Greater Arkansas River Nature Association

GARNA connects people with nature through inclusive educational programs, community engagement, and effective stewardship initiatives. We serve diverse residents, visitors, youth, and families across the Upper Arkansas River Valley, promoting environmental awareness, responsibility, and sustainable practices. Through strong partnerships and an inclusive culture, we empower volunteers, staff, and community members to enhance public engagement, celebrate our heritage, and care for the natural environment.

What we do:

Experience the outdoors: Through our volunteer-led clubs and the Chaffee Gear Library, we focus on building relationships and connection through meaningful outdoor experiences, making sure everyone has access to outdoor opportunities.

Learn about our environment: GARNA connects the community to the environment through its youth and community education programs, teaching about natural resources, water management, public lands management and sustainability.

Steward our public lands: GARNA’s public lands stewardship initiatives honor GARNA’s roots as a cooperating association with the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the cities, towns and counties of the Upper Arkansas Valley. GARNA manages groups of volunteers in the Upper Arkansas River valley including the Upper Arkansas Wilderness Volunteers, Friends of Fourmile, and the Chaffee Rec Adopters. Each year, over 300 hardworking volunteers clean, maintain and improve the health of the watershed.

Honor our place in history: Protecting our critical viewshed is an important part of GARNA's work. Through the Chaffee Heritage Board, we manage the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway and the Stage & Rail Historic Route.