Welcome to the 2010 Colorado
Preserve America Youth Summit!

The 2010 Colorado Preserve America Youth Summit is fast approaching! Scroll down for more information on the two events planned for 2010.

Be sure to download your 2010 Youth Summit application today!

Click here for information on the 2009 Preserve America Youth Summit in Mesa Verde

Learning Landscapes - June 8-11, 2010
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Activities will focus on the integration of cultural and natural landscapes in the San Luis Valley, and the sustainability of both.  Students will deepen their appreciation of the Hispanic cultures that are featured in the new Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

June 8, Tuesday
Arrive in Alamosa and check in to local hotel before 5:30 dinner.  The evening program will introduce the historic uses of landscapes, the balance of conservation and visitation, and the impacts on culture and local economy.

June 9, Wednesday
Travel to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to climb dunes, wade through the river, and learn from the park’s interpretive staff about the complex ecosystem that hosts this spectacular landscape.  In the afternoon quiz a local rancher how ranching and agriculture work together on this vast landscape.

June 10, Thursday
Today features the new Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.  Travel to San Luis, Colorado’s oldest town located in the heart of the Heritage Area, and learn about the commons, one of only two remaining in the United States.  Tour the town in small groups with local guides and enjoy traditional Hispanic foods for lunch.  In the afternoon visit Fort Garland.  After dinner, groups will prepare their exit presentations.

June 11, Friday
After breakfast and check out, present final recommendations to the staff of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and members of the National Heritage Area about how they can engage more young people to visit the San Luis Valley and appreciate the richness of heritage tourism activities that are available.

A Float through Time - August 3-6, 2010
Dinosaur National Park

Students will be introduced to the field of paleontology and gain a greater understanding of deep time and extinction.  A river trip will introduce riparian resources and the complex issues of water in the West.  Evenings are devoted to learning about the night sky.

August 3, Tuesday
Check into the dorm rooms at Colorado Northwest Community College before 5:30 dinner.  The Evening program introduces paleontological resources dating back 150 million years, the increasingly important role of water in the arid West, Fremont period rock art, and heritage tourism.  An introduction to the night skis that rank among the most spectacular of any National Park Service area in North America.

August 4, Wednesday
A day immersed in the science of paleontology.  The Park’s paleontologist will escort the group to an active paleo excavation and provide an introduction to field techniques.  After dinner, enjoy the second session on the wonders of the night sky.

August 5, Thursday
Experience a wilderness backcountry river trip completely removed from the trappings of civilization.  Learn about the increasing demands on Dinosaur’s rivers, and issues related to riparian zones.  Visit petroglyphs sites. After dinner, prepare recommendations for Friday’s exit presentation.

August 6, Friday
Student report recommendations to Dinosaur Park staff about how to engage youth in stewardship activities in the park, and how to better attract youth to the area for heritage tourism.