Nonprofit partner to Colorado National Monument since 1964. | | Fall Newsletter | October 6, 2026 | | |
Better Together: Notes from the Headwaters
Two weeks ago, Crystal and I traveled to Estes Park for the National Park Friends Alliance Annual Fall Meeting, joining hundreds of fellow park partners to share ideas and engage with friends, old and new.
| | | | On the drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, we stopped at the headwaters of the Colorado River. I couldn't wait to dip my toes in. Here, it's barely a trickle. Hundreds of miles downstream, it carves through the Grand Valley and skirts the edge of Colorado National Monument, powerful because of every drop that joined it along the way. | | | |
At the meeting, we learned that park partners nationwide raised $720 million for the National Park Service in 2025. Every dollar started as a single gift.
When you support CNMA, you're caring for the Monument in your backyard and joining something bigger: a vast community of people who believe in protecting, supporting and celebrating our parks for generations to come.
Being surrounded by people who share our passion was energizing. We came home reminded that we're not alone, and that we're all flowing toward the same destination.
Ready to add your drop?
With gratitude,
| | Ashley Ojala, Executive Director | | Crystal Tyndall, Associate Director | | |
Lace up your running shoes for the second annual Run for Rivers on November 7! This family-friendly fundraiser features a scenic 5K run/walk along the Colorado Riverfront and a 1K Fun Run just for kids, all in support of the Confluence Center of Colorado.
Learn more & register for Run for Rivers →
| | Save the date for coffee, cocoa, and connection this Colorado Gives Day!
Stop by the Confluence Center on Tuesday, December 8, from 9–11am to connect with our community and celebrate the organizations working to protect and enrich the places we call home. | | National Park Service | Summer Highlights | | |
This summer, thanks to support from CNMA donors and members, our interpretation and education division hired two additional seasonal staff members who offered engaging programs that helped visitors connect more deeply with Colorado National Monument.
Through resiliency programming, evening events, National Park Week activities, and spring education programs, we created experiences that encouraged exploration, connection, and stewardship in our spectacular backyard.
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Evening programs remained a seasonal favorite this year. At Saddlehorn Amphitheater, visitors enjoyed presentations on topics ranging from clever coyotes to dark night skies, blending science, storytelling, and stargazing.
Full moon hikes and scorpion programs also drew great turnout—one program had over 100 attendees! Staff adapted to the high demand and worked hard to ensure every group had a safe and memorable experience.
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The Resiliency Ranger Program continued its impact. Led by Amber Martin, the program welcomed veterans, school groups, and community members to explore the monument while practicing mindfulness and learning about the desert environment. Participants slowed down, paid attention to their surroundings, and used the outdoors as a space to reconnect and build mental health skills.
We continued partnerships with groups, including the VA Hospital. The NPS delivered the 2025 Veteran Community Canvas to the VA, where it will be on display through November.
Find Resiliency Ranger resources here: Wellness - Colorado National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
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National Park Week moved to August this year for the 110th Anniversary of the NPS. During the week, Junior Ranger Day featured scavenger hunts, touch tables, and badge activities for families. Visitors also enjoyed Colorado National Monument: Then and Now, presented by our experienced VIP, Terri Ahern. Our team also delivered geology talks, a special lunar eclipse program, and rolling visitor center ranger talks. Thousands of visitors enjoyed learning from our rangers thanks to your generous support! We will have final statistics to share with you later this year.
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Though NPS programs are winding down for the season, you can find your next ranger-led adventure on our website calendar.
Kait Thomas
Interpretation and Education Program Manager
National Park Service
| | | | New at the Visitor Center Bookstore! | | |
Inspired by one of Colorado National Monument’s most colorful residents, our Collared Lizard Hat is a fun way to celebrate the wildlife and landscapes that make this place so unique. Featuring a vibrant collared lizard alongside the monument’s iconic rock formations, the design is finished with playful embroidered lizard tracks across the brim.
Comfortable, versatile, and made for adventure, it’s the perfect hat for hiking the trails, cruising Rim Rock Drive, or simply showing your love for Colorado National Monument wherever you go.
Every purchase from the CNMA Bookstore helps support educational programs, conservation efforts, and visitor experiences at Colorado National Monument.
| | Special thanks to our 2026 Platinum Sponsor: | | | | |
