ACES 2014 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A S P E N C E N T E R F O R E N V I R O N M E N TA L S T U D I E S | W W W. A S P E N N AT U R E . O R G 1

Letter from the CEO 2

About ACES 3

Our Reach 4

School Programs 5

Naturalist Programs 6

Classes and Camps 7

Forest Health 8

Sustainable Agriculture 10

Civics & Leadership 12

Community Events 13

Financials 14

Our Energy 15

Donor News 16

Our Donors 17

ACES Community 20

2

Elizabeth Paepcke founds ACES at Hallam Lake

Founding trustee Stuart Mace partners with Aspen schools, beginning decades of

environmental science education programs

Elizabeth Paepcke hires Tom & Jody Cardamone

ACES partners with Aspen Skiing Co & USFS

ACES acquires Rock Bottom Ranch

1968

1994

1999

1975

1975

ACES completes classroom at Aspen Elementary

1999

BA C

LETTER FROM THE CEO

H.G. Wells pointed out 90 years ago, “Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.” We are losing that race.

The US is ranked by the World Economic Forum 48th out of 144 developed countries in quality of math and science education. Meanwhile, this year students in Shanghai, China, outscored every other school system in the world in math, science and reading! The government of China also just made a $250 billion-a-year investment, largely, in environmental science education. In Colorado, Amendment 66, a billion-dollar-a-year tax that would have provided

more funding for K-12 education in the state, failed in a recent election. This is in a state ranked 36th in state government per capita spending on K-12 education.

To ensure an economically and ecologically sustainable future in our country, we need nothing less than an education revolution with speed and at scale. The education revolution must systematically churn out environmentally literate members of society who can make informed decisions in an ever more complex world where the natural capital that provides the services humans need for survival – clean air, pure water, functioning oceans, stable climate, and the natural resources necessary for human survival – will function in perpetuity.

ACES is doing this work! Through our environmental science education partnerships with 42 regional schools, our outdoor Naturalist Field School, our forest health initiatives, our sustainable agriculture programs, our land stewardship and restoration projects, and our renowned lecture series, ACES builds ecological and environmental science literacy, making 117,000 educational contacts per year!

This is ACES’ first annual report. It is intended to give you a glimpse into what we do, hopefully inspiring you to get involved, attend an ACES event, become a member, and donate. I hope you’ll join us in our mission, which is dramatically improving the world by providing environmental science and building ecological literacy.

The root cause of our planet’s environmental problems can only be solved by the root solution: environmental science education. Our economy is predicated on it; our quality of life requires it; and your children’s health and well-being depend on it.

Let the education revolution begin!

Chris R. Lane, Chief Executive Officer


ACES OUTREACH 1968 - 2014

1968

1970

1972

1974

1976

1978

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

2014: 117,000 contacts

ACES acquires 160 acreSpring Creek

ACES acquires Catto Center at Toklat.

ACES hosts first Jessica Catto Leadership Dialogue featuring Bill McKibben

ACES merges with For the Forest

ACES hires first CEO, Chris R. Lane

ACES expands full-time environmental science programs to Basalt Elementary School

ACES merges with Tomorrow’s Voices

ACES expands full time Environmental Science Programs to Crystal River Elementary School

20042010

20102012

20122012

20132013

D

A

B

CD

* letters correspond to timeline events

Con

tact

s

ABOUT ACES

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a non-profit environmental science education organization with four locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, the Catto Center at Toklat, and Spring Creek.

ACES Educators and Naturalists make more than 117,000 education contacts each year, building science literacy and a community of knowledgeable, motivated, and capable environmental stewards. Programs include guided hikes, environmental science lessons in schools and in the field, lectures, classes, community events, and more in the areas of: sustainable agriculture, forest health, ecological literacy, and ecosystem restoration.

ACES also partners with land trusts, public agencies, government entities, and other non-profits to steward the regional landscape. Projects include restoration and cooperative management on private lands under conservation easement, open space, and public lands.

Since 1968, ACES has been meeting its mission, “To inspire a life-long commitment to the Earth by educating for environmental responsibility, conserving and restoring the balance of natural communities, and advancing the ethic that the Earth must be respected and nurtured.”

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MARBLE AREAMarble Charter Elementary School

INTERST ATE

133

13382

82

82

MARBLE

RIFLE

BASALT

EAGLE

ASPEN

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

CARBONDALE

PAONIA

OUR REACH

ASPEN AREAMaroon LakeCastle Creek ValleyHunter CreekAspen MountainWeller LakeLost ManLincoln LakeRed ButteButtermilkSnowmass Nature TrailGhost Town of AshcroftAmerican LakeCathedral LakeCrater LakeSnowmass Rabbit RunAspen Meadows TrailCatto Center at ToklatHallam LakeAspen Elementary SchoolAspen Community SchoolAspen Country Day SchoolAspen Middle SchoolAspen High SchoolBuddy ProgramEarly Learning CenterLittle Red School HouseWildwood SchoolMare’s PlaygroupKids FirstCottage Pre School East of AspenNorth Ranch

BASALT AREARock Bottom RanchSpring CreekBasalt Elementary SchoolBasalt High SchoolBasalt Middle SchoolBasalt LibraryBlue Lake Pre SchoolCornerstone Christian AcademyWoods Easement

CARBONDALE AREARoaring Fork High SchoolCrystal River Elementary SchoolBridges High SchoolCarbondale Community SchoolCarbondale Middle SchoolColorado Mountain CollegeColorado Rocky Mountain SchoolRoss Montessori SchoolWaldorf School

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREASopris Elemenatary SchoolElk Creek Elementary SchoolGlenwood Springs Elementary SchoolGlenwood Springs Middle SchoolGlenwood Springs High SchoolSt. Stephen’s SchoolYampah Mountain High School

RIFLE / NEW CASTLE AREAElk Creek Elementary SchoolHighland Elementary SchoolKathryn Senor Elementary SchoolRifle Middle SchoolRoymoore Elementary SchoolGraham Mesa Elementary School

PAONIA AREAPaonia Elementary School

EAGLE AREABrush Creek Elementary


SCHOOL PROGRAMS

10 ACES educators each work 180 school days making more than 62,000 student contacts each year.

ACES ED PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS

42schools

120after-school

lessons

4,544students

2,000in-schoolclasses

350field

programs

ACES Ed: a science classroom without boundaries

In the Program for International Student Assessment Test, US students ranked 29th out of 65 countries in science literacy. Science education is at the heart of ACES programs. ACES Ed programs help schools meet state science standards and cultivate engaged, ecologically literate students and citizens. ACES runs three full-time environmental science classrooms in the public schools of the Roaring Fork Valley and offers experiential field programs at Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and several other outdoor learning sites for 42 regional schools. For more than thirty years, ACES has lead the way in environmental science education in Colorado.

ACES Ed curriculum is rooted in life, earth, and environmental sciences. It involves hands-on exploration of local watershed systems, sustainable energy sources, the dynamics of ecological systems, and a wide range of other topics and tools which will be critical for future generations to find solutions to social and environmental issues.

In 2013/14, we expanded the reach of ACES Ed through a new full-time program at Crystal River Elementary School in Carbondale. With ACES Educators teaching daily science classes to all K-4th grade students, the Carbondale program mirrors and expands our established successful ACES Ed classes at Basalt and Aspen Elementary schools. Our afterschool enrichment program, Science Explorers, began in 2012/13

and continued in 2013/14 with 120 environmental science lessons in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. Offered in conjunction with ACCESS Roaring Fork, this hands-on science program targets at-risk students for academic, social, and outdoor enrichment experiences.

ACES is also expanding further into professional development and higher education training for teachers. In 2013, ACES Educators presented teacher-training sessions at the Kids First Eco-Ed workshop in Aspen, as well as at the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education annual conference in Denver. We also launched a graduate program in Sustainable and Resilient Communities, offered in partnership with Western State University. Successful applicants earn a Masters degree in Environmental Management while working full-time as ACES Educators.

Learning Rocky Mountain ecology on top of Aspen Mountain.

Total Naturalist Guides Total Naturalist ContactsTotal Guide Mileage Naturalist Program Earned Income

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NATURALIST PROGRAMS ACES educational ambassadors at Aspen’s most inspiring places

What if our nation’s leaders, decision-makers, and citizens had been exposed to outdoor environmental science at some point in their lives? Might our world be a different place? For more than 35 years ACES Naturalist program has provided outdoor education and adventure experiences for adults, children, families, residents, and visitors of the Roaring Fork Valley.

Our Naturalist program provides natural history interpretation and environmental science education that inspires affinity for nature and builds ecological literacy. Naturalist Programs include interpretive hikes in summer, snowshoe and ski tours in winter, evening lectures, and naturalist presentations (for example, our daily Eagles, Hawks, & Owls program, featuring ACES’ resident birds of prey).

The core of the Naturalist program is the Summer Naturalist Internship featuring some of the best minds from some of the country’s best universities. Summer Naturalists go through an intense educational immersion and provide interpretive programs. Many of our Naturalists spend additional time with ACES in a variety of roles such as Winter Naturalists, Educators in our programs for local schools, and program coordinators. Naturalist programs are conducted at numerous locations in the Roaring Fork Valley including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Maroon Lake, Ashcroft, and other trails on the White River National Forest as well as at ACES sites: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and Toklat.

$122,7482,100 44,45022(Aspen to NYC is 1,930 miles)

A S P E N C E N T E R F O R E N V I R O N M E N TA L S T U D I E S | W W W. A S P E N N AT U R E . O R G

38 Week-longclassesatHallamLake

25 Week-longclassesatRockBottomRanch

1,100+ Participants

$180,000 Earnedincome

5 Classesofferedforgraduatecredit

100+ Programofferingsforfamilies,adults, andkids4-14,internshipsforteens

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CLASSES & CAMPS

The average child spends a stunning 7 hours a day in front of an electronic screen and less than one hour a day outdoors. ACES Naturalist Field School was founded in the 1970s with a handful of adult courses. Today, ACES Naturalist Field School offers more than 100 hands-on environmental learning experiences for all ages. Trusted Naturalists and ACES-trained Educators inspire a sense of wonder in safe learning environments by guiding explorers of all ages in building their understanding of, and connection to, environmental science and Aspen’s natural landscape.

Adult courses range from single-day Naturalist-led hikes to in-depth courses taught by visiting professors. Topics range from: pollination, geology, butterflies, mushrooms, and astronomy, to sustainable agriculture, writing, cooking skills, and nature photography.

Kids’ programs are offered for ages 4 to 14, including many single-day kids classes, and more than 60 week-long camps. Budding naturalists visit Aspen year after year just to come to ACES again! Recently added programs include: Young Scientists, Wild Writings, Ranch Scouts, and ACES Adventure Week.

Multiple generations can enjoy nature together in our numerous family programs. In 2011, we began our Nature & Me series, whose popularity lead us to begin the Little Ranchers series in 2012. These parent and child classes provide a comfortable

Developing affinity for the natural world and building ecological literacy

environment that fosters curiosity at an early age and encourages families to explore the natural world together.

In 2013, we founded ACES Community Field Lab which incorporates national programs like Project Bud Burst into our programs to expand local citizen science opportunities. This capitalizes on a national network that allows participants to be a meaningful part of the science community.

FIELDSCHOOLSTATS

FOREST LAND COVER IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY

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FOREST HEALTH

For 45 years, ACES has set a high standard for land stewardship on our four sites. The 2012 addition of our For the Forest program expanded the influence of that ethic, creating a nexus between scientific research, conservation values, and active forest restoration.

Nationally, forests have experienced unprecedented change in the last few decades. This includes tree mortality, insect outbreaks, and larger and more intense wildfires. More dramatic changes will likely take place as climate change predicted for the 21st century unfolds. The following outlines the steps ACES’ For the Forest program is taking to promote management towards resilient, thriving forests.

Hunter-Smuggler Cooperative Plan: A unique partnership between ACES, the US Forest Service, Pitkin County, and the City of Aspen has produced the Hunter Creek-Smuggler Mountain Cooperative Plan. The community-based plan involves participation from a wide range of stakeholders from local recreation, conservation, and environmental groups, as well as agencies and jurisdictions, and covers 4,681 acres on the White River National Forest adjacent to Aspen.Completion of the management activities outlined in the Plan will result in a healthier, more resilient forest, enhanced wildlife habitat, decreased fire risk, and

For the Forest: promoting resilient, thriving forests

improved recreational and educational opportunities on Smuggler Mountain and in Hunter Creek Valley.

Forest Health Index: This first of-its-kind numerical index identifies, quantifies, and communicates trends in the health of the nearly 640,000 acres of forests in the Roaring Fork Watershed. The Forest Health Index website is a new tool to help the Roaring Fork Valley community make sense of the wide range of interlinking environmental conditions that affect the health of our local forest. The Index provides interpretation and data on over 20 unique climatic, ecological, and socioeconomic indicators. The Forest Health Index supports the understanding of local forest health by providing a consistent method to measure departures from “normal” conditions among indicators relevant to forest health. This process intends to provide a system for communicating these observed changes in novel ways in order to generate and inform discussion. This groundbreaking project serves as a model for other communities to follow suit and potentially inform policy on a national level.

State of the Forest Report: This annual report presents an easy-to-follow update on the climatic factors and insect and disease infestations currently impacting our local forests. It also outlines the steps ACES is taking to improve the health of our forests and what individuals can do to help.

The Hunter-Smuggler Coopera-tive Plan seeks to improve wildlife habitat and forest health on 4,681 acres of federal land in Aspen’s wild-land-urban interface through active restoration work.


Future Forest Distribution Model: In partnership with the University of Arizona, ACES has developed a revolutionary inventory of forest assets for western North America, utilizing hundreds of thousands of species occurrence records to create first-of-their-kind maps of our current forests. When coupled with the most cutting-edge climate models, a high-resolution picture emerges of what our western forests are likely to look like in the future.

This new technology provides unprecedented access to a host of forest informatics, and applications of this tool will significantly influence policy and business. The detailed resolution of the maps of our current and future forests allow for calculations that were previously impossible, many of which have significant economic implications (such as future carbon budgets and cropland productivity).

Work is currently underway to expand the model to include all plant species in North America and a suite of visualization tools to include a smartphone app that

will show you both all the plant species in your location now versus what will likely be there in the future.

Land Stewardship: Notable projects undertaken the past year on the 532 acres of land directly managed by ACES include restorations of a cottonwood gallery at Rock Bottom Ranch and riparian habitat at Spring Creek. Formerly, the Hope Mine was reclaimed by ACES forest programs through biochar soil stabilization.

Global Outreach: Our animated short film “What’s Happening in Our Forest?” premiered last year, exploring how forests affect, and are affected by, the forces around them. In addition to receiving over 12,000 views on YouTube, the film reached a global audience through its inclusion in multiple film festivals. Most notably, the film received an Honorable Mention from the United Nations Forests for People International Short Film Festival and was screened at the United Nations Forest Forum in Istanbul, Turkey.

Left and center: While Colorado’s mountain pine beetle epidemic is subsiding, spruce beetle activity has increased exponentially. The threat of a spruce beetle outbreak is of significant concern to the Roaring Fork Watershed, where 20.3% of forest land cover is spruce-fir forest. Right: Our forest provides a host of benefits to our community, from aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities to ecosystem services such as air and water purification and carbon sequestration. In the past decade, our Roaring Fork Watershed forest absorbed 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Replicable food systems for the Western Slope

Worldwide, agriculture contributes 25-30 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. That’s more emissions than every car, train, and plane in the world. Activities like raising dense populations of livestock in indoor facilities and applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers contribute to agriculture’s high GHG footprint and water and air pollution. The good news is that agriculture, when done sustainably, is an important part of mitigating climate change and protecting land and water resources.

ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch (RBR) is western Colorado’s “school” for teaching people of all ages how to grow healthy, local, sustainable food. This means farming using principles of ecology and natural biological cycles to satisfy human food needs while enhancing and protecting water, land, and climate resources. ACES’ unique brand of sustainable agriculture at Rock Bottom Ranch melds 113 acres of wild lands and pristine riparian habitats with agriculture production and education. ACES implements a multi-species rotational grazing system, in which animals are moved frequently and sequentially through pastures.

This management system protects soil quality, enhances grasses, and provides animals ample access to pasture, sunshine, and fresh water. The Ranch’s laying hens and pork operations are Animal Welfare Approved, a third-party certification that ensures animals are raised in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. RBR products are now sold in local farmers’ markets and are also featured in our popular Farm to Table dinners.

In spring of 2014, vegetable production will accelerate with a series of replicable, scalable horticultural demonstrations at the Ranch where we plan to grow 50 varieties of vegetables. Our active solar greenhouse and “Rolling Thunder” mobile greenhouses allow us to produce seasonally appropriate vegetables nearly year-round without the need for supplemental heat.

During the school year more than 3,000 students visit Rock Bottom Ranch for field programs on sustainable farming and ecology. During the summer, 2,500 sustainable farming contacts are made through ACES kids camps and adult classes. Rock Bottom Ranch also hosts cooking classes, butchery classes, and various public events.

Goats GoatsMeat Chickens

Meat Chickens

Lambs Lambs EwesLargeBlack Pigs

Meat Turkeys

LargeBlack Pigs

Dozen EggsPer Week

Dozen EggsPer Week

5** 5300 400300* 80* 40*70 4025 30 60

ROCK BOTTOM RANCH ANIMAL PRODUCTION

* In cooperation with Crystal River Meats, brought to the ranch as weaned lambs

** For managing non-native plants in riparian areas

* Born on site

ACES acquired the longer and leaner Tamworth pigs to prepare for hybrids in 2015

ACES ROCK BOTTOM RANCH IS WESTERN COLORADO’S “SCHOOL” FOR TEACHING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES HOW TO GROW HEALTHY, LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE FOOD.

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13

20

14

Clockwise from top: Students learn hands-on where food comes from; Adult programs include cooking classes that provide consumers with the skills necessary to participate in a local food system; Our Farm to Table dinners highlight delicious regional food and educate participants about the importance of sustainable production; Farm tours introduce families to our Animal Welfare Approved laying hens. These pasture-raised chickens produce healthy local eggs; 70 acres of wildlands are under conservation easement with partner Aspen Valley Land Trust.

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Connectionto Nature

EcologicalLiteracy

CivicEngagement

OF CIVICS & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PER YEAR

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM: ROARING FORK, BASALT, GLENWOOD SPRINGS, YAMPAH, BRIDGES,

& COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

TOMORROW’SVOICES

3,400 H URSFOUNDED

2000

Improving the world requires more than education; it requires action! ACES Tomorrow’s Voices program is dedicated to non-partisan education that cultivates responsible citizenship and ethical leadership in high school students of the Roaring Fork Valley. With a focus on civics and environmental stewardship, Tomorrow’s Voices comes at a critical time when teens need action-oriented, issues-based investigation through which to understand their place in the world and become active members of their community.

Tomorrow’s Voices has been inspiring teenagers to find their civic voices for more than ten years. In 2013, Tomorrow’s Voices merged with ACES. Through this program, ACES has expanded its offerings for high school students. In semester-long courses, students navigate difficult conversations and readings that ultimately lead to action and leadership around vital topics like environmental sustainability, equality, and civic responsibility. It is this foundation that empowers students to be agents of change in their community, harnessing their passion and enthusiasm into leadership and service just before college.

ACES plans to increase the number of hands-on field science opportunities for local high school science classes, host additional volunteer groups from regional middle and high schools, and grow its robust apprenticeship program that introduces local and visiting students to careers in sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

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CIVICS & LEADERSHIP

“Being a part of Tomorrow’s Voices put me in touch with wilderness and myself. Discussing works written by Thoreau, Leopold and more, deep within the Colorado Rockies, has left a lasting impression on me. All teens who value wilderness and wild places should take part in a Tomorrow’s Voices course-challenge yourself!”

Gunnar Ohlson

Former Tomorrow’s

Voices Student

“I’ve had the great fortune to speak with Tomorrow’s Voices students on many occasions. I look forward to these opportunities because these students are exceptional in every way. Under the leadership of passionate teachers these students are pushed beyond the bounds of the everyday high school course and are willing to engage in deep conversation.”

Matthew HamiltonExecutive Director, Environment Foundation, Aspen Skiing Company & RE-1 School Board President

Tomorrow’s Voices: environmental advocacy for high school students


COMMUNITY EVENTS

Jessica Catto Leadership DialoguesFounded in memory of Jessica Hobby Catto, this series brings environmental leaders to Aspen to highlight their work. In August 2013 ACES hosted M. Sanjayan, Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy.

Potbelly Perspectives lecture seriesWednesday evenings January through March feature exciting slide show presentations by community members. Topics include mountaineering, service work, travel, rock climbing, cultural tours, and more.

Naturalist Nights lecture seriesThursday evenings January through March feature experts from regional universities and organizations sharing their knowledge of topics ranging from wildlife biology to atmospheric science to environmental advocacy, and more.

Membership Picnic on the PreserveThis annual event occurs in June and brings together hundreds from the Aspen community at ACES’ original site, the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve. Live music, catered dinner, and libations provided.

Raptor FairFounded in July 2013, this annual fair features charismatic birds of prey live and in person. Over 500 people attended the inaugural event and got to see eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls up close.

Membership Potluck at the Catto Center at ToklatHonoring the legacy of ACES’ founding trustee, Stewart Mace, this annual dinner builds off of the spirit of Toklat. Here, the community gathers in the Castle Creek Valley, inspiring an ethic of environmental leadership.

Harvest Party at Rock Bottom RanchPeople of all ages gather in October at ACES’ midvalley site to celebrate harvest season with live music, ranch games, pumpkin carving, and more. Proceeds benefit ACES environmental science programs for regional schools.

ACES’ sites are gathering places that bring people of all ages together to learn about the natural world and celebrate our unique community

PETER ERB

An Evening on the LakeThis elegant evening on the waterfront of Hallam Lake occurs in July. Guests are invited to enjoy the magic of a summer night, dine amongst the trees with an exquisite, locally grown dinner, and raise funds for environmental science education.

2013 EXPENSES 2013 REVENUE

Membership 5%

Admissions & Tuition 17%

Fundraising Expenses 7%

Grants 8%

Endowment 14%

Capital 6%

Other Income 3%Investment Income <1%

Management & General Expenses 13%

Contributions 47%

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FINANCIALS

Revenue & Other Support 2013 2012

Contributions $1,065,211 $1,279,454 Grants $180,500 $282,500Endowment $320,550 $236,000Capital $136,540 $526,100 Membership Income $119,599 $81,340Admissions & Tuition $397,473 $362,409Other Income $69,288 $21,886Investment Income $1,095 $1,099Total $2,290,256 $2,790,788

Expenses 2013 2012

Program Expenses: Educational Expenses $1,688,392 $1,478,852Total Program Expenses $1,688,392 $1,478,852Supporting Service Expenses: Management & General Expenses $269,847 $256,934Fundraising Expenses $160,267 $164,462Total Supporting Service Expenses $430,114 $421,396Total Expenses $2,118,506 $1,900,248 Excess of Revenue Over Expenses $171,750 $890,540

Assets 2013 2012

Cash & Cash Equivalents $1,809,756 $1,368,000 Accounts Receivable $10,500 $2,885Grants Receivable $19,818 $10,000Pledges Receivable $565,311 $802,206Inventory $4,639 $3,127Land, Building & Equipment (Net) $6,984,689 $7,028,090Total Assets $9,394,713 $9,214,308 Liabilities 2013 2012

Accounts Payable $3,003 $5,678 Accrued Expenses $84,643 $66,291Note Payable $0 $7,022Total Liabilities $87,646 $78,991 Net Assets 2013 2012

Unrestricted Net Assets (Undesignated) $4,237,534 $3,997,685Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $1,119,533 $1,187,632Permanently Restricted Net Assets $3,950,000 $3,950,000Total Net Assets $9,307,067 $9,135,317Total Liabilities & Net Assets $9,394,713 $9,214,308

Total Program Expenses 80%

REVENUE & EXPENSES3.0M

2.5M

2.0M

1.5M

1.0M

0.5M


‘07 – ‘08 ‘08 – ‘09 ‘09 – ‘10 ‘10 – ‘11 ‘11 – ‘12 ‘12 – ‘13

ExpensesRevenue

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

02007

Gasoline Propane Natural Gas Electric

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS IN METRIC TONS

SOURCE USAGE UNITS COST MMBTU CO2*

Electricty 122,074 KWH $12,702 416.52 89.29

Fuel 1,675 Gallons $7,003 192.63 14.89

Nat Gas 2,393 Therms $3,004 239.30 11.97

Propane 2,817 Gallons $7,551 258.05 16.28

Total $30,259 1,106.50 132.43

*CO2 measured in metric tons

2013

ACES’ GOAL IS TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2018. IN 2013 WE COMPLETED A MICRO HYDRO PROJECT THAT FEEDS ELECTRICITY INTO THE GRID AND MAY GENERATE

UP TO 25,000 KWH EACH YEAR. ACES’ TOTAL ANNUAL ELECTRICITY USE IS APPROXIMATELY 120,000 KWH.

ACES has experienced sustained revenue growth over the past six years ending the 2012-13 fiscal year with revenue of $2,290,256. Following the challenging recession years, the 2007-2008 fiscal year, ACES has ended the past five fiscal years with strong financial performance. This has allowed ACES to more securely plan its financial future, make capital improvements, and expand its programs.

While revenue has nearly doubled from 2007 to 2013, ACES’ historic program expenses have been steadily maintained. Much of the growth in 2011-12 revenue and expenses was due to the merger with For the Forest*, recognition of a multi-year operating pledge, and completion of a multi-year capital campaign. Expenses in 2012-13 grew as ACES expanded its programming, augmented senior and programatic staff, and completed several capital improvement projects.

*On May 17, 2012, For the Forest, a Colorado nonprofit public benefit corporation, merged with ACES. It was dissolved and its programming was incorporated into ACES’ For the Forest Program. Assets, liabilities, revenues (including contributions and pledges) and expenses acquired through the merger are included in the 2011/2012 financials.

The current financial statements of ACES were audited by Reese Henry & Company, Inc. A copy of the complete Independent Auditor’s Report is available upon request.

FINANCIALS

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OUR ENERGY

JOH

N K

ELLY

Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, M. Sanjayan, was featured at a private reception prior to his Jessica Catto Leadership Dialogue.

Michael Franti entertains at a private performance and book reading at Hallam Lake.

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DONOR NEWS

Aspen Center for

Environmental Studies

recognizes generous

Donor Circles members

who believe in improving

the world through

environmental science

education and who are

able to support ACES

programming through

significant gifts of

$1,200 or more.

Donor Circles

members enjoy special

opportunities to

meet with pioneering

environmental leaders

and scientists, as well

as premium access to

ACES programs and

events. Special Donor

Circles programs include

Annual CEO updates and

private ECO-adventures.

Donor Profile | Paula Zurcher

Paula Zurcher grew up wandering the 25-acre Hallam Lake nature preserve with her mother, Elizabeth Paepcke, ACES’ founder. Like most children who have meaningful experiences outdoors, Paula has a great passion for exploring and protecting our native habitats. “Everyone loves nature if they are exposed to it.” says Zurcher.

In 1998, Paula and her husband donated the North Ranch Preserve to ACES in support of environmental programs. More recently, Paula has been a generous supporter of ACES Children’s Education Fund. Says Paula, “Education is so essential. We have to work on the future generations to instill a love for the natural world. The future of the environment is in our children.”

Paula is most proud of ACES’ expansion of its environmental education programs to Basalt and Carbondale and hopes that this model of environmental science education will fan out across the country.


OUR DONORS

Chairman’s Circle | $50,000 and aboveAnonymous (2)John and Ann DoerrAdam and Melony LewisJerry and Gina MurdockThe Walton Family FoundationThe Ziff Family Foundations

Restorer’s Circle | $25,000 - $49,999Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Barron Mary Conover Suzanne Farver and Clint VanZee Malott Family FoundationRobert PewThomas and Margot Pritzker Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw

Benefactor | $10,000 - $24,999Anonymous (1)Dawn ArnallBasalt Education Foundation Randy and Althy Brimm City of AspenThe Environment FoundationEllen and Bill HuntDaniel and Margaret Loeb Mr. and Mrs. John McBrideThe Rodel FoundationChristopher and Becky SteereMr. and Mrs. S. Robson Walton

Innovator | $5,000 - $9,999Anonymous (2)Jeff and Becky Berkus Mike and Jackie Bezos Dr. and Mrs. Archer Bishop Jr.Al Beyer and Ruthie BrownSam Brown and Alison TealMr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Cotsen Mr. and Mrs. James S. Crown Gary and Sylvie Crum Andrew Currie Jamie and Bush Helzberg Michael and Carol HundertMs. Toby D. Lewis Pitkin County Healthy Community FundLynda and Stewart Resnick Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schermer Rachel and Tony Sherman Peter H. and Lucille Glass Kuyper FoundationSelim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley Paula Zurcher

Advocate | $2,500 - $4,999Robyn and Gerhard Assenmacher Ms. Sharon Bistline John and Jackie Bucksbaum Sarah Challinor Mr. and Mrs. Andy DiSabatino Laura DonnelleyLauren and Ryan Elston Ms. Anne F. Farish Ronda Ferber Michael and Robin Fox Anna and Matt Freedman Mary and Jim Griffith Robert and Soledad Hurst Patricia Jenkins Reenie Kinney and Scott HicksMr. Leonard A. LauderMemnosyne FoundationWillem and Lisa Mesdag Mr. and Mrs. Werner Neuman Partners in EducationNorman and Melinda Payson Bob PurvisRobin and Kenny Smith

Steward | $1,200 - $2,499Joan and Lawrence Altman Susan H. BradyAdam and Mary Cherry George and Susan Fesus David and Jaimie Field Lynn Nichols and Jim Gilchrist Michelle and Perry GriffithMr. and Mrs. Henry Hite John G. Duncan Charitable TrustMs. Shana B. Johnstone Richard Kanner Gary and Laura Lauder The McQuown Family Hensley and James Peterson Mr. and Mrs. David T. SchiffCarole and Gordon Segal Curt Strand Bob and Ruth Wade Nina Ware Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woods Christopher Wurtele Buzz and Alison Zaino

Black Bear | $600 - $1,199Anonymous (3)Ginny and Charles Brewer R. Malcolm Brown Carolyn Bucksbaum Clarissa H. and Henry T. ChandlerDavid Corbin Mrs. Carol G. Craig Leslie Desmond Ashley Friedman Adam and Katy Frisch Nicholas Groos Juliane M. Heyman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald D. Hines Mrs. Richard Neel Alison Howell Clark and Tavia Hunt Louise and Phil Hoversten Rusty and John Jaggers Cindy Kahn and Steve MarkerMike and Laura Kaplan Heather and Martin Kohout Peter Looram Mirte Mallory and Philip JeffreysSarah Meserve Beth and Josh Mondry David Newberger Jim Patterson Darren Quintenz Ken and Emily Ransford Mark and Lorraine Schapiro Darlene and Jerome Schwoerer Phyllis and David Scruggs Ellie Spence Bruce and Nancy Stevens Mr. Bill Stirling Stephen and Ellen Susman Linda and Dennis Vaughn

Bighorn Sheep | $300 - $599

Anonymous (3) Duane and Sherry Abbott Meg Arnold Town of BasaltMel and Paulette Blumenthal Clint and Nancy Carlson Sally Cole Thomas E. and Noel R. CongdonMs. Marcia Corbin Jan and Joel Dembinsky Germaine and Al Dietsch

Alison Eastley Leo and Marcy Edelstein Mrs. M. Joan Farver Marty and Sarah Flug Piper Foster Kristina Fraser Marc and Karen Friedberg Penny Atzet and Mark Fuller Mark Gladwin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Greenberg Tara and Mitch Haas Lillian S. Hardy Kristen Henry Tom Hext and Polly Perkins Ned S. Holmes Jefferson and Karen Hughes Barbara Reid and David Hyman Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone Kristin and Carl Kalnow Kristan and Heather Kaplinski Larry and Tracie Kugler Chris and Diana Lane Tim and Beverly Leigh Paula and Monty Loud Judy Hill and Amory Lovins Leslie Lamont and Lance Luckett Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Marx III Gail and Alec Merriam Kerry and Ricki Newman Cavanaugh and Blanca O’Leary Barbara Page Roberta and Samuel Pepkowitz Ali and David Phillips Carol Racine Karthik Ramaswamy Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robinson Judith Scherer Mr. and Mrs. W. Ford Schumann Deborah and John Scott Mrs. Mary Hugh Scott Ryan and Anda Smalls Natasha and Clifford Stowe Dr. and Mrs. Lubert Stryer Herbert and Cheryl Towning Robert and Jill Wagner Susan Welsch Kent and Karen Woodard Jennifer Woodward King Woodward Mary Wooten

We would like to recognize the following individuals, businesses, organizations, and families for their extraordinary support between November 1, 2012 and October 31, 2013.

18

OUR DONORS

Cutthroat Trout | $100 - $299AllAspen.com Aspen Square Condominium AssociationAnne Austin and Willard ClapperRebecca T. Ayres Lisa Baker Jacqueline and Dylan Balderson Marcy Balderson Cara and Robert Barnes Andy Wiessner and Patsy BatchelderBuddy and Connie Bates John and Mary Ann Beckley Amy and Neal Beidleman John and Janie Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bergman Susan Bernard Rita Bloom John and Liz Bokram Laurie Bomba John and Valerie Borthwick Jeff Brigham and Wendy MacPhailKeith and Emily Bryant Thomas and Kimberlee BuckinghamMr. and Mrs. James Bulkley Deborah Burek and Dirk DetweilerRuthie Burrus Robert Camp Richard and Nancy Carrigan Ruth and Martin Carver John and Julie Case David and Katherin Chase Donna and Steve Chase Steve and Molly Child Christin Cleaver Ned and Jan Cochran Ann Colbert Ashley and Michael Connolly Barbara Conviser Chrystine Cooper John and Susan Cottle Thomas and Lucy Creighton Joanie and Guillaume CreteMs. Pam Cunningham Charles Curtis Catherine Cussaguet Art and Allison Daily Sandy Simpson and Don Davidson Fred and Frances Davies Mrs. Marian Lyeth Davis Drs. Nancy Thomas and Roger DavisJulia and Allen Domingos Susan Drazin Carol Duell

Jean and Patrick Dummigan Patra Dunn Mrs. Charles B. Edison Mrs. Peggy L. Egertson Robert and Tracy Eggleston Harry and Judith Ellenzweig Shelley Emerick Mr. and Mrs. James Engler Mr. and Mrs. Donnelley Erdman Andrew and Ashley Ernemann Gerald and Sandra Eskin Maureen Espinoza Steve and Debbi Falender James Finch Sara Finkle Jessica Fisher Wendy Fisher Lisa Fitzwilliams Donald Fleisher and Audrey Sattler Hilary Fletcher Ilene and Burt Follman Mr. and Mrs. A.O. Forbes Sarah Jane Foreman Ted and Marlene Forke Melissa and Tad Foster Heather and Louis Fouts Ginna and Tim Francis Edmund Frank Mr. and Mrs. Owen O. Freeman Jr.Ms. Dorothy Frommer Ricki and Peter Fuchs Nina Gabianelli John and Robin Galambos Stephanie Garcia Jon Gibans Cheryl and Steve Goldenberg Adam Goldsmith Barbara Goldstein Wally and Kristen Graham Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Greenberg Hawk Greenway and Shelley General Mills Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William GruenbergDonna Guerra Jan Clough and Ara Guzelimian Margaret and Adam Hancock Kelly Hart Becky Hellbaum and Fred HartmeisterConstance Harvey Mrs. Mary Hayes James and Jennifer Hearn Andy and Jody Hecht Sue Helm

Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Hill III Sacha and Kirk Hinderberger Mary Hirsch David and Lisa Hoener Matthew and Kate Holstein Phil and Gail Holstein Breckie HuntHeidi and Jim Ingram Rob Ittner Chonnie and Paul Jacobson Janet Johnson Robert Brinker and Pam Joseph Sandy and George Kahle The Kanipe Family Tracy and Brian Kapiloff Jane and Gerald Katcher Deb Jones and John KatzenbergerMark and Marianne Keating Phil and Meg Kendall Alex and Scott Kendrick Michael and Julie Kennedy Mary Jo Kimbrough and Jim HarrisonKatie Kissane and Paul Viola Diana Tomback and Jim Knowles Judy Kravitz Dr. and Mrs. Tom Kurt Kirsten and Alan Langohr Erica Laughlin Joan and Paul Lavell Kathy Pitner and Robert Leatherman Erika and Robert Leavitt Scottie and Tom Leddy Rebecca and Doug Leibinger Francine and Tag Liebel Victor and Darlene Liss Jill and Clay Lowery Jonathan and Lisa LowskyJeanne Mackowski and Len ZanniDianne and Timothy Madsen Christy and Ted Mahon The Mallory Family Dr. and Mrs. David Manchester David and Samantha Mann Katharine Mann Julie Markalunas and Marshall HallJulia Marshall Todd Martin Kim Master Jacqui Matthews Sarah and Bryan Mazlish Tita Caspar and Dan McCarty Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McFlynn

Lexi and Ray McNutt Elizabeth and Graeme Means David and Fredericka Middleton Jack Mikaloff Autumn Minor Morris Mintz Travis and Chris Moore Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Morrow Ellen and Ben Moss Stephanie Munk Melanie Muss and Tracy Nichols John Neil Steven Nelson Bland Nesbit Herb and Dianne Newman Rick and Virginia Newton Allison Niles Donald and Judy Norris The O’Hagan Family Erin O’Keefe Susan ONeal Bette Oakes Cherie and Leonard Oates Chuck and Meredith Ogilby Peggy Pace Jerrold S. Parker Ms. Virginia M. Parker Buzz Patten and Judy Wender Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Patterson Mark and Laura Patterson Molly and Jon Peacock Fred and Sandra Peirce Steven and Barbara Percy Jenifer Blomquist and Paul Perley Pamela Perryman and John Halleran Sarah Pesikoff Frank Peters and Marjory Musgrave Abigail Peterson Lori and Tom Pevny Mr. and Mrs. John Phillips Vanessa Piampiano Greg Pickrell and Julie Comins Michael Pogliano Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Porath Maureen and Greg Poschman Dale and Sally Potvin Jennifer Preece Ms. Irma Prodinger Steve and Missy Prudden Gloria Pryzant Roger Pulwarty Bob and Gabrielle Rafelson Marianne Ratledge


OUR DONORS

Elise and Jack Resneck Robert and Myra Rich Eric Ringsby Ms. Sue Anschutz Rodgers Philip Rothblum John and Susan Rothchild Will Roush Amy Maron and Robert Rugile Lynda and Rick Sauer Auden Schendler and Ellen Freedman Cheryl Schmidt Debra and Dennis Scholl Judith J. Schramm Merlin and Gail Schulze James Scull Chris and Lynne Seeman Nathan Segall Richard and Sarah Shaw Maureen Sheehan Sally Shiekman-Miller and Derek Miller Mr. Albert H. Small Wendy and David Smith Tami Solondz Gary Sorensen Allison and Mike Spayd Lorraine and Pat Spector Steve and Sandy Stay Linda Lafferty and Andy Stone Danny Stone Mike and Kit Strang Annie, August and Emily Teague Harry and Karin Teague Melissa Temple Helen Tieber Annie and Mike Tierney Mary Ann Tittle Anne and William Tobey Christian and Susan Touchette Paula and Bill Turner Paulina Vander Noordaa and Dick Jackson Charlotte Widmer Varner Chuck and Linda Vidal Mrs. Marguerite Villasanta Mary Ann and Ted Wallace Jenny Wallier Craig and Becky Ward Jerome Webster Gayle and Richard Wells Hans Widmer Everett J Wiehe Rick Williams and Rosemary Smith Mary and Hugh Wise Mare Wolfer and Chad Jenkins

Steven Wolff Heather Stevenson Whitman College Christopher Wright Donald L. Young Stephanie Young George Zachar Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zanin

Recognition in the ACES Annual Report is a benefit of Cutthroat Trout membership at $100 and above.

Corporate GivingInnovator | $5,000 - $9,999

FilsonSignature FlightSmoke Modern BarbequeThe Thrift Shop of AspenWhole Foods Market Roaring Fork

Advocate | $2,500 - $4,999Alpine BankFirst BankFred Phillips ConsultingsObermeyer Asset Management

Steward | $1,200 - $2,499The Aspen TimesGlenwood Springs Post IndependentReese Henry and Company, Inc.Stirling Peak PropertiesUS Bank Foundation

Partner | $600 - $1,199Alpine Bank - WillitsAspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International RealtyCharles Cunniffe ArchitectsMountain Chalet AspenOf Grape & Grain

ELIZABETH PAEPCKE SOCIETY

Donors may play a significant role in securing the future of ACES by including ACES in their wills. Individuals who have made a planned gift to ACES are welcomed to the Elizabeth Paepcke Society that recognizes these foresighted donors whose gifts will extend beyond their lifetimes.

Donors interested in making a planned gift may contact ACES Development Director Christy Mahon at 970-925-5756 or [email protected].

Hallam Lake

ACES staff (from left): Jamie Cundiff, Forest Programs Director ; Eliza Greenman, Marketing Director; Jason Smith, Rock Bottom Ranch Director; Katie Schwoerer, Finance & Human Resources Director ; Chris Lane, Chief Executive Officer; Arin Trook, Education Director; Jim Kravitz, Director of Naturalist Programs; Anda Smalls, Naturalist Field School Director; Olivia Siegel, Community Outreach Director; Christy Mahon, Development Director.

PARTNERS

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

CRYSTAL RIVER ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

20

ACES COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES

Jeff Berkus, ChairGretchen Bleiler

David Corbin, Vice-ChairJohn Doerr

Alison EastleyRyan Elston

Suzanne Farver, OfficerMark Fuller, Secretary

Alex HillLouise Hoversten, Treasurer

Bobbi Ann HoutsmaCindy Kahn

Melony LewisMirte Mallory

Amy Margerum, OfficerGina Murdock

Jerry Murdock, OfficerMargot Pritzker

Will RoushDaniel Shaw

Rachel ShermanBill Stirling

Tillie Walton

OUR WORLD IS SHAPED BY PEOPLE.

PEOPLE ARE SHAPED BY EDUCATION.

EDUCATE FOR THE WORLD YOU WANT.

100 Puppy Smith Street, Aspen | 970-925-5756

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11247 Castle Creek Road, Aspen | 970-925-9157

Eagle - Thomasville Road, Thomasville | 970-925-5756

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