Just in time for summer project season, join HC3’s Energy Team for a crash course on DIY energy efficiency improvements. Learn home energy basics and how to tackle projects like caulking windows, replacing door weather stripping, installing programmable thermostats, and swapping aerators on faucets. This free workshop will take place Thursday, June 21^st  from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at the Summit County Community & Senior Center. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Each person that registers will receive a free energy-saving tool kit valued at $30 plus a code for $20 off a home energy assessment. Sign up today by emailing Jess.

Growing and distributing local and sustainable food is part of the mission of the High Country Conservation Center (HC3). This year, HC3 celebrates our locally produced foods at the 10th Annual Harvest Dinner, Tuesday, September 18th from 5-9:30pm at Frisco Prime. This four-course meal is created solely with donations from local farms and food sources. Plates are $65 for adults and $30 for children, with all proceeds benefitting HC3.

Chef Vincent Monarca prides himself on being eco-minded as he prepares this five-course meal based on locally sourced, organic, or sustainably produced ingredients.

Limited reservations available. The following are current times and party sizes available. Please contact Barry Rubenstein by calling 970-668-5703 or emailing barry@staging.highcountryconservation.org to reserve your spot!

• Party of 6 at 8:45 pm

Visit our EVENT PAGE for more resources and information.

Join HC3’s energy experts for a free workshop on fast, easy & affordable home energy efficiency projects. Light refreshments will be served and all attendees will receive a free home energy efficiency kit.

HC3’s largest fundraiser of the year includes a beer tasting with 6 local breweries breweries – Angry James, Baker’s Brewery, Broken Compass, Dillon Dam Brewery, HighSide Brewing and Pug Ryan’s – plus, wine from Antler’s Liquor & Wine Cellar. The Tim McClure Benefit also includes one of the largest silent auctions in the county, music from Ms. Amy and the Jet Set, and live entertainment with the EveryBelly Dancers. Click to learn more about the Tim McClure Benefit.

Held in memory of Tim McClure, a conservation pioneer who began Summit’s first recycling program back in 1976, the benefit honors his legacy and supports the HC3 programs that continue his vision. The event also recognizes the conservation efforts of community members and businesses with the presentation of the Green Scene Awards. It takes place thanks to generous in-kind donations from Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise.

If you are a plot holder or someone interested in signing up for a plot at Leslie’s Garden, then please join us on Saturday, June 1 from 10 am – 12 pm for an orientation and planting session at Leslie’s Community Garden in Dillon.

We will have a meet and greet from 10 am – 10:30 am followed by the orientation from 10:30 am – 11 am. After that, there will be a planting session for those who are interested and some time to mingle from 11 am – 12 pm.

We hope to see you there!

Learn how energy improvements can benefit your commercial building and the environment!

Join us on Wednesday, October 16, at the Summit County Community and Senior Center in the Hoosier Room from 12 pm to 1:30 pm for a free luncheon and workshop on energy efficiency and renewable energy for commercial buildings.

Owners and operators will learn about the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing tool that allows commercial building owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency, water conservation, and clean energy improvements to their existing or newly constructed properties. C-PACE makes projects cost-effective and encourages property owners to invest in newer, greener technologies.

RSVP by Monday, October 14 by emailing Jess: jess@staging.highcountryconservation.org

Previously known as the Tim McClure Benefit, Party for the Planet is HC3’s largest fundraiser of the year. We invite you to celebrate with local brews, music by Beau Thomas and a huge silent auction, all to support this amazing place we call home.

Join us Friday, March 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge and be ready to celebrate.

Learn more about the event on our official Party for the Planet page.

Why the new name?

Party for the Planet is held in honor of HC3’s founder, Tim McClure. Not only did Tim start Summit’s first recycling program in 1976, he was a pioneer whose conservation ethic still exists today.

HC3 will honor Tim’s legacy with a new individual achievement award. And, the new event name – Party for the Planet – celebrates HC3’s work in climate action, water conservation and more. We hope you’ll join us on Friday, March 6 to party for the planet. It all takes place thanks to generous in-kind donations from Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise and presenting sponsorship from BGV Gives.

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Free Event | Registration for this event has closed. Sign up for the recording of this event, and tune in LIVE on Facebook

Presented by High Country Conservation Center and Summit County Library

Proper planning is one of the keys to getting the most out of a short-season garden. In this virtual workshop, Summit CSA Farmer and high altitude growing expert Kyla Laplante will offer tips on how to plant garden space for your family size and how to choose vegetable varieties that thrive in Summit County’s mountain environment. Attendees will also learn about timing the harvest and succession planting to make your garden more productive in a short growing season. This workshop is geared to gardeners of all levels and those new to Summit County’s growing environment.

Registration for this event has closed: Sign up to receive the recording of this event and tune in LIVE on Facebook. 

Remember, community garden space is available through High Country Conservation Center, so even if you don’t have vegetable beds at home, you can grow your own food all summer long.

Stumped about recycling?

Get your recycling questions answered when you join High Country Conservation Center at the Breckenridge Recycling Center throughout the summer.
Upcoming date:

• Monday, August 30, 3 pm-5 pm

HC3 staff and volunteers will be on-site in Breckenridge to help you learn more about recycling in our community. It’s your chance to find out where your recycling goes, ask your toughest questions, and find out more about HC3’s programs and events. We are here to help!

Drop off your hard to recycle items | Saturday, May 21

High Country Conservation Center in partnership with Summit County will be helping residents properly dispose of their household hazardous waste (HHW) by making dropping off these items easy. The community is invited to bring their hard-to-recycle items to the Summit Stage Bus Barn on May 21st from 8AM – 2PM.

Accepted items:

• Electronic Waste
  • TVs, laptops, cellphones & tablets
  • Computer monitors, printers, keyboards & wires
  • Sound systems, DVD players & VCRs
• Aerosol cans, chemicals & cleaners
• Paints, thinners, glues & adhesives
• Fertilizers & pesticides
• Gently used clothing
• Prescription drugs
• E-Cigarettes

*Motor oil is NOT accepted at this event. Please bring motor oil to the SCRAP.

This event is held in conjunction with Town Clean Up Day. Please reference your town’s website for additional information regarding individual town clean up details.

HHW materials are also accepted year-round at the Summit County Resource Allocation Park Monday – Friday from 7am-3:30pm and Saturday from 7am-noon. Learn more about HHW recycling or call HC3 at (970) 668-5703.