High Country Conservation Center

10th Annual Harvest Dinner
2025-12-24 07:14 (America/Denver)
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@highcountryconservation.org to reserve your spot!

Party of 6 at 8:45 pm

Visit our EVENT PAGE for more resources and information.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

#BeLocal Day
2025-12-24 07:14
Come to The Crown in Breckenridge or Abbey’s Coffee in Frisco on Wednesday, July 25th from 7:30-9am for HC3’s #BeLocal Day. Chat with staff and board members of HC3, learn about our programs and grab a free water bottle (limited supply).

Being “local” isn’t defined by “us vs. them” or by how many years you may have lived in Summit County or by how many days you’ve skied. Being local is a state of mind. And, it’s how you act!

We believe that anyone and everyone who loves this place embodies the spirt of a local and can #BeLocal.

We want to celebrate our locals – for who they are and what they believe. And, most importantly, we want to activate you to care even more … to care enough to give back, to conserve, to recycle and to get involved.

So, let’s join together to create a brighter, better future. Because, after all, we can all #BeLocal! Join us.

Ribbon Cutting - Leslie's Community Garden
2025-12-24 07:14
Town of Dillon was the only community without a community garden until now! Thanks to a generous donation from the Stair family and the hard work of town staff, Dillon now has a community garden to call its own. Join us for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 5 from 6-7pm.

Please RSVP to Linda Oliver, Event Coordinator, at lmook3@gmail.com or 773-575-2623 by June 29, 2018.

Breckenridge Recycling Forum
2025-12-24 07:14
The Town of Breckenridge and HC3 invite Breckenridge residents to discuss a proposed “Save as You Recycle” program to increase recycling in Breckenridge. This program will allow residents to select different size curbside trash bins, with smaller trash bins (and large recycling containers) costing less than larger trash bins.

Thurs, June 28, 5:30-7pm. Presentation to begin at 5:30pm.

Breck Rec Center, Multi-Purpose Room

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DIY Energy Efficiency Workshop
2025-12-24 07:14
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 21st 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.

23rd Annual Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival - Zero-Waste Event
2025-12-24 07:14
The High Country Conservation Center is proud to be working with The Keystone Neighbourhood Company and Keystone Festivals as Zero-Waste educators at the 23rd Annual Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival, August 3 & 4, 2019.

Volunteers will receive an event t-shirt, tickets for food and drinks, discounts on taster glasses, and plenty of good Karma! There are a lot of different positions available so if you would like to volunteer for this great event. About the Event:
Keystone brings the wonders of Appalachia to the Rockies. Down-home cooking, frothy flavors, and mountain music are just pieces of the pie. In a whirlwind of hillbilly luxuries, folks gather while 40+ craft breweries from Colorado and beyond showcase their unique blends of hops and barleys while some of the best national and regional bluegrass acts entertain on three different village stages.

HC3 Board of Directors Meeting
2025-12-24 07:14

2018 CSA Celebration
2025-12-24 07:14
In celebration of locally grown food, the High Country Conservation is hosting its Annual CSA Celebration, Tuesday, August 14th from 5-7pm at the Summit CSA greenhouses in Frisco. Appetizers and libations will be served, and you’ll get the chance to tour the greenhouses and mingle with HC3 staff & board members, as well as other community members. RSVP to Barry Rubenstein at barry@highcountryconservation.org.

Click Here to RSVP

Frisco BBQ Challenge: Zero Waste Event
2025-12-24 07:14
Volunteers are the backbone of the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco. They do everything from selling beer to moving tables to assisting with registration and selling t-shirts. This event would not happen without the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time year after year.

The Colorado BBQ Challenge is also extremely proud to be a Zero Waste event proving that you can eat great BBQ, have fun AND care for our beautiful mountain environment all at the same time. Come make a difference by volunteering with the High Country Conservation Center to make our Zero Waste efforts successful! Volunteers receive an event t-shirt and food and drink tickets along with some good karma. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VTxWDSsvNI&w=500&h=315]

Shred Day
2025-12-24 07:14
Alpine Bank invites you to a free community Shred ay on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 10am to 2pm at Alpine Bank Dillon. Shred any unwanted documents with personal information at this on-site event. Staples or paperclips do not need to be removed. All donations benefit the Rotary Club of Summit County.

*Limit four boxes per person & business.

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Free Recycling Event
2025-12-24 07:14
Click to see what’s accepted.

Drop off your hard to recycle items | Saturday, August 28

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 unwanted paint, household cleaners, electronic waste, medications, and gently used clothing to the Summit Stage Bus Barn on August 28th from 8AM – 2PM. See what’s accepted. Certain HHW exclusions will apply.

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

Blue River Explorer Hike
2025-12-24 07:14
Join the High Country Conservation Center (HC3), Blue River Watershed Group, Town of Silverthorne and Trout Unlimited for the Blue River Explorer Hike – a part of Silverthorne’s First Friday lineup – from 4-7pm on June 1, 2018.

Taking place at the Bandstand on the Blue at the Silverthorne Pavilion, this celebration will showcase Cycle Silverthorne and the Blue River Explorer Hike, a ¾-mile activity-based hike where one can record their observations about water management and stream ecology. Interpretive signs along the Blue River Trail through the Silverthorne Town Core highlight various aspects of the river system including water management, trout biology, watershed mechanics and water conservation.

Bring the kids as the Wish for Wheels organization will be building 25 bikes for needed children. With the Explorer Hike the kiddos will also receive a free kids activity booklet and stickers.

The Shaky Hand String Band will be on hand with live music and vendors on-hand to help you learn about water conservation and the case for action for managing water.

Meeting the Demand For Water – Water Usage
Meeting the Demand For Water – Challenges
Water Conservation

Energy/Business Committee Meeting
2025-12-24 07:14

Fundraising Committee Meeting
2025-12-24 07:14
Quarterly fundraising committee meeting for the High Country Conservation Center. Open to the public.

How a Garden Can Give Back to the Community
2025-12-24 07:14
Come out for a tour of the beautiful, new Leslie’s Garden in Dillon. Meet and greet with the steering committee & gardeners, as well as learn tips, tricks and tactics on leadership, funding, garden aesthetics, and how to produce a community garden that can give back to the community.

Planning to Grow for You, Planning to Grow to Share
2025-12-24 07:14
Join HC3’s Community Program Coordinator, Hallie Jaeger, for lessons on food waste prevention and how to donate excess harvest to families in need through the Grow to Share Program. WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children) Director, Whitney Horner, will be on-hand to share healthy recipes and speak about the impact of your donations.

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The Seed Library
2025-12-24 07:14
Did you know Summit County Libraries has a seed library? Join HC3 Board Member and expert gardener, Jenny Hammock, as she teaches you how to use the seed library, how to “check out” seeds, and how to plant them so they grow to seed. Environmental Educator, Dana Wissmiller, will be on-site to share a live participatory demonstration of planting seeds as well!

Download flyer

Seed Starting & High Alpine Gardening Info
2025-12-24 07:14
Are you ready to get a jump start on gardening? Join HC3 as expert gardeners, and High Country CSA farmer Kyla LaPlante, instruct you on how to start seeds indoors in preparation for gardening season. Summit County’s short growing season makes it hard to grow plants that take loner to mature, but starting seeds is a great way to get a head start. Get answers to your gardening questions at this free workshop!

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Tiki Tuesday Luau
2025-12-24 07:14
Join the High Country Conservation Center, Broken Compass Brewing & Après Handcrafted Libations for the Tiki Tuesday Luau! Broken Compass will be providing a special “outside the taproom” release of its Coconut Porter and Apres will be issuing a special Tiki Tuesday menu featuring a few tiki-inspired cocktails.

10% of all cocktail and Broken Compass purchases will benefit HC3, so get ready to get your tiki on!

More event details to come soon ….

Summit County Green Drinks
2025-12-24 07:14
Welcome to Summit County Green Drinks!
Green Drinks is a social networking event for individuals interested in sustainability and the environment.

Please join us for a conversation about local sustainability efforts and conservation trends here in Summit County. Find out what’s happening with Summit County, the local towns, non-profits, and businesses. Attendees are encouraged to share any current or future sustainability initiatives with the group. Come network and engage with members of our community.

March Giving Tap
2025-12-24 07:14
What’s better than beer? How about beer for a cause?!
Join HC3, Broken Compass Brewing and Apres Handcrafted Libations all month long for the Giving Tap. 10% of all proceeds from the Broken Compass tap line will be donated to the High Country Conservation Center in March 2018.
All you have to do is order a Broken Compass beer and enjoy. Of course if you would like to make an additional donation aside from your draft purchase, you can do that too!
Thank you for supporting your local non-profits!

"What Will Summit County's Winters Be Like in 2050" with NOAA Research Scientist, Klaus Wolter
2025-12-24 07:14
Join the High Country Conservation Center and Friends of the Dillon Ranger District for a presentation at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge about climate issues in Summit County, including snowpack, drought, wildfires, and pine beetle epidemic.

Klaus Wolter is UC-Boulder Scientist that works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He recently has been working on predicting climate patterns for the entire country. He has created statistical tools that help to predict season climate and assess extreme weather events. Klaus is also involved in studying the level of impact that humans have on our current climate patterns, especially in regards to weather extremes.

Informational Meeting for the Dillon Community Garden
2025-12-24 07:14

Recycling Funding Forum - Public Input Wanted
2025-12-24 07:14
Are you wondering about the future of local recycling after last fall’s funding dilemma? Join the Summit Daily and HC3 as we explore how to fund local recycling programs for the long term. We’re looking for your input on new programs and how to pay for local recycling efforts. The recycling forum will be at the Summit Community and Senior Center from 8:30-9:30am on Friday, November 17th.

29th Annual Tim McClure Benefit
2025-12-24 07:14
Join the High Country Conservation Center for the 29th Annual Tim McClure Benefit on Friday, February 23rd from 6-10pm at the Double Tree Breckenridge. Tickets are available at the door for $40, or $60 for VIP tickets. Tickets include appetizers, live music, EveryBelly Dancers, a great silent auction, and unlimited tasting of local beer, wine, and spirits from Angry James Brewery, Baker’s Brewery, Broken Compass Brewery, Dillon Dam Brewery, Pug Ryan’s, Breckenridge Distillery, and samples from a variety of Colorado wines. VIP ticket holders receive a pint glass for tasting, early access to our silent auction and automatic entry into a VIP drawing for a gift certificate to the Infinity Spa at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 in Breckenridge. All proceeds benefit HC3.

Purchase a door prize ticket at the event for just $10 and be entered to win one of three prizes, including a Char-Broil Grill from Lowe’s, a two night stay (including breakfast) at the Residence Inn by Marriott and a Family Four-Pack to Epic Discovery Breckenridge.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Harvester:

Cultivator:

Composter:

Seed Sower:
Colorado Mountain College, Energy Outreach Colorado, FirstBank, Ifurnish, Stuhr and Associates, Summit Daily, Xcel Energy, Antlers Liquor & Wine Cellar, Mountain Pride Cleaning & Restoration, Martin Martin, Civil Insight, Comfort by Kodiak, Mountain Life Companies

Innovator:
Land Title, The Clothing Cooperative, Arrow Insurance, Breckenridge Dental Group, Centennial Recycling, Dynamic Database Design, Energy Smart Colorado, FridgeWize, Impact Energy, Krystal93, KSMT, Lincoln Park, Mondo Verde, Performance Home, Summit County Recycling, Summit Mountain Rentals, Tolin Mechanical, The Outsider, ERI Direct, Timberline Law, West, Brown, Huntley, Innovative Energy, Timberline Disposal

Friends of CAIC Benefit Bash
2025-12-24 07:14
HC3 will be aiding in the zero waste efforts at the Friends of CAIC Benefit Bash. Volunteers will be needed to help man zero waste stations and haul full bags of waste to the dumpster enclosure. HC3 will provide you with entry to the event, a free beer ticket, and a zero waste t shirt. Currently, all volunteer spots are full. If you would like more information on this event, or add yourself to the wait list to volunteer, please contact Hallie.

LED Bulb Fair
2025-12-24 07:14
If you’ve thought about swapping out old incandescent light bulbs for energy efficient LEDs, now is a great time! This Friday, September 22, HC3 is partnering with LED Supply Co. to offer you a chance to snag some LEDs at super discounted prices. Swing by the greenhouses at the Frisco Transfer Center between 11:30 and 2:30 PM to meet Damien from LED Supply Co. who will be on hand to talk to you about your business’ lighting needs and schedule a time to check out your property. On-site, he’ll pull together a list of LED bulb types you need as well as a quote — businesses that sign up for a free assessment during the fair will be able to purchase most bulbs for just $1 or $2! Are you a property manager or a member of an HOA? Come talk to Nick from Franklin Energy about Xcel Energy’s Multifamily Buildings program. Learn how you can get free energy efficiency upgrades for your building and your tenants.

9th Annual Harvest Dinner
2025-12-24 07:14
Thank you to all of our donors, and especially Vinny Monarca and the staff at Vinny’s euro american cuisine for donating their time and restaurant to our cause. See you tonight! Blue Moon Bakery, Bree and Jason Thoma, Clark Family Orchards, Clint’s Bakery and Coffee House, City Market, Eagle Smoked Salmon, Forté Farmss, Harvest Coloradoo, higgles ice cream, Miller Farmss, Trout Creek Farmm, Uncle John’s Farm Standnd, Vail Meat Co., Summit Csa

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Enjoy a locally sourced and beautifully prepared four course meal while supporting the High Country Conservation Center. Join us at Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant in Frisco on Wednesday September 20th for an evening of gourmet seasonal dishes with family and friends. This event is reservation only.

$55 per plate for adults, $25 per plate for children

*Drinks for an additional cost

*Gratuity not included

Due to YOUR community support, as of 9/18 all reservations have been filled!

#BeLocal #HC3HarvestDinner

Electric Vehicle Showcase
2025-12-24 07:14
National Drive Electric Week brings awareness to the increasing popularity and practicality of electric vehicles. HC3 is celebrating by partnering with the Breckenridge for 100% Renewable Energy Campaign to showcase multiple makes and models of electric cars. If you’ve ever considered buying an electric car, this event is for you! Come check out electric cars in person and talk to the Summit County locals who drive them. This event will take place from 6:30 – 7:30 PM on September 13 in the parking lot at the Summit County Community & Senior Center after the Know Before You Go (Solar) workshop. Email Jess Hoover with questions.

Know Before You Go (Solar)
2025-12-24 07:14
Solar electricity is a realistic choice for a growing number of Summit County residents. Colorado State University Extension is partnering with HC3 and Xcel Energy to help homeowners and renters understand their options for solar. Different types of solar electric systems will be explained, along with comparisons of various financing models and a demonstration of CSU Extension’s new online Solar Calculator. The goal is to help county residents make the best choice for their personal situations when it comes to solar energy.

The free workshop will take place on September 13th from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at the Summit County Community & Senior Center. Cary Weiner, State Energy Specialist with CSU Extension and Kevin Cray with Xcel Energy will be presenting. Light refreshments will be served.
Stick around for the Electric Vehicle Showcase after the workshop.
