Our Mission

Inspired by the words of our founder, Elizabeth Paepcke, ACES’ mission is “educating for environmental responsibility.”

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a nonprofit environmental organization with three locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and the Catto Center at Toklat.

Since 1968, ACES has inspired a lifelong commitment to the Earth by providing innovative and immersive programming for all ages. Our programs focus on education, regenerative agriculture, forest and ecosystem health, climate, land restoration, and environmental leadership.

ACES contributes to a national agenda for increased environmental awareness. With support from many partner organizations, our programs reach over 140,000 individuals every year. We teach in local schools daily, lead camps in the summer, and host adult classes. We share the beauty and ecology of our area with locals and visitors through Naturalist-led hikes and field programs for all ages. We also engage our community by hosting public lectures and events. ACES collaborates with land trusts, public agencies, and other nonprofits to achieve our mission.

In the decades ahead, ACES seeks to cultivate a community of environmental stewards so that children, parents, consumers, decision-makers, and leaders can make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world.