SPRING 2025 | SPACE & TIME
Dear RMBL Members, Friends, and Community,
Space and Time: A Legacy of Discovery and Innovation Space. RMBL has preserved an extraordinary place — Gothic. dimensional space across the time continuum.
RMBL Board of Trustees Dan Blumstein, PhD Board President Jennifer Darnell, PhD Board Chair Brian Wildes Treasurer Ken Williams, PhD Secretary Susan Avery, PhD Jim Brogan Berry Brosi, PhD Hamish Greig, PhD John Haley, MD
RMBL Year-Round Staff billy barr Accountant Katherine Beard* Freelance Photographer/Videographer Brett Biebuyck Chief Operating Officer Ian Billick, PhD Outgoing Executive Director Jeni Blacklock, PhD Executive Director Ian Breckheimer, PhD Research Scientist Ericka Bremer Development Manager Brian Brown Information Technology Ben Calvin Finance Director Cheryl Cwelich Development Assistant Jess Dauchy Consulting Chief Financial Officer Brooke Desposato Administration & Operations Assistant Steve Gibbs* Communications Consultant Katie Harper Administration & Operations Manager Amanda Henderson Research Support Specialist Rick Horn Visitor Center Manager John Hausdoerffer Consulting Director of Science Communications & Storytelling Erik Hulm Director of Institutional Advancement
Jennifer Reithel, PhD Science Director Paul Ribich Advancement Manager Benn Schmatz Facilities Manager Rosemary Smith, PhD Education Programs Manager
Robin Koval Visitor Center Staff & Youth Programs Instructor Lisa Lucas Billing & Reservations Specialist Katy Marshall Youth Programs Instructor Coulter Mooney
Space and time — two fundamental concepts that have taken on profound meaning for me in recent months as I step into the role of Executive Director at RMBL. These words encapsulate not only the foundation of our work but also the vision for RMBL’s future.
A research hub supporting conservation efforts, it is one of the most intensely studied basins in the world. This space has provided scientists with the opportunity to track environmental changes from drought and wildfires to broader ecological shifts that define our rapidly evolving planet. Time. The depth of research conducted at RMBL is staggering. Long-term studies spanning 50+ years have laid the groundwork for understanding ecological transformations. As David Inouye eloquently stated in To Know a Place, “Ten more data points,” meaning ten more years of observation, equates to ten more years of critical knowledge. This concept resonated with me deeply — understanding environmental change requires not just data but time. At RMBL, we have both. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, RMBL will continue to preserve this vital space and advance through time. However, our approach to space and time is evolving. No longer limited to singular moments or locations, we are expanding our capabilities to analyze
Dining Hall Staff Javier Navarro Dining Hall Staff Shawn Pickworth Dining Hall Staff Farrar Ransom
Carol St. George* Editor & Copywriter Sophia Todorov Winter Caretaker & Drone Technician *Staff that RMBL collaborates with on a contracted basis
New advancements in data collection and analytics are revolutionizing our ability to predict and model environmental changes. The Spatial Data Platform, developed by Ian Breckheimer and his team, is transforming
Signatures from the community of scientists at RMBL in1934
Seasonal Operations & Administration Assistant Margaret Reavis Visitor Center Staff Marley Santos Youth Programs Instructor
RMBL manages these employees funded by federal awards secured by RMBL Principal Investigators
Amy Iler, PhD Carol Johnson
how we collect, visualize, and interpret ecological
Curtis Beutler Austin Shirley
Kate Maher, PhD Lara Souza, PhD
data. Our collaboration with Western Colorado University’s Engineering Partnership Program
Marla Schanck Dining Hall Staff Greta Schoonover Visitor Center Staff Tyler Tegtmeier
RMBL Seasonal Staff Kaysee Arrowsmith, PhD Summer Course Instructor Jo Ann Beine Visitor Center Staff Julia Brown Visitor Center Staff Dick Davis Docent Coordinator Robin DeLong Dining Hall Manager Diego Escalante Youth Programs Instructor Dylan Futrell Fire Mitigation & Landscape Specialist Jacob Gasser Youth Programs Instructor Grace Glover Custodian Travis Guy
is harnessing the power of machine learning, enabling
Facilities Work Crew Savannah Troy, PhD Summer Course Instructor Kyle Voss Work Crew Foreman Susan Washko, PhD
recent engineering and computer science graduates to accelerate the analysis of environmental patterns, mapping changes more efficiently than ever before. By honoring the past and embracing the future, RMBL remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Gothic and its scientific legacy. Through innovation in space and time, we will continue to push the boundaries of discovery, deepening our understanding of an ever-changing world.
Undergraduate Education Program Coordinator & Community Liaison Rebecca White Docent Coordinator Rick Williams, PhD Curator of Natural History Collections Elizabeth Vachon Youth Programs High School Course Instructor Sam Yanik Dining Hall Head Chef
Steve Jennison Facilities Director Katie Lawn Youth Programs Manager
Winter Caretaker Matthew Hadley Facilities Work Crew Henry Hodde GIS Technician Elisha Kayser Winter Caretaker
Jen Pierson Bookkeeper Rick Reavis Visitor Center Staff
cover One of the most studied ecosystems in the world, the East River Valley, home to RMBL
Jeni Blacklock
photo by Jeremy Snyder (LBNL)
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Spatial Data Platform: Sky-high progress Cutting-edge observation techniques are giving RMBL research studies new life. Think of a field plot that scientists have monitored for nearly 12 years to see how the plants are responding to climate change.
Jill Anderson Jill Anderson is an evolutionary ecologist interested in natural plant populations. After earning her undergraduate degree at Brown University, she worked as a tropical field biologist in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Costa Rica. She earned her PhD from Cornell University, developing a strong interest in local adaptation in plant populations. Ian Breckheimer Ian Breckheimer, PhD, is a landscape ecologist and research scientist in spatial ecology and data synthesis at RMBL. After earning his PhD from University of Washington, he completed an NSF postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. As RMBL’s Spatial Data Platform developer, Dr. Breckheimer links field measurements of ecological processes to their landscape context via imagery collected from drones, airplanes, and satellites.
time. “RMBL has been at the forefront of our studies of plant and animal responses to climate change,” she says. “Much of what we know is due to researchers who have monitored plots for decades.” The rockcress study has piqued the interest of global science. It was published in the May 2025 issue of the prestigious journal Science . As RMBL continues developing novel tools to push scientists’ research into the future — like high-resolution climate maps and datasets produced from remote sensing — scientists will find answers needed to keep our planet, and those living on it, thriving.
Observations on the ground would reveal changes occurring, but understanding how the plot’s microclimate leads to those changes would require something able to produce a comprehensive, high-definition map of the plot’s environment over space and time. Something like a drone.
collaboration of Dr. Jill Anderson, evolutionary
time, Dr. Breckheimer has flown drones above the gardens, collected data, and built environmental models of the sites. These show how water moves through the plots, when they experience snowmelt and snowfall, and other climate variations. Documenting each garden’s environment at a micro scale helps Dr. Anderson’s team improve its models of plant performance. Drummond’s rockcress itself is a robust model for how climate change is affecting the ecology and evolution of all plants. So far, Dr. Anderson is seeing that natural populations are declining at the lowest elevations, which have become hotter and drier over the last decade. Her team used genetic data to model whether the species can migrate up the mountain to a more hospitable climate, but their findings suggest that it can’t move fast enough to outrun climate change.
responding to climate change. The species grows across a broad elevational gradient, and populations are strongly adapted to their local climates. Plants at low elevations have adapted to early snowmelt, and high elevation plants are at home with later snowmelt. Might this adaptability influence the plant’s capacity to respond to climate change? To find out, Dr. Anderson created five experimental gardens distributed across multiple elevations and microclimates. Within each garden, she transplanted more than 100,000 seeds and seedlings, generated by seeds from more than 90 natural populations. Then she manipulated the gardens’ environments to mimic climate change, including removing
ecologist and Professor at the University of Georgia, and Dr. Ian Breckheimer, landscape ecologist and RMBL’s Spatial Data Platform czar. Dr. Anderson started an experiment in 2013 to learn how a native flowering mustard plant, Drummond’s rockcress, is
This is the idea behind the
The mid-elevation garden on October 6, 2013, immediately before planting. photo by Jill Anderson
Boechera stricta in flower in a meadow in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. photo by Jill Anderson
A grid used to monitor experimentally transplanted seeds, placed in natural vegetation at a mid-elevation common garden. photo by Jill Anderson
Yet, Dr. Anderson wonders if assisted gene flow might help local populations fare better. Assisted gene flow is a tool that conservation biologists have developed to help seeds escape the immediate effects of climate change by moving them to higher
elevations and higher latitudes. This tool can introduce important genetic diversity into populations in those historically cooler locations, possibly forestalling extinctions.
snow, adding snow, and increasing temperatures.
To map the ecological changes of the dispersed plots over
Fortunately, Dr. Anderson is in the right place at the right
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The Power of Partnerships If two heads are better than one, then two or more organizations can push progress far beyond the reach of one alone. The future of RMBL lies in the partnerships we are forming with private- sector companies, institutions, and government entities.
The power of partnerships is that they enable us to navigate other revenue streams, seize new research opportunities, and elevate our influence. For example, we are partnering with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to foster collaboration among scientists and join forces on shared research initiatives. Together, we hope to identify gaps in long-term data sets and work together to strengthen them. Another example is our collaboration with the Rady Engineering Partnership Program, which allows students to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder while studying at Western Colorado University (WCU) in Gunnison. Two graduates, Jayden Omi, a computer scientist, and Tyler Baker, a mechanical engineer, have served as technical advisers for mechanical engineering
seniors at WCU working on their capstone project — a portable, lightweight weather station. Funding Jayden and Tyler’s work is TAPP, Gunnison Valley’s Tourism and Prosperity Partnership, whose interest is
RMBL researchers. They are designing a miniature weather station attached to a drone (aka a drone weather station) that is capable of collecting weather data anywhere the drone can fly.
complex task. In addition to mounting the weather station to Bruce, they must calibrate its computer to prevent readings skewed by propellers, electromagnetic fields, and unstable power supplies. They also must align the weather station’s data with Bruce’s ultra precise GPS. Currently, they are testing prototype iterations with the goal of achieving the final plug-and-play drone weather station. RMBL will use this sensor to better understand the evapotranspiration of tree canopies and the amount of water that leaves our local water system because of manmade marshes. Another important device Jayden and Tyler are re-engineering for RMBL with cooperation from Trimble, a company that makes geospatial mapping equipment for industrial applications, is the Trimble Catalyst Handle, used by surveyors to determine accurate coordinates. The device is highly useful for RMBL
“RMBL is pushing cutting-edge science forward with the expertise, time, and resources brought forth by the students and faculty. All of this helps TAPP’s mission of driving recruitment, retention, and funding at two of the valley’s biggest drivers.”
Jayden and Tyler preparing “Bruce” for flight over Gunnison, Colorado
researchers, who are required to plot their research areas to avoid overlapping or sensor interference. While the Trimble Handle is a highly useful tool, there is an opportunity to optimize its ergonomics. It’s easy to drop, which doesn’t bode well for surveying along beaver ponds or cliffs. By redesigning the tool to improve its functionality and friendliness, Jayden and Tyler are not only providing researchers with a reliable, easy-to-use survey device but also supplying Trimble with
a better product and quality assurance data while identifying a potential new user group. Prototypes are underway, and
the resulting product stands to add enormous value for research scientists as well as industrial users.
The Trimble Catalyst Handle is a perfect example of the innovative thinking that sets RMBL apart from typical research facilities. We not only understand the challenges that researchers face in the field but also are committed to coming up with innovative and collaborative solutions. Just like making many of our ecology-related datasets that are older than a half century digitally accessible, we are now making geospatial data more accessible for all researchers, now and in the future.
“In a time of competing research and funding priorities, partnerships are one of the more effective mechanisms for extending the reach of an institution’s impact.”
Andrew Sandstrom, | TAPP
to increase the valley’s profile and retain top talent.
The two have taken an existing weather sensor that measures wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, and pressure, and are working to mount it on RMBL’s drone (nicknamed Bruce). It’s a
Lewis Groswald | NCAR
Jayden and Tyler are also working with Dr. Ian Breckheimer on a project that will directly benefit
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RMBL staff
In memoriam
In memoriam
Brooke Desposato Operations Assistant
Ward Belfield Watt RMBL Scientist and Leader
Bruce McLean RMBL Board Chair and Advocate
Ward Watt’s fascination with the natural world began in childhood, collecting seashells and butterflies around his Maryland neighborhood. That early passion led to a lifetime of inquiry into adaptation, a discipline he would call “the study of how evolution works.” His work — marked by both intellectual rigor and creative insight — spanned molecular biology, field ecology, and evolutionary genetics, with sulfur butterflies as his longtime study system. Ward first arrived at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in 1962 as a graduate student from Yale University, launching a relationship with the lab that would last over 60 years. Through his decades of work, he helped shape RMBL’s scientific life and institutional growth. He was a critical leader for the organization, serving on the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, with roles as both President and Vice President. During this transformative period, Ward helped secure funding for
Bruce McLean brought clarity, compassion, and principled leadership to every role he took on — qualities that made a lasting mark on RMBL, where he served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Though best known for his distinguished legal career and sharp litigation mind, Bruce was also a champion of scientific research, conservation, and community building in the West. Born in New York City in 1946, Bruce graduated from Garden City High School before attending Indiana University. After an early career with the National Labor Relations Board, he joined Akin Gump in 1973, eventually leading its litigation practice and serving as Chairman for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, the firm grew, while maintaining a commitment to inclusiveness and excellence that reflected Bruce’s core values.
RMBL’s first modern laboratory and oversaw the hiring of its first development officer. He was instrumental in organizing graduate workshops and scientific meetings, including the 1984 Evolution Meetings and the 1998 International Symposium on the Biology of Butterflies.
He was a dedicated supporter of RMBL, where his strategic mind and steady leadership helped guide the organization through periods of growth and change. Bruce understood that science, like law, depends on institutions built on trust, rigor, and service. Bruce also served on numerous other boards, including those of Georgetown University Law Center, Indiana University School of Law, and local legal service programs in Washington, D.C. His contributions earned him accolades such as Georgetown’s inaugural Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service. But he remained modest, always redirecting praise toward others and the causes he cared about. Outside of the courtroom and boardroom, Bruce was an elite athlete and adventurer. He completed marathons, triathlons, and long-distance cycling races, and relished time outdoors — skiing, scuba diving,
genetics, evolutionary biology, and entomology. In total, he mentored more than 60 undergraduate students and 21 doctoral students. His research earned him election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Naturalists, Sigma Xi, and the
field conversations into deeply engaging discussions. Ward and his wife, Carol Boggs, shared a 45-year marriage filled with scientific collaboration and summers at RMBL. In 2024, RMBL honored Ward with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award. He passed away peacefully in October, survived by his wife, Carol, and his daughters, Jean and Laura. Ward was laid to rest in Crested Butte, a fitting final stop for a scientist whose heart and life were so deeply tied to the mountains, the butterflies, and the community of Gothic. On July 27, there will be a celebration of life for Ward at the billy barr community center in Gothic. Please let Carol know
boating, golfing, and hiking the mountains near Crested Butte. He equally treasured the simple joys of life: happy hour with friends, dinners with family, and quiet moments at home with his wife, Rachel. Bruce passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by Rachel; his children Max, Emily (with husband Charlie), and Chris (with wife Lisa); and his six grandchildren. Over many years, Bruce gave generously of his time and energy to RMBL, helping to ensure its success for generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and deep care for both people and place.
Brooke first joined RMBL in 2019 as a bachelor’s student. Since then, she has lived in the Netherlands and Sweden pursuing her masters and conducting research. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology and Plant Biology from Michigan State University and completed her master’s degree in Forest
and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University & Research. Her research has primarily focused on
landscape ecology, pollinators, and citizen science. In 2025, Brooke returned to RMBL as an Operations Assistant. This career move has felt like coming home to the place that first inspired her passion for ecological discovery. She is excited to be back in a place that blends science, community, and stunning natural beauty. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with Oscar the cat.
Ward Watt with his butterfly net
A sharp minded and generous mentor, Ward advised dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. At Stanford University, where he was on the biology faculty for decades, he earned medals and won awards for his classroom teaching in
California Academy of Sciences. Outside of science, Ward was a man of many interests: a jazz clarinetist, banjo player, accomplished photographer, and wine enthusiast. He was known for his dry wit, gracious mentorship, and a gift for transforming casual
if you plan to attend if you haven’t already done so (cboggs52@gmail.com).
In the Gunnison Valley, Bruce found both solace and purpose.
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RMBL Financial and Strategic Update Leaving 2024 and Entering 2025 RMBL enters 2025 with a strong financial foundation. Unrestricted operating reserves are at an all-time high, the endowment continues to grow, and assets significantly outweigh liabilities. The organization ended 2024 with an operating surplus, primarily driven by disciplined cost control and strategic asset management.
RMBL General Operating Fund Report: 2024
Department
Revenue
Expenses
Net
Research
$ 500,079
$ 379,316
$ 120,763
Coursework
84,880 560,533 179,688
65,360 679,043 168,628 40,686 306,297 237,073 249,027 794,374
19,520
Facilities
(118,510)
Youth Programs
11,060
Information Technology
-
(40,686) (65,812)
Dining Hall Gothic Store Development Administration
240,485 236,504 770,001 324,718
(569)
520,974
(469,656)
Total Surplus from General Operating Fund
2,896,889
2,919,803
(22,915)
Additional Activities: Sale of Cebolla Creek
1,257,427
-
1,257,427
One key financial event in 2024 was the sale of land holdings in Cebolla Creek, generating a non- taxable gain of approximately $1.3 million. The property was underutilized, and proceeds from the sale were reinvested into treasury bonds and other stable investments. This shift increased revenue through interest income, enhanced asset liquidity, and improved overall financial resilience. Philanthropic giving increased in 2024 compared to the prior year, supporting ongoing organizational priorities. At the same time, research activity declined by 15–20%, reducing operational revenue. However, RMBL successfully adjusted by lowering operating expenses by a similar margin, resulting in a manageable year-end operational deficit of $25,000 — an intentional investment from reserves to maintain operations.
National Science Foundation and Doug La Follette. Facilities improvements continue, with an increased focus on fire
improve efficiency and streamline workflows. With the planned departure of Erik Hulm, his position is being restructured into a manager-level role, enabling long-term cost savings. Looking ahead, RMBL is preparing for the Centennial Campaign, launching in spring 2026. Consultants have been engaged to strengthen external communications, website redesign, stakeholder engagement, and science storytelling — each essential to broadening RMBL’s reach and amplifying its mission. RMBL’s income sources are currently balanced across operational revenue (50%), federal funding (10%), and philanthropic support (40%). As federal research funding declines, continued growth in philanthropy and innovative funding mechanisms will be essential. While facilities are fully booked for summer 2025, long-term success depends on sustained investments in science and infrastructure.
advancement. Since launching in 2020, the program has created high-quality, standardized spatial datasets supporting research
Total Surplus from Operations
$ 5,208,818
$ 5,394,930
$ 1,234,513
RMBL Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024
Liabilities
Assets
Unrestricted Cash & Reserves
$ 3,565,372
Current Liabilities & Accounts Payable
$
65,139
Restricted Cash - Donor & Use Restricted
705,440 285,993 366,574 3,528,574
Long Term Debt & Leases Cash Held for Others
243,680 285,993
Cash Held for Others Accounts Receivable Endowment Investments
Total Liabilities
594,812
Inventory
30,960 54,072
Prepaid Expenses
Net Assets
15,960,898
Land
2,683,146
Deposits and Leases
96,180
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$ 16,555,710
Fixed Assets
10,020,612 (4,781,213)
Accumulated Depreciation
Total Assets
$ 16,555,710
At an Explorer event, donors get first hand knowledge on hummingbird research from Dr. David Inouye. photo by David Basden
mitigation in response to rising insurance costs.
in ecology, hydrology, and geophysics. Notably, in 2024, the program secured a multi-year contract with NASA, providing both meaningful revenue and expanded data capabilities. In Gothic, construction began in fall 2024 on a new wash house, expected to be ready for the 2026 research season. The project is supported by the
Moving into 2025, in conjunction with Jeni Blacklock taking RMBL’s helm as Executive Director, RMBL also has made several adjustments to facilitate long-term sustainability. On the staffing front, RMBL added entry-level, part-time, and seasonal roles across operations and finance to
The Spatial Data Program remains a growing source of both revenue and scientific
Researcher counting Delphinium (larkspur) flowers as part of the long-term Warming Meadows experiment
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Federal Landscape As the federal funding landscape continues to shift, institutions like RMBL face growing uncertainty.
2024 RMBL Supporters
Recent developments — including administrative delays, reduced indirect cost rates, and potential freezes in research funding — highlight the challenges that lie ahead. The National Science Foundation was targeted for some of the biggest cuts — 57% — among all federal agencies in the first draft of the 2026 federal budget. While RMBL has long benefited from federal research dollars, we are entering a period where these streams can no longer be assumed to be stable or sufficient. In this climate, differentiation matters. What sets RMBL apart is not just our stunning location or our century-long legacy — it’s our model of field-based, data-driven research and
education. With over 60 years of long-term ecological data, a global community of scientists, and a campus that facilitates hands-on learning in one of the most biologically rich high-altitude environments in the world, RMBL provides unmatched scientific value. But continuing this work and expanding it to meet the demands of the next century requires adaptability and support. Additionally, RMBL is actively establishing partnerships that expand both our research and funding opportunities. We are working with academic institutions, government agencies, and mission- aligned organizations to build collaborative models
that support shared goals. These partnerships are key to unlocking new pathways for innovation and sustainability. In parallel, we are thinking strategically about additional
enables strategic growth. From maintaining our field station infrastructure to supporting young scientists and faculty research, every philanthropic gift makes an immediate and lasting difference. Looking ahead, RMBL’s strength will come from our ability to innovate in the face of constraint. That means diversifying our funding model, investing in our people and platforms, and launching bold initiatives — like our upcoming Centennial Campaign — to fuel our next 100 years. Supporting RMBL right now is not just a gift to the present. It’s an investment in the future of science, education, and ecological understanding.
mission-driven initiatives that provide long-term
stability. From exploring new educational programs and housing solutions to leveraging our unique scientific assets for conservation impact, we are focused on building a more adaptive and resilient future. Now more than ever, philanthropy plays a critical role in RMBL’s resilience and relevance. As traditional funding sources face disruption, private investment becomes the engine that sustains our science, empowers student training, and
“Bruce,” the drone, is ready for takeoff armed with Jayden and Tyler’s new technology
photo by Katherine Beard
General Operating Fund
Marmot $5,000 - $9,999
Columbine $10,000 - $24,999
Hummingbird $25,000 +
Doris and James Brogan Margie and John Haley Blake Hawk
Thomas and Currie Barron Colorado River Sustainability Campaign Eugene and Shirley Cordes Matt Egermayer Tom and Parker Hawk Jim and Ynette Hogue Steven Jennison, Sr and Carol Jennison Jack and Jane McAllister Tem and Maggie McElroy Nina Lynn Buckley Irrevocable Trust Tricia Powell Perrin and Peggy Quarles Char and Pete Rowland Fred Seipp and Carol Roehrig
Absent Friend Fund of St. Louis Community Foundation Dick and Mary Allen Anonymous Stuart Bailey and Linda Fontaine Katherine Ballenger Jim Billick
This list includes those who donated between January 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025. RMBL strives to ensure the accuracy of our donor recognition lists. We apologize for any errors and ask that you please let us know of any discrepancies as soon as possible.
Carol Johnson and Russ Miller Lindsey Kroll and Irene Hickey Jean Langenheim Estate Barbara McGaughey David and Bonnie Weekley Brian and Marcella Wildes
Jack and Mary Blake Emily and John Bruno
Diane Campbell Jennifer Darnell Bruce Driver and Charlene Dougherty Paul and Anne Ehrlich Drew Fink and Daniela Uribe Carolyn Gibbs and Rick Nelson John and Mel Harte Peter Hartline and Rebecca Kucera Jeff Hermanson Donald and Cathey Humphreys Douglas and Kimberly Johnson Robert and Wilson Johnson
Please email dev@rmbl.org with any changes. Thank you!
John and Carson Taylor Kip and Sharon Tindell Eric and Kim Upchurch
Hummingbird with a “backpack” used for tracking movements
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2024 RMBL Supporters
2024 RMBL Supporters
Dr. Rick Williams
photo by Dave Basden
Laurent-Nimue views butterfly eggs on the back of a leaf
photo by Dave Basden
Butterfly $100 - $499
Trout $2,500 - $4,999
Marmot $5,000 - $9,999
Stephen and Joanne Hatchett Donald Haver Sue Heavenrich
Cecilia Richards Gray and Frank Gray Rich and Andrea Saperstein Larry Seeman and Teri Schadeck Carol Shininger Adriana Sulak Bombard John and Mary Anne Tarr Dirk Van Vuren and Cheryl Scott Dian VanDeMark and Tom Hartman Kevin Wheeler Dr. Robert B Willey Estate Ken Williams and Janelle Weaver Tom Williams Joe and Becky Williams
Clara Deser and Mary Ann Schaefer David and Jacqueline Desposato Philip Dixon Julie Donohue Gwen Dooley Sterling and Melinda Doster James DuBose Melvin Duncan and Valerie Brooker William Dwyer Elizabeth Eiseman
Mavis and Wendy Kelsey Gloria and Ren Kern Chris and Francene Kopf Kate Maher and Matt Rothe Doug McDonald Ken Owen David Owen Grace and Salvador Patino Mary and John Peyton Anna Reilly and Matthew Cullinan
Joanne Bremer Gary and Kirsten Cook Beverly Griffith Pauline and Enno Heuscher David and Bonnie Inouye Harry and Gretchen Leland Lynn Maguire John and Laurie McBride Chuck McGinnis Victoria Myers Michael and Wende Neitzel Emily Snow and Ian Miller John and Susan Tuttle
Peter and Cathy Dea Jim Dissette
Samuel Carty Kathryn and Adam Chojnacki Mary Beth Dimijian Dave and Carole Ebner Robert Eickwort Sarah Griffin Marcia and Charles Haley Robert Haley Dorothy Haskell Erik and Melinda Hulm Eliza Jewett-Hall Angela Kalisiak and Marty Smilkstein Roger King King Soopers Lara Kueppers and John Elliott Rita Lang Paula Lehr and Arthur Mears Allison Leidner Michael Loik and Karen Holl Mary Maly David and Patty Miller Nancy Moran and Howard Ochman Jim Myers
David Allan Michael Antolin Kim Antonucci Nathan Appleton Sue Attaway Margaret Bailey Tony and Sandra Bakker Cullin Barry Mr. Ralph Benson Skip and Ruth Berkshire Clait and Nancy Braun Steve Breckheimer
Mary and Bob Dodge Charlene Dougherty Noah Eckhouse and Catherine Popper Andrew and Audrey Franklin Gil and Lynn Friedlander Lawrence Gall and Nancy Barrer John Garrett and Donna Seligman Cathy and Bob Geraghty Judy and Jim Gibbs Godtfredsen Charity Fund Dan and Laurie Goetz Cecelia Hessler Robert and Merrill Horswill Ben and Mary Gwen Hulsey Robin and Mark Ikeda Barbara Ivins and John Hughes Owen Johnson Gary and Elizabeth Keiser Anne Kinder Svata Louda and Rod Otley David McKenney and Barbie Adams Elisabeth Caldwell Meeker Avery Miller and Christopher Steffens James McGrath Morris Lynette Page John and Sarah Palmer Erin Parker Bill Peatross Ken and Lucy Reynolds
Susan Hering Kim Herman Carole Hickman Issac Hiles David Homer
Melanie Hudson Janice Huggins Dee Hull and Hanno Zur Loye Trudy Huntington Brian Inouye and Nora Underwood Barbara Jewell and Don Green Daria Jung Milan Karol Theresa and Robert Keatinge Jim and Ruth Keene Michael Kiessig Barbara Kingsolver and Steven Hopp John and Susan Koch Wendy Kosanovich Diana Kushner Michelle La Sala and Kevin Pool Lyn Lazar and Truman Burns Bruce Leigh Colleen Lenihan and Scott Stender Ryan Link Rick and Kathy Lorentz Lisa and Mark Lucas
Bret Elderd and Jennifer Kluse Gregory and Christine Enders Becky, Bob and Sarah Endres Janet Farmer Julia Feldmeier Greg and Tracy Florant
Kip and Gail Richards Kevin and Lotte Roache
Barbara and Randy Rosenblatt Stephen M. Seay Foundation Elizabeth and Bart Showalter Sally and Ted Shwartz Barrett Sides
Grant and Julie Bremer Laurie and Peter Byrne Alaine Camfield Paul CaraDonna and Amy Iler Cindy Carey Bill and Lynne Cariker Dudley B. and Curtis R. Carlson Sue Carrizales and Vaughn Cottman Frances Chew and Richard Bryan Philippe Cohen and Cindy Stead
White-Crowned Sparrow $500 - $999
Scarlet Gilia $1,000 - $2,499
Chris Floyd and Rachel Schwartz Johannes Foufopoulos and Jennifer Howard Alex Frankel Charles “Barney” and Adrienne Gallagher Susan Goodwin Scott Graham and Ellie Robins Josh and Anna Grinath David and Kathy Hackenyos Richard Hamilton and Debra Schadeck Randy Hamilton Randall Hansen Katie and Brady Harper Patricia Harrington and Michael Bell Carey Harrington
Bruce and Cathy Smerch Venise and Larry Stuart
Bruce and Deborah Alpern Susan Avery Norman and Robin Bagwell Brian Beitner Paulette Bierzychudek Dan Blumstein and Janice Daniel Elizabeth “Betsy” Brown and Matthew Busick Ruth Turnquist Carver and Jim Schmidt Caryn Sheftel and Brian Rozinsky, The Sheftel Foundation, Inc. Tom Chaney Ralph “Butch” Clark
Jim and Debbie Alsup AJ Alt Deborah Altus Phyllis Andersland Barbara Andrews and Dennis Tharp Trace Baker Michael and Andrea Banks Jo Ann Beine Suzanne and Fred Berry Christian S. Berry Joanna Booser Dick Bratton
James and Barbara Thomson Bob Valentine and Steve Bolton Mary Walter
Jim Watson Gary Weed Rosemary Smith and Charles Williams
Don and Amy Conklin Susie and Reggie Coon
John and Robin Norton Meg and Dan Papadatos Rick and Margaret Reavis Gudrun Rice and Charles Kerr Carrie Robbins Diana Roth and Gary Dorris Sally and John Stevenson Lana Marie Turner Laura Watt
Denise Cooper Wendy Covert Robert and Janet Cushman Kristen Daly Andrew Dannenberg Joseph and Mindy De Compiegne Howard Delfiner Joan and Jerry DeMaagd
Berry Brosi and Karen Levy David and Tanya Cameron Lee and Kathy Cannon
Peter Mariner Julie Marshall
Lisa and Timothy Daniel Jess and Nate Dauchy
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2024 RMBL Supporters
2024 RMBL Supporters
Banding hummingbirds
photo by Dave Basden
Counting aquatic invertebrates at the Mexican Cut
photo by Dave Basden
Up to $999
$5,000 +
Gifts in Kind
Howard Whiteman and Nancy Buschhaus Claire Williams Dana and Frederick Williams James and Nurit Wolf Marlene Zanetell Tom Zeiner
David Schrier Connor Schrotel James Seman Elizabeth Shore George Sibley and Maryo Gard Ewell Delrena Sides Lara Souza Laura Spalding Grace Sparks David and Caroline Specht Nia Spongberg and Mollie McDermott
Anna Reilly and Matthew Cullinan Marilyn Smith Rosemary Smith and Charles Williams The Page & Otto Marx, Jr. Foundation
Denise Massart Sara Mattie Angus and Emma McIntosh Lynette McLamb and Todd Steiner Sharon McLin Elvia Melendez-Ackerman Gesa and Glenn Michel Steven Moore and Martha Griffin Caitlin Muldoon Janice Netzer Katherine Norgard Taryn Nysse Naomi Oreskes Ginny Passoth Marge Penton and Neal Ayres Jim Petri Jay Pierce Tom and Kathleen Porter Seemin Qayum and Sinclair Thomson Kira Quan Hillary Quarles Myles Rademan and Joy Barrett Gary Reiness
Deborah Glicklich Gladys Goronja William Hanna Caryl Hearst and Joe Horn Betsy Heartfield Jacob Heiling Amanda Henderson Ryan Herlands Loren Hintz David Hopp Juliana Jiranek Elise Jones Keith Karoly Melanie Kazenel Nancy and Karl Kellogg Gwen Kirschke Matthew Kosakowski Kathleen Leddy Jeffrey Lukas Valerie Martin Tyler and Laura Martineau Melissa Merrick Al Murdock Butch Murphy Sue Navy
Omer Pearlman Connor Philson Sam Pierce David Porter Andris Radvany Charles and Gail Ransler Sarah Root Philip Russell
Jill Anderson Susan Anderson Michael and Andrea Banks Daniel Carter Kenneth Duncan and Janel A McGuire
Katie Armitage Michael and Andrea Banks Don and Rose Bley Ann Brown Laura and Joseph Buhr Joshua Crayton Chris Tonielli-Crayton Jane Eigenrauch Matt Eilerman L Scott Ellis David and Maureen Everding The Evergreen Naturalists Audubon Society Inc Linda and Gary Gray Kay and Carl Hoelting Philip and Maria Kirwan Pat and Sue Knoll Mike and Becky Lawson Amy Lewis Jamie and Allyson Linck Peter McDonald and Lisa Cyrocki Ann and Patrick Rothery Lisa Schoenherr
$1,000 +
Sidney and Louise Farmer Diane and Reed Hainsworth Rick and Margaret Reavis
1% for Open Space David Atkins and Deborah Wuttke Diane Barr Quinlin Ian Billick and Jennie Reithel Carol Boggs Alexandra, Franz and Clara Brotzen- Smith Demetra Jones Bobbi Peckarsky and Steve Horn Matt Thompson Paul Wierczoreck and Mary Crane
Mayfly less than $100
Brayden Saunders Carol Schoonhoven Mia Selgado
Directed gifts
Deborah Stacy Christopher Still
Randall Siebert Dylan Simpson
Selina Lujan Albers Fatima Alcantara Anonymous Gay and Greg Austin Clifford and Susan Beckman Allan and Wendy Berlind Janelle Bohey Ericka Bremer Theresa and Larry Bucher Win and Anda Craven Lucille Crayton
Includes scholarships & endowments, youth programs, & other restricted gifts.
Mary “Cassie” Stoddard Eric and Patrice Streicher Tony and Randi Stroh
Robin Sleith Lester Squier Sarah Stai John Standish, Jr Charles “Chuck” and Donna Sullivan
$50,000 +
Elizabeth Sufit Karen Thomas Jerry and Sharon Tinianow Amanda Tolles Danielle Tuscher Eric Van Fleet Guy and Alison Vigers Martha Violett Debra Von Bargen John and Katherine Wahlert Cynthia Wayburn David Weber Michael Weiss and Catherine Emard Todd and Kim Wellnitz
Sophia Todorov Mary Lou Toler Thomas Vawter Anne Wara
Clint Smith and Elizabeth Arndorfer David and Bonnie Inouye
$25 , 000 +
Judy and Charlie Welch Carrie and Eugene Wu Joe Ziluca
Nicholas Dabagia Shelley Diamond Susan Dunklee Robert Eickwort Jacquelyn Fitzgerald Sigrid Freese Penny Friedberg Marian Gagnard
George and Bobbie Reinhardt William and Becky Reynolds Katherine and Krehe Ritter David Rose and Ceil Murray Carmen Salsbury Elizabeth and James Scarpa Marla Schanck
Jim and Barb Schuette Chip and Toni Taylor Shirle Williams
Carol Johnson and Russ Miller Douglas La Follette Jean Langenheim Estate
Diana Niskern Annette Olson Janet Paces Pantiere Partners
$10 , 000 +
Jess and Nate Dauchy
21 | SPRING 2025
SPRING 2025 | 2 2
2024 RMBL Supporters
2024 RMBL Supporters
Sam Pierce testing river water conductivity and pH at a Slate River research site
photo by Dave Basden
Researcher’s notebook
photo by Dave Basden
Ryan Brown Scholarship Fund
Ian Billick
Bruce McLean
Grant Awards
Ward Watt
Gifts in memory of
Gifts in honor of
Judith Ward Ralph Wardlaw Watt and Snyder Scholarships Randy Weatherford Robert Weber Scottie Willey Scott Wissinger Scott Wissinger Fellowship Fund Julia Woods
Stuart Bailey billy barr Harry Barr Lou Beckman Ian Breckheimer Ericka Bremer Carol Boggs
Thomas and Currie Barron Ralph Benson Philippe Cohen and Cindy Stead Peggy Spencer Charles “Chuck” and Donna Sullivan
Kenneth B. Armitage Harriet Barclay
Don and Rose Bley Ken and Ginny Brown Chris and Jessica Brown Ann Brown Laura and Joseph Buhr Peter McDonald and Lisa Cyrocki Matt Eilerman L Scott Ellis David and Maureen Everding Benjamin Gray
Dan Blumstein and Janice Daniel Ericka Bremer Paul CaraDonna and Amy Iler Jennifer Darnell Wendy Kosanovich and Mary Alice Drumm Erik and Melinda Hulm Owen Johnson Brian and Marcella Wildes
Karole Armitage Katie Armitage Ian Billick and Jennie Reithel Ben Blackman Adriana Briscoe Frances Chew and Richard Bryan Shannon Davis Ms. Kathleen Donohue Ian Ehrenreich Scott Graham and Ellie Robins Jane Hayes Amber Kerr Bobbi Peckarsky and Steve Horn Joshua Stone Chip and Toni Taylor Joyce S. Tsuji Elizabeth Watkins Sarah Woodin
Colorado Department of Agriculture Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley Eleven Experience (Irwin Backcountry Guides LLC) Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District MetrixIQ
Jim Barron Peg Billick
Dr. Bill Calder Theo Colburn Stan Dodson
Rosemary Smith Scholarship Endowment Fund
Dr. John M. Haley, MD John and Margie Haley Margie Haley Erik Hulm Dr. Paul Link to support the RMBL land preservation fund
George Eickwort Robert K. Enders Dr. Henry Estess Dr. Hugo Ferchau Joshua Fuqua Clea Greenawalt Anu Jankeri Jim and Moja Lindsey Edward Maly Ruth McDonough Withrow W. Meeker Phil Nelson and Lee Snyder John Page William C Black IV Paul Buck Nina Buckley Elmer E. and Clara S. Brown Susan (Simcha) Rudolph Larry Lee Richmond Girton Snyder and Charles Lee Remington Howard Scott
Elizabeth Arndorfer and Clint Smith Ian Billick and Jennie Reithel Alexandra, Franz and Clara Brotzen- Smith
Linda and Gary Gray Kay and Carl Hoelting Eli Katz
Sam Pierce Rick Reavis Greta Schoonover Navjot Sodhi
Philip and Maria Kirwan Jamie and Allyson Linck Amy Lewis John Parsons Kevin Reed Donna and Michael Regan Ann and Patrick Rothery Lisa Schoenherr Jim and Barb Schuette Matt Thompson Laure Turner
Marilyn Smith Shirle Williams
Sophia Todorov Savannah Troy Rebecca Weiss Youth Education Program Phenology Project Endowment Phenology Research Endowment Fund
21 | SPRING 2025
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Media Coverage
RMBL continues to draw media attention from outlets around the world.
October 24, 2024 Rocky Mountain PBS Colorado Experience: Gothic’s outdoor science lab
November 8, 2024 NPR – Science Friday Measuring the effects of early life adversity—in marmots
December 10, 2024 Ski Magazine For 45 winters, Colorado’s reluctant climate scientist has been quietly at work
March 27, 2025 The Conversation Wild marmots’ social networks reveal controversial evolutionary theory in action
March 29, 2025 SciTechDaily Vanishing water mystery: scientists uncover why the Colorado River is running dry
May 1, 2025 Science Adaptation and gene flow are insufficient to rescue a montane plant under climate change
May 3, 2025 Popular Science Visit one of the world’s most prolific research stations in Colorado mountains
May 6, 2025 PHYS . org Nine-year study shows mountain plants won’t adapt fast enough to climate change
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory PO Box 519 Crested Butte, CO 81224 970.349.7231 rmbl.org
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