January 7, 2021 - Silverton, CO – Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) has honored Barb Horn the Robert Blair Mountain Visionary Award in recognition of her longstanding dedication to protecting the watersheds of the San Juan Mountains and Colorado at large and inspirational leadership in watershed conservation.
Longtime local of Southwest Colorado, Barb Horn is a scientist, teacher, visionary, healer, and humorist. She has engaged thousands to learn about and monitor Colorado waterways through her career at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Barb started Colorado River Watch in 1989, against all odds and despite people telling her it would not work. Over thirty years later, River Watch is one of the longest running, most successful citizen science programs. They engage 140 groups each year monitoring 600 stations covering 400 rivers. Barb was selected to receive the Robert Blair Mountain Visionary Award because MSI board members and staff agreed that she exceptionally embodies the spirit of Robert Blair.
“When I reflect over this past year as to who stands out as a visionary and leader, the wisdom and direction that Barb Horn has brought to our state through River Watch and other watershed initiatives is unparalleled,” says Marcie Bidwell, MSI’s executive director. River Watch data has informed our communities in the wake of acid mine drainage, wildfires like the Missionary Ridge and 416 fires, and perhaps most importantly by contributing baseline data, allowing us to be ready and equipped when the unexpected happens. Because of Barb’s important work, we enjoy healthier rivers. “It's amazing what Barb has given our community and Colorado,” says Bidwell.
Throughout the state, and especially in southwest Colorado, Barb has been a leader in water-oriented education, challenging the status quo, and a mentor to numerous young scientists, including several staff at the Mountain Studies Institute. Barb has spent the last three decades empowering Colorado mountain communities struggling with water quality issues by putting science into the hands of our current and future watershed champions. Locally, her leadership has led to the success of complex cross-jurisdictional projects such as the recent publication of ‘Our Animas,’ an Animas River educational piece designed to inform the general public about local watershed conditions.
At MSI’s virtual celebration for Barb in December, Bradley Boileau, River Watch Volunteer Coordinator, summed up the sentiment that those who know Barb share when he said, "She's one of the most witty, interesting and joyful people I've ever met while being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about rivers and education. She is one of a kind and has been very inspirational for me in many ways." She is always one for humor and has been seen using a bathroom image as her Zoom background, especially in meetings where she is presenting. As we admire Barb for her embodiment of MSI’s mission, we recognize that she is cherished in many other realms of our community. Her charisma and joy are contagious, and we certainly see a deep love for life in her, just as Rob had.
Dr. Robert Blair was a founder of Mountain Studies Institute, the nonprofit research and education center incorporated in 2002 in Silverton that now has offices in both Silverton and Durango. Rob was known for his limitless energy, infectious enthusiasm for new ideas, and drive to make dreams into reality. This award honors Blair’s unsurmountable vision and dedication to establishing a “classroom without walls” that has become Mountain Studies Institute.
Over the last 18 years, MSI has established itself as a valuable community resource, providing everything from ongoing Animas River monitoring to science education opportunities for high school students to on-the-ground restoration efforts. MSI facilitates multiple collaborative efforts that range from forest health initiatives to stream management plans and plays a critical role in encouraging and promoting essential dialogues between stakeholders. Through these and countless additional efforts, MSI stays true to its mission of advancing mountain science and empowering San Juan Mountain communities. In the words of Barb herself, “It’s amazing what people can do if you believe in them. Give them the seed and watch them grow.” A heartfelt thank you to Barb for her unwavering dedication to our mountains and communities.
