Vail Valley Hosts Earth Day Events for Sustainability

On a crisp April morning in the Vail Valley, the sun rises over the Rocky Mountains, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Vail. As locals and visitors alike begin their day, the sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze fill the air. It's a serene scene, one that belies the urgent need for environmental action. With Earth Day just around the corner, on April 22, Walking Mountains is hosting a series of events designed to engage the public in sustainability and climate issues.

As Hannah Remke, sustainability outreach fellow at Walking Mountains, puts it, "With climate issues, sometimes they're not as easy or fun to approach as other things." However, by hosting social events, Walking Mountains aims to encourage awareness and participation among community members, friends, and partners. The organization has been planning this initiative since December 2025 and has collaborated with around 20 partners to offer 20 different events. These events are not your typical lectures or workshops; instead, they're designed to be fun and engaging, with activities like happy hours, arts and crafts, yoga, lunch, tours, and more.

This Wednesday, for instance, folks can head to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Gypsum for an event called Drinkering and Tinkering. From 6-7:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy light snacks and refreshments while making tile pots from donated materials. As Remke explains, "We will be upcycling tiles that are donated from the ReStore into tile planters... and the ReStore is going to offer a 20% off discount during the event." This event not only promotes sustainability but also supports the local community by encouraging people to shop at the ReStore and reduce waste. On Thursday, a field trip to the Eagle County recycling, landfill, household hazardous waste, and compost facilities outside of Wolcott offers a unique opportunity for people to learn about the recycling process and address any misconceptions they may have. Remke notes, "If you have any burning questions about recycling... your questions will be answered upfront, and you can see where things go and all the great work that's being done." By providing a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, Walking Mountains hopes to restore people's faith in the recycling process and encourage them to make more sustainable choices.

The Lunch and Learn programs, hosted by the town of Vail at the Vail Public Library, are another highlight. On April 16 and 22, attendees can engage with experts on topics like water conservation and sustainability. As Remke says, "Lunch and Learn is a great way to learn about various topics... and this Thursday, the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District will be hosting the topic and talking about the current water shortage and what you can do this summer to help with that issue and how you can be part of the solution." The question is whether these events will inspire lasting change in the community, and the success of this initiative will depend on the level of engagement and participation from the public.

As the week progresses, more events are scheduled, including a Happy Hour at Beyond Golf in Eagle, which will feature a Green Buildings Tour. This tour will showcase the new geothermal project at the Eagle County government building and a home in Eagle Ranch that has been retrofitted with energy upgrades. Remke emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social interaction in promoting sustainability, saying, "Hosting events like these encourages awareness and participation with community members, friends, and partners that you might already know, and that's a great starting point to get people talking." As the community comes together to celebrate Earth Day, it's clear that the Western Slope is committed to protecting its natural beauty and resources for future generations. As Remke says, "We're excited to offer these events and encourage people to get involved and make a difference."