YMCA of the Rockies & Environmental Stewardship
YMCA of the Rockies has been a steward of Rocky Mountain regions of Colorado for generations, providing a unique experience deeply intertwined with the natural beauty at Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch.
At YMCA of the Rockies, our commitment to sustainability is holistic. With the adoption of an emissions reduction goal that aims to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2050, we are setting a benchmark for ourselves, as well as striving for a broad approach that reduces our impact on the local environment and fully engages staff and visitors in our efforts. Our Sustainability Action Plan reflects this approach, emphasizing environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a sustainable future for all.
Our stewardship journey continues through our 2022 Strategic Plan that identifies Environmental Sustainability as one of the top 5 strategic priorities for the organization. Acknowledgement of this priority has driven YMCA of the Rockies into a new generation of stewardship activities, for which our work will extend beyond the present and benefit future generations.
Estes Park Center Electric Vehicle Chargers
With environmental stewardship an important goal of YMCA of the Rockies, offering electric vehicle charging stations for our guests and staff in central location at each of our properties is an important step in working towards this.
As electric vehicles become more popular, the addition of EV chargers at YMCA of the Rockies will address the anticipated increasing need, as well as better serve the environment. Additionally, offering EV chargers as an optional add-on for cabin donors to add to individual cabins will help continue these efforts in the future.
Today, Estes Park Center has three level 2 ChargePoint CT4025 chargers in the parking lots of the Central Lodges and the Wind River Lodge. Snow Mountain Ranch has installed a new level 3 ChargePoint Express 250 Station at the Camp Chief Ouray Dining Hall near the Nordic Center parking lot and has two additional Juice Box chargers located near the Indian Peaks Lodge. In the future, we hope to continue installing EV chargers in central locations for our guests to use during their stay.
What Can Guests Do?
When you’re visiting us, there are many ways that you can engage in our environmental sustainability initiatives! Below are some ideas of ways you can help us reach our goals.
- Make sure you are recycling! We have been working to expand our recycling infrastructure across both of our campuses. Keep an eye out in common areas for recycling bins that you can use during your stay.
- Reduce plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle! We have been installing more water bottle refill stations across our campuses for your convenience. Stay hydrated and help the planet by bringing and refilling a reusable water bottle during your stay. Plus, our crisp mountain water tastes better than prepackaged water anyway.
- Reuse your towels! Make sure to hand your towels up to dry after each use to help us conserve water in our laundry services.
- Turn off the lights! Help us conserve electricity by making sure all lights and electronics are switched off before leaving your accommodations.
- Get outside! Engage with nature in any way that best suits you during your stay. Don’t forget to join our programming to learn more about our natural environments!
Read More About Sustainability
