Durango wasn't always the tree-lined community it is today — in the late 19th century, the landscape was largely barren — but now, climate change and rapid development are threatening the 12,000-plus trees that define it. The DurangoScape 2026 Climate Conference, hosted by the Durango Botanic Gardens brought together local and regional experts to help residents understand how to protect their community forest through smarter planting, root system awareness, and early action.

By Paige Sparks

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This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea

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What happens when one woman's curiosity about disappearing birds grows into a global movement? For Kelly Miller, founder of Follow the Birds, a simple question about winter silence along the Animas River trails became a three-day gathering connecting scientists, artists and storytellers from across the world. The Bird Migration Gathering — held each March and October — drew participants from 16 countries at its inaugural October event, exploring migration through ornithology, conservation, art, storytelling and technology. Past contributors include celebrated naturalist Scott Weidensaul, wildlife advocate Craig Foster of Cape Town, South Africa, and bird language expert Jon Young. The next gathering takes place online March 13-15, 2026.

By Paige Sparks

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This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin’ Donuts

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This week on Local NEWS Network, we're rounding up three events happening in Durango between March 11th and 17th. Rocky Mountain PBS brings its Mini-Film Fest to Fort Lewis College on Wednesday night — a free screening of short films exploring identity, belonging, and community, followed by a facilitated discussion. On Friday and Saturday, the Friends of the Durango Public Library hosts its annual Spring Book Sale at the Durango Public Library, with thousands of titles starting at just one dollar. And closing out the week on Tuesday, March 17th, hip-hop artist Grieves brings his Out Cold Tour 4 to Animas City Theatre, joined by Blueprint and Benz Shelton.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings  and the FLC Center for Innovation

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West Coast Swing is more than a dance style — it's a lifestyle for members of West Slope Westies, Durango's nonprofit swing dance community. Known for its fluid, elastic movement and ability to complement almost any genre of music, West Coast Swing has drawn a growing and passionate local following.

When the group began outgrowing their rented rooms at the Smiley Building, leadership made a bold decision: find a bigger home and trust the community to fill it. That leap of faith led to the creation of The Durango Collective, a downtown studio that now serves as a shared hub for multiple local dance communities all under one roof. As the group's president describes it, the space was built for people to connect, create and celebrate — and for anyone willing to push through that first moment of vulnerability on the dance floor, joy is waiting on the other side.

By Paige Sparks

This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q

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Durango has a full lineup of events this March. Our Own Lives presents its Second Annual Disability Art Show at the Durango Arts Center, featuring more than 30 artists. The McDonald’s Cardboard Derby returns to Purgatory Resort with creative downhill fun. And the Durango Bach Festival, presented by the San Juan Symphony, brings a week of “Mostly Mozart” performances to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

By Sadie Smith.

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This story is sponsored by RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

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The Durango Independent Film Festival is celebrating its 21st year with the tagline "We're Legal," bringing independent films from over 50 countries to southwest Colorado from March 4–8, 2026. Known as a "Filmmaker's Festival," DIFF showcases adventure, documentary, native cinema, shorts, features, and more — creating a rare space where audiences are elbow to elbow with the filmmakers themselves. Among this year's selections is the Colorado-shot feature The Only Way Out Is Through, whose editor Misty Wilson is a Bayfield local, making the screening a homecoming celebration. Whether you're a film lover or just looking for that communal theater experience you didn't know you missed, DIFF is the place to find it. For more information, visit durangofilm.org.

By Paige Sparks.

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This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Payroll Department

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A longtime Durango tradition is evolving. Southwest Colorado Rocks celebrates community leaders, organizations, and businesses making a difference across the region. Formerly known as Durango Rocks, the event expanded this year to include Ignacio and Bayfield, highlighting the impact of leaders throughout La Plata County. Organizers say the celebration is about recognizing the people who are strengthening the community and inspiring others to do the same.

By Sadie Smith.

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This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango

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The Durango Women's Leadership Conference returns February 26 at Whalen Gymnasium with panels, breakout sessions, and talks supporting women’s athletics at Fort Lewis College. Comedian Olivia Carter performs in Durango February 27 after appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the Durango Independent Film Festival returns March 4–8 with screenings across Durango.

By Sadie Smith. 

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This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and The FLC Center for Innovation

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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. 

By Paige Sparks

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This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and The LOR Foundation

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 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.

By Paige Sparks.

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This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.

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