Catamount Institute

For the next 5 weeks, I'll be hiking all 485 miles of the Colorado Trail through the state's Rocky Mountains. I'll hike between 15-20 miles per day, then camp along the trail at night. I'm raising money to benefit Catamount Institute, an environmental education nonprofit organization that I had the pleasure of working for this summer. Any donation would help, and thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Catamount Institute: Catamount Institute, in Colorado Springs, Colorado dedicated to developing ecological stewardship through education and adventure by connecting kids with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. What's more, children learn that they have the powerful ability to protect and nurture the natural world. It is these young nature lovers that will be tomorrow's stewards of the earth. www.catamountinstitute.org

We are saddened to share that Buz Sellers passed away unexpectedly at the age of 80 of natural causes on October 16, 2016.  We will continue to honor his memory through the YES Club students and teaching them about Buz's passion for conservation and the outdoors. 

Fly fishing was Buz's great passion, and he spent part of nearly every summer in the Greater Yellowstone area, his favorite part of the world. Buz also had the privilege of fishing in New Zealand, Vancouver Island, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Baja California, Belize, and Argentina.

We honor Buz's legacy through introducing children to the sport that he loved. His kind heart and generous spirit will live on. 

Original posting: 

Dear Friends,

Please join us in celebrating Buz Sellers’ 80th birthday and his lifelong passion for western rivers, trout, and the youth of our community while supporting a stellar educational program in his honor.  The Catamount Institutes' Young Environmental Stewards (YES) program is an after-school club focused on water ecology and fly fishing.  What could be a better way to celebrate our favorite Texas gentleman!  We would like your support in adopting a YES club at Adams Elementary School in honor of Buz.  Imagine Buz sharing his passion for the outdoors while engaging the hearts and imagination of these 4th and 5th-grade students, many of whom have never had this kind of experience. YES Club is an opportunity for these students to have life changing moments as they follow in Buz's footsteps and learn about ecology and conservation.

This club is one of a dozen in the region, and we would like to ensure these students have this opportunity for many semesters to come.   It will all culminate with a science symposium at Colorado College where the students will present service projects to judges.  Buz will be honored at this event for his help and volunteer work.

To donate to this particular YES program, click donate or you can give directly to Catamount Institute by sending a check to Catamount Institute (address below) and writing “Buz” in the memo line. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Suggested giving levels:

THE NYMPH FLY - $25-$99 - The nymph is an immature fly that floats at the bottom of a stream where most of the fish feed  

THE STREAMER FLY - $100 - $499 – These big bugs can really swim and are one of the most fun flies to use

THE DRY FLY - $500 - $999 – A mature fly that floats on top of the water where the fisherman can see a strike 

THE ROYAL COACHMAN-$1000+   The most beautiful fly and the ultimate catch

Please help us celebrate the gracious depth and modesty of our friend Buz.

Sincerely,

Julie Francis                                                  
Board President and Co-founder                             

Friends of Buz  
Vicky Kipp & Katherine  Loo

Catamount Institute
740 West Caramillo St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907