Multiple volunteer planting days, a candidates’ forum focused on sustainability questions and an update on Routt County Climate Action Plan progress are all on tap for October, hosted by the nonprofit Yampa Valley Sustainability Council.

The third and final ReTree Planting volunteer opportunity this fall is set for 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help plant 120 trees along the banks of the Yampa River at Flanders Ranch near Hayden to help reduce water temperatures, improve riparian habitat and sequester carbon. Volunteers will receive a free ReTree T-shirt designed by local artist Jill Bergman.

Some 35 volunteers each day are needed to help the YVSC Climate Crew and U.S. Forest Service staff plant trees from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 16-18 in the Big Red Park fire burn scar area in northern Routt County. In 2017, this fire burned 1,400 acres, and now the forest needs help to re-grow vegetation. Volunteers should bring lunch, water, sunscreen, appropriate layers and sturdy footwear.

Volunteers can sign up for some or all of the planting days and will be carpooling from the Forest Service Office to the planting location.

Residents can learn about sustainability-related views from Steamboat Springs City Council candidates during the YVSC Candidate Environment and Sustainability Forum set for an online Zoom session 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 20.

Candidates will take turns responding to environment and sustainability-related questions posed by environmental partners, community members and YVSC staff. After the event, the recording will be available to watch on YVSC YouTube page, and Spanish subtitles will be provided.

“Hands-on projects are essential for change, but policy is, too,” according to forum organizers. “Local elections have a massive impact in shaping what happens to our environment and community, which is why it is so important to vote.”

Registration for the volunteer events and candidates’ forum can be found at YVSC.org/yvsc-events.

In addition, the Sustainability Council, as the project manager, will host an open house on the progress of the Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborative from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall in Steamboat Springs. Attendees can learn about what local governments and partners are doing to fight climate change. Collaborative members will provide updates on progress made implementing the plan’s 40 recommended actions to lower carbon emissions in Routt County.

The evening will include presentations on recent wins for decarbonization, local projects taking place with Climate Action Plan funds and the most recent greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Beverages from Mountain Tap Brewery, light snacks, child care and Spanish interpretation will be available. For more information, visit RouttClimateAction.com.