Friends of Natural Areas
The Friends of Natural Areas is a great way to support the work of the Colorado Natural Areas Program through informal projects and donations. Membership includes landowners and managers of Natural Areas, academicians studying Colorado's natural features, and citizens with an interest in preserving the natural heritage of the state.
Join the CNAP Friends group today and play a role preserving our natural resources. Annual membership fees are: $30 member, $50 supporting member or $75 VIP member.
Please fill out the Friends of CNAP Application and send it and your fee to: Friends of Colorado Natural Areas 1040 South Gaylord Street, Suite 201 Denver, CO 80209 Or, for more information, please contact us at Friends_of_CNAP@comcast.net
CNAP Reunion and Friend-Raiser November, 2007
After 30 years of working hard, forming partnerships and getting our hands dirty, the Colorado Natural Areas Program celebrated its 30th anniversary in style on November 8th 2007 at a Reunion and Friend-raiser hosted by the Friends of Colorado Natural Areas (FCNA). The Friends group organized a terrific event that brought together staff, volunteers, friends and partners associated with the Colorado Natural Areas Program over our history. Almost 100 CNAP supporters mingled and reminisced about where the program has been and got revved-up about where it is headed. The room could barely contain three decades-worth of excitement that was generated by the full-house, who shared stories of CNAP successes and reflected on the changes over the past 30 years (such as the Council's hairstyles).
The evening's program included heartwarming and inspiring speeches by CNAP's biggest supporters. Lynn Riedel, current head of the Friend's group, remembered back to 1985 when CNAP Friends was started, and how far they have come since then. Rob Billerbeck, Program Manager, gave an update on CNAP's current state and emphasized the importance of a Friends group to the success of the program. And Harris Sherman, recently returning as Executive Director of DNR, reflected on the atmosphere in which CNAP was created in 1977, during which time he was also Executive Director of DNR. Mr. Sherman highlighted CNAP's importance in conserving Colorado's unique natural features, and outlined his exciting vision for the future of the program. He expressed his enthusiasm for an increase in support for CNAP, as well as his hope that the program would grow to encompass twice as many designated Natural Areas as we have today.
Although the event was held indoors, attendees were treated to a trip around Colorado to see the best that the state has to offer. Frank Weston, a geologist and photographer who has been a Volunteer Steward with CNAP for many years, gave a sneak preview of his upcoming book that will highlight Natural Areas that CNAP works to protect. Keep an eye out this fall for his book titled "Colorado's Crown Jewels: The Best State Parks and Natural Areas", which will include beautiful photographs celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Colorado State Parks and the 30th Anniversary of Colorado Natural Areas!
Some of the biggest highlights of the evening, besides the old photos that were shown, were the award-winning stories told by past CNAP staff and Council. Bob Finch, past CNAP Manager, won a prize for 'Most Interesting Lessee or Private Landowner Contact' with his story of taking the CNAP Council to visit Orient Mine, which is next to a clothing-optional hot spring (no photos were shown). Carse Pustmueller, the first director of CNAP, won for 'Best Example Highlighting CNAP's Past Challenges' with her story of breaking down into tears in front of a State Representative in her effort to secure the CNAP yearly budget. John Masson, past chair of the CNAP Council, won for 'Craziest CNAP Field Miss-adventure' with his story of saving CNAP-staffer Janet Coles from the acidic waters of Mt. Emmons Iron Fen. The interesting, funny, and heart-felt stories told about CNAP's 30 years protecting Colorado's unique natural features left people inspired and motivated to continue the proud CNAP tradition.
All in all, the Friend-raiser was a huge success, an exciting night, and a testament to all the people that have worked hard over the years to make the Colorado Natural Areas Program a success. Thanks to all, and we look forward to 30 more years!