/19/2026

Join us for the Salida Community Dinner, Monday, September 21, 5-7pm! Meet and eat a three-course meal featuring local restaurants and local producers. Connect with community with a long table down F Street between 1st and 2nd. Tickets now available at

Brought to Salida by Longer Tables, we are celebrating the 150th with our community before F Street reopens. Which will be between 1st & 2nd st.

08/13/2026

Apply now to be a Colorado Master Gardener -- by August 31! Visit
https://extension.colostate.edu/colorado-master-gardener/become-a-colorado-master-gardener/ and scroll down to the red "Apply Now" button!

Our Colorado Master Gardener volunteers teach gardening workshops, host outreach tables at farmers markets, help Chaffee County residents identify plants and pests and grow beautiful gardens. You will need to complete the Green School training and 50 volunteer service hours in your first year. Registration cost is $250 as an apprentice Master Gardener.

You'll learn everything from plant care to pest management, tree care, and more. Limited spots available!
Questions? Reach out to Monica at 719-539-6447

Curious but can't fit that volunteer commitment in your life? Stay tuned to sign up for Green School as a student in September!

🌲🌵🐞🦋🫛🥦🌹🪻🌻🌾🍂

Love gardening? Learn how to become a Colorado Master Gardener®. Increase your knowledge and support your community.