Every February, volunteers walk the banks of the Animas River counting American dippers — small, bold birds that dive headfirst into rushing rapids and spend their entire lives along river corridors. Because dippers feed on the aquatic insects that can only survive in clean water, they serve as a living indicator of river health. The American Dipper Project launched in 2016 following the Gold King Mine spill, and citizen scientists have been tracking nesting behavior and success rates ever since, entering all data into Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch database. When nesting success declined after the 416 Fire in 2018 and subsequent flooding, the dippers reflected that environmental stress. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and The LOR Foundation.

Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made a stop in Durango this week to discuss his campaign for governor, touching on some of the most pressing issues facing the state. Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009, shared his vision for Colorado's future and what he says sets him apart as a candidate. Watch the full interview to hear where he stands. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.

The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies is documenting an unusually low snow year in Colorado. The team monitors how dust layers and temperatures affect snowmelt patterns, building on over two decades of data collection. Their research helps explain the relationship between dust, climate, and the snowpack that provides 70% of Colorado's water. This nonprofit shares their findings for free, offering valuable insights for water managers and helping us understand what's happening in our mountains. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Keesee Motor Company.

This week in Durango features community recognition, small business education, and winter sports competition. Southwest Colorado Rocks will host its Annual Awards Ceremony on February 19th at 5 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall, honoring outstanding businesses and leaders across La Plata County. On February 20th, the Seeds of Success DFM Summit takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, offering free workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for farmers, food producers, makers, and small business owners, with breakfast and lunch provided. And February 21st and 22nd, Purgatory Resort hosts the 23rd Annual Ski Bike Festival and Race in partnership with the American Skibike Association, bringing riders from across the country to compete in the longest-running ski bike festival in the United States. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The FLC Center for Innovation.

Durango's warming shelter is providing a lifesaving refuge for unhoused community members during the coldest winter nights. After years of discussion, the City Council unanimously approved the shelter following overwhelming neighborhood support with 88% of residents surveyed backing the initiative. The shelter opens when temperatures are forecasted to drop to 15 degrees or below, operating with trained coordinators and volunteers who provide transportation from the transit center, warm meals from Manna Soup Kitchen, and a safe place to sleep. Since opening this season, the shelter has seen growing demand, serving up to 24 people on recent nights, including families with children. The shelter is currently operating on a trial resolution, with hopes to secure a permanent ordinance if operations continue successfully. For those experiencing homelessness in Durango, this warming center represents more than just shelter — it's a compassionate response that literally saves lives. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.