Embrace nature with an eco-family vacation in Grand

GRAND LAKE — Two nonprofits, Shadowcliff Lodge and the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, have merged their educational missions to introduce an Eco-Family Vacation on June 23-28 at Shadowcliff, overlooking the town and lakes of Grand Lake.

The Nature Association is committed to increasing the presence of its field seminars on the west side of Rocky and this first multi-day lodging experience is a great example of that commitment.

Shadowcliff has for more than 20 years been the site of multi-day educational workshops designed to encourage participants to reconnect with the natural world.

These workshops have served as a training ground for other nonprofit organizations, businesses, utilities, elder hostels, individuals and local, state and federal agencies (including the Environmental Protection Agency).

The June 23-28 Eco-Family Vacation is an inter-generational experience geared to guests from age 7 to elders and includes short hikes, water testing, boat rides, bird and wildlife viewing, exploring tree rings, astronomy and more. It is a healthy mix of learning more about nature and nature’s beauty and operating principles with optional activities such as a miniature golf tournament, bowling, the alpine slide and of course the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

The faculty includes long time RMNA naturalists Kevin Cook and Jeff Maugans, Grand County’s teacher and seasonal park ranger Sam Crane and Shadowcliff staff. Recently retiring as co-director, a role he’s held for longer than 12 years, Bob Mann will continue to coordinate the activities weaving education, a love of the natural world with the wonders of play and family experiences. Bob was the founder of Bridging The Gap, Inc., of Kansas City, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in June.

For more information and to explore a full schedule see http://www.shadowlciff.org; rman.org or call Carl Sniffen 970-62-9220 or Carl@shadowcliff.org Special greatly-reduced rates are being offered to Grand County locals who do not require lodging.