At RMBL, our work is rooted not only in science but also in community. For nearly a century, RMBL has been a place where research, education, and collaboration come together to create knowledge that extends far beyond the Gunnison Valley. Today, as we look toward our second century, the impact of RMBL in our local community has never been stronger—or more important. 

Building a Culture of Environmental Education 

This year, RMBL partnered and brought together more than 20 nonprofits across the Gunnison Valley to launch an Outdoor Education Council. The purpose of the group is to support outdoor education in the valley, in and out of the classroom, by forming a professional community of practice, increasing coordination of programming from pre-K to university level, and increasing visibility of outdoor education happening in the valley. In the spring of 2025, the council kicked off by bringing together educators from both ends of the valley to connect, and chat about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for environmental educators in our community. They plan to continue the conversation in late fall and develop a valley-wide vision for environmental education, to ensure that all students in the valley have access to high-quality programming that connects and strengthens opportunities to educate our community about the environment. The group has received funding from the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District for a fall meeting to continue these initiatives. 

Inspiring Curiosity Through Education and Citizen Science 

Our commitment to community extends through every age group. RMBL’s K-12 educational programs spark curiosity in students through hands-on experiences that connect them to science in the field. Citizen science programs expand those opportunities to people of all ages, inviting them to participate in research alongside world-class scientists. Whether it’s monitoring pollinators, mapping alpine wildflowers, or learning about water systems, these experiences empower people to understand and contribute to science in meaningful ways. 

“Education at RMBL is about more than teaching facts. It is about sparking curiosity, giving people of all ages the chance to engage with science directly, and helping them see that they can play a role in shaping our understanding of the natural world.” – Dr. Jennie Reithel, RMBL Science Director 

Educational opportunities at RMBL go beyond classrooms and workshops. They are immersive encounters that bridge the gap between curiosity and discovery, encouraging people to see themselves as active participants in building knowledge about the natural world. 

Sharing the Story of a World-Class Ecosystem 

RMBL is home to one of the most studied high-alpine ecosystems in the world. This unique body of long-term scientific work doesn’t just shape academic knowledge—it shapes the way we live in and care for our community. 

By sharing insights and discoveries from this research, we help community members understand the ecological systems that surround us, from the water we drink to the air we breathe to the landscapes we recreate in every day. This knowledge equips us to be better stewards of our environment and connects our local community to global conversations about sustainability, conservation, and resilience. 

Over the years, discoveries at RMBL have informed decisions on topics as diverse as land use, forest management, wildlife conservation, and climate resilience. By sharing these stories, we demonstrate why science matters—not just to researchers, but to every one of us who calls the Gunnison Valley home. 

A Community Hub for the Next Century 

As we move forward with RMBL 365, our vision is to provide a year-round hub for community engagement, education, and collaboration. From workshops and science talks to student programs and nonprofit partnerships, RMBL 365 will serve as a dynamic space where learning, connection, and innovation thrive. 

We are excited to welcome our community into this space to think big with us—to imagine new ways of supporting science, education, and stewardship in the Gunnison Valley and beyond. 

Why It Matters 

The community impact of RMBL is measured not just in research papers or student numbers, but in the stories of people inspired to see the world differently. It’s in the spark of excitement from a student discovering science in the field for the first time. It’s in the collective strength of more than 20 nonprofits working together for shared goals. It’s in the commitment of community members who learn about one of the best-studied ecosystems on earth and use that knowledge to make informed decisions about our future. 

RMBL’s mission has always been about more than science—it’s about building connections between people and the natural world, and between research and the community it serves. Together, we are shaping a future where science and education strengthen not only our understanding of the environment but also our sense of place, purpose, and responsibility within it. 

-Article written by RMBL Executive Director, Jeni Blacklock

Photo credit: Barbara Kauffman. Student participants in RMBL’s education program.