Welcoming Dr. Jennifer Zahratka: LPOSC’s New Executive Director
We are delighted to announce Dr. Jennifer Zahratka as the new Executive Director of LPOSC. With over 20 years of experience in conservation biology, habitat conservation, and environmental regulatory compliance, Jennifer brings extensive expertise and a deep-rooted passion for protecting the natural resources and heritage of southwestern Colorado.
Jennifer holds a PhD in Forest Science from Northern Arizona University, an MS in Zoology/Physiology from the University of Wyoming, and a BA in Environmental Science from the University of St. Thomas. Her strong scientific background is complemented by her business acumen and collaborative approach, making her an exceptional leader for LPOSC.
Upcoming Events
LPOSC is grateful once again to be the beneficiary of Ska Brewing’s Anniversary Party and Brewer’s Invitational. Come enjoy beers from 30+ different breweries and dancing with live music from Save Ferris and special guests The Toasters and This Repeats!
We really hope you will consider this wonderful sponsorship opportunity!
Read on for sponsorship levels and their perks.
$3,500.00 Sponsor– Entry in all marketing including logo on poster, full page ad in digital event program, social media posts, advertising banner placed at the event, 10 Anniversary Party tickets and 10 commemorative glasses. Recognized in follow up e-mail to all attendees.
$2,000.00 Sponsor– Entry in select marketing, advertising banner placed at the event, 2 social media posts, digital ad in event program, 6 Anniversary Party tickets and 6 commemorative glasses.
$1,200.00 Sponsor– Entry in select marketing, advertising banner placed at the event, ½ page ad in digital event program, 4 Anniversary Party tickets and 4 commemorative glasses.
$750.00 Sponsor– ½ page ad in digital event program, advertising banner placed at the event, 2 Anniversary tickets and 2 commemorative glasses.
$500.00 Sponsor– Advertising banner placed at the event, logo in program, 2 Anniversary Party tickets and 2 commemorative glasses.
Interested in Volunteering?
We always need a few good folks to help with the event. Volunteers can enjoy the event free of charge outside of their shift times.
Parking Directors (3:15-5:15pm) Parking Director (5:15-7:15pm) Ticket Booth (7-9pm) Event Support (5:30-7:30pm)
Please email clara@lposc.org with sponsorship or volunteer inquires.
Please join on August 30, for a variety of workshops and presentations geared toward landowners, community members, and farmers in Southwest Colorado. Register here to attend for the full day, or email ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu to register for the afternoon sessions (lunch not included). The cost is $35/day and includes lunch, or is free for the afternoon session.
Morning Sessions:
Pollinator Identification and Creating Habitat
Field and Facilities Tours at the Old Fort
Accessing USDA Programs
Updates from the Southwest Equitable Land Access Collaborative
Afternoon Sessions: Promoting Land Access Pathways with Colorado Land Link
This workshop is designed for landholders and landseekers and will introduce the context and challenges of agricultural land access in Colorado. In this interactive session, landseekers and landowners will have the opportunity to share their questions, concerns, and experiences navigating paths to secure, affordable land access and hear tips for seeking and securing land tenure. The session will introduce Guidestone’s Colorado Land Link Program, the Colorado Land Access Database, and other resources for beginning, intermediate and advanced farmers and ranchers in Colorado.
In her presentation, Jennifer Jewell will explore the philosophy of Cultivating Place based on the belief that gardens/gardeners are powerful agents and spaces for potentially positive change in our world, helping to address challenges as wide ranging as climate change, habitat loss, cultural polarization, and individual and communal health and being. She will explore how this power of gardens and gardeners is exemplified in her weekly program, but very specifically in her three books: The Earth in Her Hands (2020), focused on women in horticultural leadership roles; Under Western Skies; Visionary Gardens from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast (2021); and, What We Sow, On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds (2023). All together, these resources, inspirations and Culture of Care are blue-prints guiding us in ways we can all grow our world better – and beautifully.
Calling all owners and grantors of LPOSC-conserved properties! Join us for a special event – the Landowner Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, August 10, from 4 to 7 pm. We’ll gather at the beautiful Rockin’ M Ranch at the end of Lightner Creek Road.
A deep love for agriculture can be rewarding, joyful, and at times, painful. Producers aim to destigmatize mental health in rural Colorado.
When a farmer and rancher is facing a crisis, it can create an emotional toll on every aspect of life. The agricultural community is pulling together to help each other navigate through stressful times.
Join us for an evening of camaraderie, food, and meaningful discussion around the mental health needs of the Durango/La Plata ag community!
During the long summer days, Christy Curd, LPOSC’s Stewardship Director, works hard to monitor easements all across La Plata County and beyond. Take a peek at some gorgeous blooms on picturesque conserved properties.
Maximize your donations: An IRA Giving Guide
If you are at least 70½ years old, you have a special chance to help qualified charities such as La Plata Open Space Conservancy by using funds from your traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account). This method of giving, referred to as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), enables you to contribute up to $105,000 each year directly from your IRA to eligible charities, without facing income taxes on the donation.
QCDs can be distributed to multiple organizations, allowing donors to give either one substantial donation or several smaller ones over the course of the year.
How do I designate a charity as the beneficiary of an IRA?
When you’re prepared, designating a charity as the recipient of your IRA or other retirement assets is usually simple: Complete a specified beneficiary form either through your employer or plan administrator. Most banks and financial firms also offer beneficiary forms, or they can supply recommended wording for naming beneficiaries to these accounts. Once these forms are established, your retirement assets typically transfer directly to your beneficiaries, including charities, bypassing probate.
In short, QCDs can benefit you through:
Tax Benefits: Your QCD does not count as taxable income, which is advantageous regardless of whether you itemize deductions or not. It’s crucial to understand that you cannot claim this donation as an itemized deduction to prevent “double-dipping.”
Cost Efficiency: By making a donation via a QCD, you circumvent extra taxes that typically apply to standard donations, thereby amplifying the impact of your gift for both yourself and the charity.
Reduce RMDs: QCDs can be a wonderful tool to reduce RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions). QCDs can fulfill your RMDs, decreasing the IRA withdrawal amount required and potentially leading to tax savings.
It’s recommended to seek advice from a tax advisor to optimize the advantages of a QCD. This method of donating is gaining popularity and can be utilized for different amounts.
La Plata Open Space Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your gift may be tax deductible. Our EIN number is: 84-1204273. To contribute, go to: lposc.org/donate-today/
or mail a check to the address below. Thank you!
