February 20, 2026 Update

This update highlights the work completed over the fall 2025 semester and ongoing projects for the Respect the Rut campaign:

• Sustainability Class Contributions

  • Logged 100+ hours of project work.

  • Conducted multiple interviews with conservation professionals.

  • Developed next steps for public education and wildlife outreach initiatives.

• Planet Forward Articles

  • First article published.

  • Currently in formal editing of second article, expanding on ethics of distance.

• Student Collaborations

  • Met with Estes Park High School students; students creating art pieces for the Spirit of the Elk gallery, to be submitted by March 20, 2026.

  • Partnered with Estes Park Middle School Environmental Resilience Team (led by Ravi Davis) to integrate QR codes linking to phenology maps for new interpretive signs.

• Local Engagement & Media

  • Conversations with local businesses to support campaign outreach.

  • Developing media kits through the Conservation Managers: Media Communications class (CSU, Communications for Conservation grad certificate).

  • Media kits will be shared across visitor centers, hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, trailheads, and more.

What’s Included in This Slide Deck

• Survey Results: Key responses from visitor surveys conducted in fall 2025.

• Sign Analysis & Locations: Screenshots showing assessment of existing interpretive signs and potential placement areas.

• Article Preview: Screenshot of published Planet Forward article highlighting the campaign and research.

• Process & Field Work Photos: Images capturing field observations and project activities.

• Highlights & Key Takeaways: Summaries of important findings and next steps (without exposing raw data).

© 2026 Ashley Glasco. All rights reserved. For educational and informational purposes only.

Next Steps:

• Complete submission of student artwork for the gallery

• Continue development and implementation of QR-linked signage

• Publish second Planet Forward article

• Expand outreach with local partners and visitor centers

• Apply for grants and funding

Transparency Note: This update summarizes work and progress; detailed data and full reports are not shared publicly to protect student and project work.