The end of the year is often a time for thoughtful reflection. What did we accomplish? Were we the best version of ourselves? What are our goals for the new year? Here at Walking Mountains, we’re reflecting on the year by answering the questions you asked the most in 2023:
Join Walking Mountains on a free tour of the recycling center in Wolcott
I found a dead bird/deer/rabbit/squirrel. Can I bring it to Walking Mountains?
Finding a dead animal can be upsetting, but we encourage you to leave it be. Walking Mountains has plenty of taxidermies to use for field science programs, summer camps, EarthKeepers, and in our visitors centers. As the wise sage Mufasa once said, “we are all connected in the great circle of life.” Leave the animal to decompose, provide nutrients to the soil, and become a source of new life.
Give it to me straight, does my beer can actually get recycled? My neighbor's friend’s cousin says all recycling goes to the landfill.
Despite what you may have heard, recycling in Eagle County actually gets recycled. Depending on where you live, your bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard either end up at the recycling center in Wolcott or at recycling centers on the Front Range. If you’re still skeptical about recycling or want to see the process for yourself, come on a free Walking Mountains-led Recycling Tour. Registration for 2024 dates will be posted on our website soon.
How does closing my favorite trails protect wildlife? Aren’t the animals there year-round?
You’re right, there are animals along most trails all year round! But the elk, the animals we’re most worried about, spend the winter at lower elevations and slowly migrate to higher elevations in the spring. In the winter, most trails in Eagle close to give elk an undisturbed place to search for food and rest. In the summer, trails in Eagle reopen while the elk follow the snowline east towards Edwards, Avon, EagleVail, Minturn, and Vail.
Spring is also calving season for elk. Just like humans, pregnant elk mothers don’t need added stress. Many trails are closed until late June to accommodate these pregnant mothers. If you have more questions or are wondering when trails open and close, head to the VVMTA’s website.
I’m all for electric cars, but can the grid really handle the increased demand?
We’re also really excited about EVs but understand your concern about the grid. Between EVs, heat pumps, and other all-electric technologies, it’s logical to question whether the electric grid is up to the task.
As we continue to electrify, Holy Cross Energy estimates that electricity use could increase 35% by 2035. To mitigate these challenges, especially as the utility approaches 100% renewable energy, Holy Cross is working to increase the grid’s flexibility. In simple terms, they’re increasing the connectedness of your home with the grid by incentivizing the purchase of smart thermostats, EV chargers, and other appliances that can be controlled by the utility. For example, the utility could message your thermostat to lower the temperature by a degree or tell your EV charger to start charging after 10pm. This increased flexibility allows for the greater electricity demand to be spread across more hours throughout the day. With increased flexibility, the grid will undoubtedly be able to accommodate the increase in electric demand.
If you still have questions that need answers (related to the natural world or sustainability) Walking Mountains is here to help! Send us a question online or visit us at one of our locations across the valley (just don’t bring us a dead animal). All of us at Walking Mountains wish you a happy new year!
Will Barror is the Climate Action Collaborative Coordinator at Walking Mountains. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
