Gore Range Natural Science School (GRNSS) is a 501(c ) (3) environmental education school that annually serves over 12,000 residents of, and visitors to, Eagle County, Colorado. The Science School daily realizes its mission “to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education" through a combination of innovative school programs, summer youth science camps, adult seminars, and year-round interpretive programs.
Life-long Vail resident Kim Langmaid founded Gore Range Natural Science School in 1998 with the goal of creating a community-based organization that provides a relevant approach to teaching science and educating students of all ages about the ecology of the natural world. Since its inception, the Science School has become a community leader in a region-wide effort to grow healthy communities by educating a local citizenry to make informed decisions about the natural environment.
A key component of this involves youth-focused, place-based educational opportunities that turn our “backyard” into a living laboratory. The Science School provides hands-on, natural science field learning that augments traditional classroom education, develops scientific understanding, and builds a meaningful connection to the natural world. Currently, over 1,000 K-12 students participate annually in our three to five-day natural science learning adventures. Programs support state and district level curriculum standards in science, math and geography.
Gore Range Natural Science School delivers year-round environmental education through a variety of programs:
-
School Programs: We partner with public and private schools to annually provide over 1,000 kindergarten through 12th grade students with 3-to-5-day hands-on, natural science field learning. GRNSS works closely with teachers to ensure that field course curriculum align with state and district standards in language arts, math and science. The Science School also assesses 5th and 7th grade programs with the goal of tracking student interest, literacy and satisfaction related to material presented.
-
Summer Youth Science Camps: For youth entering grades 1-4, we offer weeklong day camps that explore the natural histories of animals, plants, rivers and rocks. For youth entering grades 5-9, we offer weeklong overnight camps that explore ecology, field research, outdoor leadership, low-impact backcountry travel, and wilderness living.
-
Adult Natural History Seminars: These one- and multi-day programs take place during the summer and are led by expert, guest instructors. Topics span the natural sciences, from geology to botany to glaciology.
-
Guided Naturalist Programs: The Science School's staff of naturalist interns leads all-ages nature explorations (summer and winter) from the Nature Discovery Center atop Vail Mountain. Naturalists also lead programs from the Vail Nature Center in summer.
-
Professional Development: The Science School trains the nation’s up-and-coming environmental education and naturalist professionals. School programs and summer science camps are taught by Natural Science Educators who participate in an intensive fifteen-month graduate program. Guided naturalist programs are led by winter and summer naturalist interns who receive extensive interpretive training.
Strategic Vision
The work of GRNSS Board of Directors and staff is guided by the organization’s Five Year Strategic Plan, which is annually reviewed and updated each fall. The plan identifies three long-term goals the organization seeks to fulfill in the next five years.
1. To provide natural science education, cost effectively, to an increasing number of children enrolled in Eagle County public and private K-12 schools.
2. To broaden the reach, diversity and revenue-generating capability of year-round adult and youth programs offered to residents of, and visitors to, the Vail Valley.
3. To establish GRNSS and the Vail Valley as a nationally recognized center of excellence in environmental education specializing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain ecosystem.
< back to top
Part traveling nature center, part moving billboard, and part transportation hub, the Earth Mobile has become an integral component of GRNSS’ school programs and community outreach. The Earth Mobile demands to be noticed. Wrapped with images from GRNSS’ school programs and with the stunning nature photography of local artist Brett Hochmuth, the Earth Mobile has dramatically increased GRNSS’ visibility throughout Eagle County. GRNSS uses the Earth Mobile for travel to field sites, for program support and as a booth backdrop at local markets and festivals. The Earth Mobile was made possible by a 2003 Learning Opportunities Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. GRNSS is grateful to Vail Resorts, Slifer Smith and Frampton, FirstBank of Vail, Vail Daily, Bacon Family Foundation and New Belgium Brewing Company for their generous support of this project.
< back to top
Nature Discovery Center
In September 2004, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) honored GRNSS, Vail Resorts, and the Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest with its annual Environmental Business Award for the Nature Discovery Center Partnership. GRNSS is committed to working with all Discovery Center partners to further develop the facility and its programs into a national model for resort-based environmental education. This honor joins our 2002 El Pomar Award for Environmental Excellence as evidence of the value and need of our mission and the quality programs that serve this goal.
2002 Award of Environmental Excellence
On December 2, 2002, Gore Range Natural Science School was awarded the Robert V. Menary Award for Environmental Issues by the Colorado Springs-based El Pomar Foundation. The award recognizes "organizations that have achieved excellence in their efforts to support the preservation of natural surroundings and promote environmental awareness and conservation."
The El Pomar Awards for Excellence, which recognize and reward outstanding nonprofits in Colorado, are unique in that candidate organizations do not apply for the awards, but are instead nominated or sought out by the selection committee.
GRNSS is proud to have received this recognition and will use the award to continue providing exceptional natural science education to students and adults in Eagle County and beyond.
< back to top
Learn more about GRNSS by reading feature stories appearing in local and regional news sources.
HAUTE CUISINE IN THE HIGH HUTS
October, 27, 2006: Chef Thomas Newsted donates his time, services and food to create an unforgettable Gore Range Natural Science School culinary event in the rustic kitchen of the Peter Estin Hut. Read the complete article featured in the Vail Daily: Page 1; Page 2
SHOW ME THE BEETLE!
October 30, 2005: Battle Mountain High School AP Environmental Science students come face to face with the mountain pine beetle during an October 2005 field study conducted near Minturn, Colorado. Join Gore Range Natural Science School educator, Julie Shapiro, in the field as she guides students through the early stages of pine beetle research, a project featured in the Vail Daily. View complete article: page 1; page 2
< back to top
For general inquiries, please email science@gorerange.org or contact us at:
Gore Range Natural Science School
P.O. Box 9469
82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Suite 202
Avon, CO 81620
970.827.9725
fax: 970.827.9730
Lara Carlson (ext.15), represents GRNSS at Avon Elementary School as our Avon In-School educator. Lara has completed a summer naturalist internship and two Natural Science Educator seasons as part of the GRNSS staff. She graduated from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, with a BS in Outdoor Education. Lara's prior work in outdoor and environmental education include positions at Ferry Beach Ecology School, Audubon Center of the North Woods, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, and the Cable Natural History Museum. She is currently working toward obtaining her Colorado teaching license. During her free time, Lara enjoys making pottery, and spending time outdoors hiking and skiing. |
 |
|
Chris Cohen (ext. 16) Originally from Philadelphia, Chris comes to GRNSS after spending the last few years working for nature centers and adventure programs in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Connecticut. Chris studied biology, economics and Spanish at Penn State University where she was a coxswain for the Penn State Crew team. Chris loves to teach about the natural world and hopes to inspire students of all ages to become stewards of their own backyards. In her free time, Chris loves being outdoors and doing anything on the water, especially Tallship sailing. She is very excited for her first winter in the Rockies and hopes to learn to snowboard and explore the national parks and natural wonders out West!
|
 |
|
Carolyn Connoly (ext. 13), After relocating to Vail in 1998, Connolly handled the marketing for Ron Byrne & Associates Real Estate eventually acquiring her Broker’s license and moved into sales. Connolly became the Marketing Director for the Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa, Terra Bistro and the Vail Athletic Club in 2000 then moved on to become the Director of Sales & Marketing for Peak Properties, Inc. in 2002. Prior to moving to Vail, Connolly was employed by National Geographic Society in Washington, DC then transferred to Explore International, a London-based joint venture between National Geographic Television and Canal+ (Europe’s Pay-TV operator.) Connolly sold both residential and commercial real estate in St. Louis, Missouri for six years. Connolly served as Deputy Press Secretary to Senator Jack Danforth and also ran her own freelance photography studio. Connolly enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband and two young children…other favorite pastimes for Connolly include traveling, gourmet cooking, photography and celebrating life with family and friends.
|
 |
Doug Dusenberry (ext. 21) - Campaign Director
Doug joined the Science School in the summer of 2006 to manage and administer all aspects of the School’s Capital Campaign from facilitating donor solicitations to managing the campaign’s budget, volunteers and communications. Doug has served as a Volunteer Coordinator, Program Director, and Executive Director during his decade-long career in nonprofit management. A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Doug earned his B.A. in Biology from the University of North Carolina and an M.S. in Public Administration with an emphasis in Recreation Management at North Carolina State University. He lives with his wife Laurie and three children in Eagle.
|
 |
Markian Feduschak (ext.11), Executive Director, came to GRNSS after fifteen years with Outward Bound West where he served as field instructor, course director and Colorado Program Director. He has spent extended periods of time rambling and working in the schools namesake, the Gore Range. Throughout his career in outdoor education Markian has focused on leadership development, effective teambuilding, staff training, and risk management. Markian resides in Eagle with his wife and two young daughters. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Colorado. |
 |
|
David Ford (ext. 31) Graduate Fellow in Natural Science Education.
David began his GRNSS experience in the winter of 2007, where he guided snowshoe tours and tracked the winter wild. Most of David’s professional work has been research in the aquatic sciences. He earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Lynchburg College, VA, and is currently in grad school obtaining a M.S. in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. In his free time David enjoys skiing, fishing, backpacking, horseshoes, tetherball, badminton, skipping rocks, and exploring this great country in his truck (yes it’s a Ford).
|
 |
Gina Garrett (ext.17), Youth Programs Director
Gina manages oversight of all school group and summer youth programs and supervises the Science School's staff of four Graduate Fellow Educators. Gina obtained her B.S. in Agricultural Science with an emphasis in Environmental Science from Truman State University. Her passion for the outdoors and natural science developed during a study abroad experience in Tasmania, Australia. Upon her return, Gina worked four seasons for Yellowstone National Park before discovering the field of environmental education through work as an instructor at the Orange County Outdoor Science School, located in the San Bernadino Mountains of Southern California. Gina returned to school, earning a dual teaching licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Colorado at Denver, as well as a M.A. in Science Education. After teaching in the classroom for two years she felt the pull to return to the mountains so that she may enjoy her favorites – hiking, biking, skiing and, of course, teaching kids about the natural world!
|
 |
Beth Garrison (ext. 12) - Graduate Fellow in Natural Science Education
Beth grew up in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Ohio Northern University with a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies in 2003. She fostered her love of teaching environmental education at the Wild Bear Center for Nature Discovery in Nederland, Colorado, and continued to teach both children and adults about the natural world as a Naturalist at John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and as an Environmental Educator at Rocky Mountain National Park. Before arriving at the Science School, Beth spent two years on the east coast as an Environmental Educator for a solid waste management agency in southeastern Virginia teaching about recycling, composting, landfills and waste to energy processes. Beth is extremely excited to be working at Gore Range where she can share her passion for the natural world with students in the outdoor classroom of the beautiful and inspiring Rocky Mountains. In her spare time she loves playing outside with her dog Tucker, hiking, backpacking, paddling, skiing, traveling, enjoying live music and playing the banjo.
|
 |
Natalia Hanks (ext. 30), Director of Development, has been working for government and non-profit organizations for over 30 years and brings to Gore Range Natural Science School a strong background in fundraising, program management as well as science education. A native of Washington DC, Natalia graduated from Averett University with a degree in English and history and did graduate work at University of Virginia. Government positions included program management for the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Smithsonian and grant coordination for the National Endowment for the Arts. Natalia has also worked for the Farmington, CT schools as a tutor and instructor, as development director for Hartford, CT based Aid to Artisans and as instructor and development director for Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Prior to accepting her position with GRNSS, Natalia was director of development and membership for the Vail Valley Foundation.
|
 |
|
Tiffani Hoole (ext. 10) Office Manager, joined the GRNSS team in October 2008. Since moving to the valley, she has worked for The Ritz-Carlton as a member of the finance team. In her current role as Office Manager Tiffani is primarily responsible for bookkeeping, student registrations, and administrative support. These duties combine with her interest in natural science education and her training in finance and accounting. Tiffani is a graduate of Metropolitan State College of Denver w/ BA in Biology and Psychology. Tiffani enjoys hiking with her dog, Snowboarding, traveling, sippin’ wine, and reading.
|
 |
|
Noah Koerper (ext. 28) Noah is an Oregon native who has come to prefer cold snow over damp rain. He received his B.A. from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where he studied Environmental Studies & Humanities, as well as Philosophy. Such indecisiveness had led him to spend the last few years working as an Adventure Education Instructor and Interpretive River Guide throughout the Intermountain West before arriving at Gore Range in June. In his free time he finds himself backcountry snowboarding, contemplating music, playing with bicycles and tracing canyons and rivers through the nearby desert.
|
 |
|
Kim Langmaid is the founder of Gore Range Natural Science School and served as its Executive Director until Januarly 2004. Kim is currently enrolled in the Antioch New England Environmental Studies doctoral program. Kim holds a Masters degree in Environmental Education from Prescott College in Arizona where she serves as a Graduate Advisor. She is a graduate of Teton Science School’s Professional Residency in Environmental Education and holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University. Kim is a graduate of the C.R.C. Nonprofit Management and Leadership program and the White River Institute’s Leadership Vail Valley. She is a life-long resident of Vail, CO.
|
 |
|
Erin-Rose Schneider (ext. 18), Development Associate, joined GRNSS the summer of 2007. She is primarily responsible for office management, student registrations, bookkeeping, and administrative support for Gore Range Natural Science School. A Native of Maine, Erin-Rose graduated from Syracuse University with a M.S. in Environmental Engineering. She spent a year in Eagle County enjoying outdoor adventures before moving to Boulder, where she worked as an engineer for an environmental consulting firm, supporting project work in pollution prevention, sustainable land development, and Superfund remediation. Erin-Rose recently returned to Eagle County after realizing that her heart was in the mountains. In addition to working at GRNSS, Erin-Rose is a part-time raft guide for Lakota Guides in the summer and a ski instructor for Beaver Creek Children’s Ski School in the winter.
|
 |
|
Kate Sorensen (ext. 12) Kate grew up in Colorado and although she loves to travel and explore new places, she always likes to come back home to Colorado. She studied Political Science, Environmental Science, and Spanish at the University of Colorado in Denver and completed a program in Outdoor Recreation Leadership at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville. She is passionate about sharing her love for the outdoors and teaching kids about the amazing place we live!
|
|
Jaymee Squires, Graduate Programs Director, rejoined GRNSS in November of 2009 as the Interim Director of Graduate Programs. Jaymee grew up in upstate New York, where she developed a love of the outdoors and skiing, which eventually led her to Vail after earning her degree in Environmental Science from Binghamton University. Jaymee worked as a naturalist at the Vail Nature Center for several summers, where she became friends with Kim Langmaid. Leaving Vail, Jaymee graduated from the Teton Science School’s Professional Residency in Environmental Education in 1997. After spending a year on the east coast working as the Director of Environmental Education for a large summer camp, Jaymee returned to the valley in 1998 where she lived in Red Cliff and worked as one of the startup educators at GRNSS. She left GRNSS in 2001 to teach 7 th and 8 th grade science at the Eagle County Charter Academy, eventually leaving in 2007 to be home with her two young children. She earned her MA in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2004. Jaymee now lives in Eagle with her husband and two young children where she enjoys reading, hiking, camping, canoeing and just getting outside with the kids!
|
|
Ann Stevenson (ext. 14), Community Programs Director, comes to GRNSS from Golden where she recently worked as the Service Director for an outdoor adventure summer camp for high school students. A Colorado native, Ann completed her Bachelors degree in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism with a concentration in Interpretation from Colorado State University and obtained a Masters degree in Teaching from Colorado College. Ann loves living in the Rocky Mountains and has spent multiple summers guiding backpacking programs and horseback rides at various ranches and summer camps. As part of her most recent position, Ann guided multi-week programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador. She loves to travel, but she is very glad to be back in the Rockies where she can ski in the winter and hike in the summer!
|
 |
< back to top
Gore Range Natural Science School is governed by an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers that play a major role in shaping our vision and direction.
Board Members Only
Buck Elliott, Chair – Edwards, CO
Carolyn Pope , Vice Chair – Edwards, CO
Dan Patten , Treasurer – Eagle-Vail, CO
Phil Brodsky, Secretary – Avon, CO
Karen Berndt – Vail, CO
Kathy Borgen – Denver and Vail, CO
Kelly Bronfman – Atherton, CA
Diana Cecala – Edwards, CO
Alan Danson – Vail, CO
Holly Elliott – Edwards, CO
Markian Feduschak – GRNSS Executive Director –
Eagle, CO
Ted James – Eagle, CO
Kim Langmaid – GRNSS Founding Executive Director –
Vail, CO
Jenny Maritz – Avon, CO
Susie & Paul Lyons – Vail, CO
Lynne & Peter Mackechnie – Edwards, CO
Brenda & Joe McHugh – Vail, CO and Dallas, TX
Eileen & Gary Miller – Vail, CO
Craig Nelson – Edwards, CO
Steve Pope – Edwards, CO
Susan & Rich Rogel – Avon, CO
Lisa & Chip Ruth – Vail, CO
Debbie & Ric Scripps – Avon, CO
Jeff Seidel – Wolcott, CO and New York, NY
< back to top
Based in Avon, Colorado, Gore Range Natural Science School is home to a dedicated and talented staff. The Science School hires a combination of permanent, temporary and seasonal staff to fill a variety of administrative, educational, and interpretive programming needs.
GRNSS Employment Application
SEASONAL/TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT
Summer Naturalist Intern - 2009
Naturalist Instructor - One Year Position
SUMMER NATURALIST INTERN - 2009
Join us for an unforgettable summer of working with people of all ages in the outdoors. Grow as
an environmental educator and interpreter, and create an incredible network of contacts for
careers within the fields of education, natural resource management and tourism.
Responsiblities:
As a naturalist, you will receive formal interpretive guide training, and your main duties will be to
research, plan and present nature walks, talks and evening programs at each of our partner
locations (US Forest Service – White River National Forest; Vail Nature Center; Vail Resorts’
Discovery Center and Sylvan Lake State Park).
Naturalists rotate through a schedule of staffing 3 nature/visitor centers, guiding hikes for adults,
preparing and teaching natural history lessons to children in local recreation district day camps,
conducting outreach at information booths for local events, providing informal education while
hiking local trails, and assisting in on-going Science School projects and Forest Service
projects.
Qualifications:
• Enthusiasm for educating others about the environment and living in the Rockies!
• Coursework toward a BA/BS in science, education, or an environmentally-related field
• Ability to obtain current First Aid and CPR certifications before summer begins
• Interest in working flexible hours (including evenings and weekends)
• Ability to hike 5 miles carrying 30 lbs. and to work in all weather conditions outside
• Positive, self-motivated, organized and creative individuals who can work independently
and as a team. GRNSS hires friendly, energetic and professional people.
Location: Vail/Eagle County, Colorado
Duration and Positions Available: 4 total
2 positions June 8-August 31, 2009
2 positions June 8 – September 7, 2009
Compensation: Housing and a $175 per week stipend
To Apply:
To be considered for the position applicants should send a completed employment application, cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references by April 13, 2009 to:
Gore Range Natural Science School
Attn: Ann Stevenson
PO Box 9469
Avon, CO 81620
(970) 827-9725 x14
anns@gorerange.org
NATURALIST INSTRUCTOR - ONE YEAR POSITION
This one year position serves as an interpreter and teacher for all ages of students in all programs
offered by the Science School. During summer and winter, instructors provide interpretive programs
for tourists and children in summer camp or ski school, while during fall and spring, instructors provide
formal education to school children in the classroom or in the field. Naturalist Instructors report to the
Community Programs Director.
Responsibilities
Interpretation and Visitor Information Services
• Plan, prepare and conduct a variety of interpretive programs (evening presentations, bird & flower
walks, nature hikes, snowshoe tours, ski school nature lessons, special requests, etc).
• Staff nature centers and information booths answering questions, selling books and maps, and
providing regional recreation information.
Field and Classroom Instruction
• Create, implement and oversee nature summer day camp lessons for preschool through middle
school children on public lands.
• Develop curriculum and teach natural science based programs to K-12 students of Eagle County
in both classroom and field based settings.
Program Administration
• Assist in marketing, public relations and development efforts for the Science School.
• Act as program host for Adult Seminars and program instructor for cultivation events.
Qualifications
• Completed BA/BS in science, interpretation, education, or an environmental science-related field
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to present to a variety of audiences
• A positive, flexible, and friendly personality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Minimum 2 years of field experience in interpretation and/or environmental education
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural resources of the Rocky Mountains
• Knowledge and experience in using computers and software including Word, Excel, and Internet
• Valid driver's license and personal transportation to and from work
• Interest in working flexible hours (including evenings and weekends)
• Ability to walk 5 miles carrying 30 lbs & to teach in all types of weather conditions in the outdoors
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
Dates of Employment: June 8, 2009 to May 22, 2010 (with option of renewal)
Location: Vail, Eagle County, Colorado
Positions Available: 2
Compensation: $250 per week, housing (summer different than winter), 3 weeks paid vacation,
health and dental insurance, Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Pass.
To Apply: Send a resume, letter of interest, completed employment application and a list of 3 references by April 13, 2009 to:
Ann
Stevenson, Gore Range Natural Science School, PO Box 9469 Avon, CO 81620 or email
anns@gorerange.org or fax 970-827-9730.
Permanent Employment
Currently no permanent positions available.
Seasonal Employment - now hiring
Graduate Fellowship in Natural Science Education - Not currently hiring
< back to top
Each year over 40 volunteers selflessly give hundreds of hours of their time to help GRNSS further its mission to raise environmental awanresness and inspire stewardship in Ealge County. Volunteers assts staff with special fundraising and marketing projects, chaperone student sin the field, staff information booths at markets and festivals, and play a significant role int eh management of GRNSS by providing expertise in planning, accounting, marketing, communications and fundraising.
GRNSS’ Volunteer Rangers are always looking for new faces to help out with special events, projects, school programs, summer markets and other fun volunteer opportunities. Both long- and short-term projects are available. Contribute to youth environmental education in Eagle County by volunteering at GRNSS!
Current Volunteer Needs
School Program Chaperones - School programs typically take place from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Responsibilities include group management and serving as a back-up in case of student emergency. This is a great opportunity to spend the day outdoors learning about your mountain environment.
Mail Party Assistance - From our conference room in Avon, you can assist us with the glamorous work of labeling envelopes for bulk mail distribution. A few times a year the work is more engaging - we fold, stuff and seal envelopes. Always, the company is wonderful and snacks are provided.
Photographer – GRNSS seeks individuals with digital cameras and time to visit school and summer programs. Help expand GRNSS’ digital library by taking photos in the field. An eye for composition and an ability to take close-in shots desired.
To get involved, call or email Carolyn Connolly:
Phone: 970-827-9725 ext. 13
Email: carolync@gorerange.org
Interested? Please fill out and return our Volunteer Application.
< back to top
Gore Range Natural Science School operates under special use permit by the White River National Forest, USDA Forest Service.
Gore Range Natural Science School is an equal opportunity employer. GRNSS does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation in any of its policies or programs.
< back to top
Subscribe to receive Ridgeline, monthly e-news from Gore Range Natural Science School. Newsletters provide updates on school and summer programs, announce upcoming events, include natural history features, and share noteworthy news with our friends and environmental education community.
Subscribe to "Ridgeline"
