Flowing from the Colorado's San Juan Mountains to the San Juan River in New Mexico, the Animas River has shaped people, wildlife, and our landscape from time immemorial. On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Willis Wood, Boardmember of Animas Rivers Days and avid kayaker to discuss today's community surrounding the Animas River and the impacts this river has on our lives.

Since 1985 the Animas River has been celebrated at Animas River Days in Durango, CO. This year Animas River Days takes place on May 30 & May 31, 2026 with professional river sport competitions and community events. Willis shares new exciting events to encourage greater participation from everyday river lovers, including a Hot Dog Relay, Live Music, and an all-day Slam "Raft" Ball event. He also discusses the local river scene and how any one should get on the river in their own way.

Learn more about Animas River Days at https://www.animasriverdays.com/

The ground beneath us and the mountains that surround us tell a story that is billions of years old. On this episode, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Jonathan Lovekin, Senior Engineering Geologist, and Lesley Sebol, Hydrogeologist with the Colorado Geological Survey. Together, they go deep in the science of rocks, landscapes, soil, and groundwater -- and what those things reveal about Southwest Colorado.

Tune in to learn about the forces that shaped our region, what makes La Plata County geology so unique, and the very real ways geology impacts everyday life. Lesley shares how geology influences groundwater and water resources, while Jonathan explores the challenges and risks of building within a dynamic mountain landscape.

Learn more about their work and the Colorado Geological Society by visiting their website: https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/

Seeing a piece of Durango in space is closer than you think! Juleah Kaliski, Marketing Specialist, and Jack Castello, Manufacturing Engineer with Agile Space Industries join us for this episode of Common Air. Agile Space Industries is a Durango, Colorado-based aerospace company specializing in the in-house design, 3D printing, and hot-fire testing of hypergolic rocket engines and thrusters for satellites and lunar landers.

Tune in to learn the history of Agile Space, their recent expansion, and their current projects! Juleah and Jack discuss the nitty gritty details of how their technology works and what makes it different. Lastly, this episode highlights the growth of this mighty Durango company. In the last year the team has grown from 50 to 154 members on the team. Their work is powered by engineers, machinists, supply chain specalists, assembly techs and more!

If you have dreams of impacting space missions, or just want to learn more visit https://agilespaceindustries.com/

Getting in the dirt and tending a garden nourishes our lives in more ways than one. Marissa Hunt, Co-executive director, and Brooke Frazer, Garden Manager join us on this episode of Common Air to dive into the story, purpose, and impact of Manna's unique garden space. As one of the few food access facilities in the country with an onsite garden, Manna uses the garden to grow over 2,000lbs of fresh produce that support its food market, prepared meals, and culinary programming.

The conversation explores how the garden grows beyond it's produce purpose and serves as a place for connection, learning, and opportunity. Tune in to learn more about their upcoming Plant Sale and more ways to get involved in their work.

Visit www.mannasoupkitchen.org/garden

The night sky holds a long, shared history of people looking up and finding inspiration in the stars and planets. Protecting that experience takes work and impacts us more than you might expect. On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Weylin Ryan, Board Member of DarkSky Colorado and Town Manager of Ignacio, Colorado. DarkSky Colorado is working across the state to reduce light pollution, protect night skies, and help communities understand why keeping it dark matters.

Colorado is home to 16 certified Dark Sky places, with many more working toward designation. Weylin shares what that certification process looks like and why it matters. He shares the impacts of light pollution on human health, wildlife, safety, and sustainability.

Tune in to learn how you can get involved with the Dark Sky Colorado as well as how reduce light pollution as an individual. Visit https://darkskycolorado.org

You turn on the tap, and the water flows. But who and what gets it there? Carolyn Cummins of the Four Corners Water Center and Laura Rieck of the City of Durango about the essential role water operators play in keeping communities safe and functioning—and the growing gap in this workforce as many experienced operators near retirement and fewer people enter the field.

The conversation explores the regional collaboration behind a new hands-on training program, Fundamental of Water Operators. Carolyn and Laura share how this regional collaboration is reating real pathways through mentorship, field-based learning, and industry connection. Tune in to learn more about the flow of water to their homes and how investing in this workforce supports the long-term health and resilience of our communities.

Enroll today: https://gowork.fortlewis.edu/browse/run/courses/fundamentals-of-water-operations-may-2026

Spring is for the birds! On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Lisa Wilk and Stephen Tarnowski of the Durango Bird Club. The Durango Bird Club brings together people of all experience levels to encourage appreciation, foster enjoyment, and share knowledge of birds and their habitats through regular meetups, field trips, workshops, and seasonal bird counts.

Nearly 96 million Americans identify as birders, according to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Lisa and Stephen share how the club has become a space for folks to connect with the natural world and to feel a sense of community with fellow birders. They also share the all important role the Durango Bird club plays in citizen science efforts that help track and better understand bird populations.

Tune in to this episode to learn what makes La Plata County such a special place to observe birds and gain some practical tips on getting started. Check out Durango Bird Club on their website: https://durangobirdclub.wixsite.com/mysite

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Heather Erb of Earth Day Durango about what’s happening across the community in celebration of Earth Day. With events building throughout the month and a full day of activities at Buckley Park on Saturday, April 18, Earth Day Durango brings together local organizations, families, students, and residents around the shared theme of “Acting for the Earth.”

The conversation highlights not only the event itself, but the broader sustainability work happening across Durango and La Plata County. Heather shares how environmental action shows up in everyday life, how the community continues to step up across generations, and why sustainability is deeply connected to the region’s future. Learn more and get involved at EarthDayDurango.com.