Common Air

Getting in the dirt and tending a garden nourishes our lives in more ways than one. Marissa Hunt, Co-executive director, and Brooke Frazer, Garden Manager join us on this episode of Common Air to dive into the story, purpose, and impact of Manna's unique garden space. As one of the few food access facilities in the country with an onsite garden, Manna uses the garden to grow over 2,000lbs of fresh produce that support its food market, prepared meals, and culinary programming.The conversation explores how the garden grows beyond it's produce purpose and serves as a place for connection, learning, and opportunity. Tune in to learn more about their upcoming Plant Sale and more ways to get involved in their work. Visit www.mannasoupkitchen.org/garden

The night sky holds a long, shared history of people looking up and finding inspiration in the stars and planets. Protecting that experience takes work and impacts us more than you might expect. On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Weylin Ryan, Board Member of DarkSky Colorado and Town Manager of Ignacio, Colorado. DarkSky Colorado is working across the state to reduce light pollution, protect night skies, and help communities understand why keeping it dark matters.Colorado is home to 16 certified Dark Sky places, with many more working toward designation. Weylin shares what that certification process looks like and why it matters. He shares the impacts of light pollution on human health, wildlife, safety, and sustainability.Tune in to learn how you can get involved with the Dark Sky Colorado as well as how reduce light pollution as an individual. Visit https://darkskycolorado.org

You turn on the tap, and the water flows. But who and what gets it there? Carolyn Cummins of the Four Corners Water Center and Laura Rieck of the City of Durango about the essential role water operators play in keeping communities safe and functioning—and the growing gap in this workforce as many experienced operators near retirement and fewer people enter the field. The conversation explores the regional collaboration behind a new hands-on training program, Fundamental of Water Operators. Carolyn and Laura share how this regional collaboration is reating real pathways through mentorship, field-based learning, and industry connection. Tune in to learn more about the flow of water to their homes and how investing in this workforce supports the long-term health and resilience of our communities.Enroll today: https://gowork.fortlewis.edu/browse/run/courses/fundamentals-of-water-operations-may-2026

Spring is for the birds! On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Lisa Wilk and Stephen Tarnowski of the Durango Bird Club. The Durango Bird Club brings together people of all experience levels to encourage appreciation, foster enjoyment, and share knowledge of birds and their habitats through regular meetups, field trips, workshops, and seasonal bird counts. Nearly 96 million Americans identify as birders, according to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Lisa and Stephen share how the club has become a space for folks to connect with the natural world and to feel a sense of community with fellow birders. They also share the all important role the Durango Bird club plays in citizen science efforts that help track and better understand bird populations.Tune in to this episode to learn what makes La Plata County such a special place to observe birds and gain some practical tips on getting started. Check out Durango Bird Club on their website: https://durangobirdclub.wixsite.com/mysite

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Heather Erb of Earth Day Durango about what’s happening across the community in celebration of Earth Day. With events building throughout the month and a full day of activities at Buckley Park on Saturday, April 18, Earth Day Durango brings together local organizations, families, students, and residents around the shared theme of “Acting for the Earth.”The conversation highlights not only the event itself, but the broader sustainability work happening across Durango and La Plata County. Heather shares how environmental action shows up in everyday life, how the community continues to step up across generations, and why sustainability is deeply connected to the region’s future. Learn more and get involved at EarthDayDurango.com.

An informed community is a healthy community - and radio plays a big role in that.On this episode of Common Air, we’re turning the mic back on the station that hosts the show: KDUR Durango. Louise Snodgrass speaks with Jon Lynch, Program Director at KDUR, about his journey into radio and what has kept him in it over the years. The conversation explores what makes KDUR unique in the media landscape -- most notably it's diverse DJs and wide-range of music programming.Jon shares how KDUR has remained a constant in Durango since 1975, offering regional/local news, public affairs programming, and a space for diverse music that reflects the character of La Plata County. Tune in to learn how KDUR continues to connect people, amplify voices, and serve as a vital part of the local media landscape. Support KDUR Durango by becoming a member! Visit KDUR.org

Chance Parker, Public Health Student at Fort Lewis College and Annie Lawson, Program Navigator for the Healthcare Workforce Pipeline join us for this week's episode of Common Air. Chance and Annie highlight the growing need for behavioral health professionals in Southwest Colorado. Together, they explore how workforce gaps impact community wellbeing and what it takes to build a stronger, more accessible healthcare system in a rural region.The conversation highlights pathways into behavioral health careers for students and working adults, the importance of growing local talent, and the opportunities available to those interested in entering the field. Learn more about behavorial health careers at an upcoming panel at Fort Lewis College on April 2nd in the Student Union at 4:00pm.

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Nina Lundstrom, Executive Director of Maria’s Literary Foundation about the power of books to build connection, curiosity, and community. Born out of Durango’s beloved Maria’s Bookshop, the foundation works to expand access to books and storytelling across the Four Corners through free literary programs, book donations, Golden Bookmarks, and The Reading Room—a welcoming space where young people can read, write, and gather.The conversation explores why access to books matters and the impact of making literature accessible to everyone. Nina also shares details about the upcoming Read-A-Thon fundraiser! Taking place April 10th thru April 20th, community members will read in the window of Maria’s Bookshop to help support free books and literary programming throughout the region. Learn more by visiting their website: mariasbookshop.com/marias-literary-foundation

Rural America has stories worth telling. On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass speaks with Ilana Newman, a Visual Editor and Multimedia Correspondent for the Daily Yonder, a national publication that provides news, commentary, and analysis about and for rural America.Together, they discuss what makes rural life unique and why sharing these experiences with a national audience helps deepen understanding across communities. Ilana also reflects on her experience reporting from small towns and highlights the important role nonprofit news organizations play in sustaining thoughtful, place-based journalism. Listen to the Daily Yonder's new radio show, "Yonder Radio": https://dailyyonder.com/yonder-radio/This episode of Common Air originally aired on March 10th, 2026. Common Air is a public affairs program produced by KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9 FM and airs every Tuesday at 9am.

A name that means “journey” tells a story long before the first dish is served. On this episode of Common Air, Chef Safari shares the path that led him from Matsangoni, Kenya, to Durango, Colorado. Trained at Kenya Utalii College and seasoned by a global culinary career spanning Europe and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Chef Safari now calls Southwest Colorado home where he operates Chef Safari’s African Fusion food truck.The conversation explores how his global career shapes his cooking, what “African Fusion” truly means, and how blending traditional flavors with American favorites creates both familiarity and discovery. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Safari reflects on mentorship, family, community, and the role food plays in storytelling and connection. Tune in to hear how one chef’s journey is adding bold new flavor to Durango’s food scene.This episode of Common Air originally aired on March 3rd, 2026. Common Air is a public affairs program produced by KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9 FM and airs every Tuesday at 9am.

On this episode of Common Air, Susan Jones, Collections Manager at the Animas Museum, joins Louise Snodgrass to explore how La Plata County’s past connects to Colorado’s 150th anniversary in 2026. From the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition to the layered histories of the Ancient Pueblos, Ute peoples, Spanish settlers, and later communities, the Animas Museum is hosting a new exhibit "Crossroads: 1776–2026" that weaves together the trails, migrations, and defining moments that shaped Southwest Colorado.The conversation also highlights the museum’s role as a historic 1904 schoolhouse turned community anchor, serving as a home to preserved classrooms, research archives, oral histories, and dynamic programming that keeps local history alive. Tune in to learn how the Animas Museum perserves our local history and how they are marking the 150th year anniversary of Colorado and Animas City.Learn more: https://www.animasmuseum.org/

Fifteen years ago, the Grub Hub was a small food shelf. Today, it stands at the center of student well-being at Fort Lewis College. On this episode of Common Air, Stella Zhu, Basic Needs Coordinator and Associate Director of Student Well-being at Fort Lewis College, and Critter Golden, Development Officer with the FLC Office of Advancement, join Louise Snodgrass to highlight the 15th anniversary of the FLC Grub Hub and celebrate the generosity fueling the culture of belonging at Fort Lewis College. The conversation explores how philanthropy supports student success, why investing in basic needs strengthens the entire campus community, and how listeners can take part in the March 4 celebration. Get your tickets: https://fortlewis.edu/grubhubgives

Pam Moore, Executive Director of HomesFund, joins Louise Snodgrass on this episode of Common Air to talk candidly about housing affordability in Southwest Colorado. Louise and Pam discuss the gap between local incomes and home prices, offering clear context around Area Median Income, homeownership, and rental costs across the region.Pam shares how HomesFund helps bridge that gap through homebuyer education classes, individualized housing counseling, down payment assistance, and tools that support long-term affordability. Learn more about HomesFund and their programs that support home buyers on their website: https://homesfund.org/

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass sits down with Susan Hakanson, Executive Director of the Durango Adult Education Center, to talk about why adult education matters for our entire community. They discuss how DAEC supports adults through GED and English language programs that open doors to better jobs, continued education, and greater stability.The conversation also focuses on DAEC’s diverse offers and the growing need for volunteers. Susan shares how community support helps remove barriers to learning and why investing in adult learners strengthens both our local economy and the wellbeing of our region. Learn more and support the Durango/Cortez Adult Education Center on their website: Durangoadulted.org

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Elijah Smith, President of Fort Lewis College the Black Student Union, along with Malia Mischke, Vice President of the Black Student Union. They discuss how the Black Student Union and Black Student Resource Center shape student culture, foster leadership, and build a stronger sense of belonging on campus.The conversation also reflects on Black History Month and its ongoing relevance, highlighting how student-led efforts at Fort Lewis College extend beyond campus and into the broader community. Elijah and Malia share how creating space for Black voices, education, and connection strengthens both the student experience and community at large.

In this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass sits down with Jeff Dupont, CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, to talk about how the Chamber supports local businesses through education, advocacy, and meaningful connection across the region.The conversation reflects on what it looks like when businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders show up for one another, and why collaboration matters so deeply in places like Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio. Along the way, Jeff shares how the annual event, Southwest Colorado Rocks, celebrates these values and invites the community to take part in recognizing the people and organizations helping Southwest Colorado thrive.Visit the Durango Chamber of Commerce website: https://www.durangobusiness.org/

"There must be something in the water." Southwest Colorado is a hot bed of entrepreneurship. Why? In this episode of Common Air, Heather Otter of Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE) and Turner Wyatt of SmallCapital join the conversation to offer a look into the entrepreneurial spirit of the region and the role small, local businesses play in supporting community wellbeing.The conversation explores the landscape of entrepreneurship in Southwest Colorado and what makes it distinct, including strong partnerships, passion, and a desire to contribute to the greater good. Heather and Turner also reflect on bigger ideas like employee ownership and social investment to build capacity for small business. Tune in to learn how these approaches can help address current wealth inequalities while strengthening local economies.Learn more about SCAPE and their work supporting start-up businesses: www.goscape.orgLearn more about SmallCapital and employee ownership models: smallcapital.org

In this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Dr. Tapati Dutta, Chair of the Public Health Department at Fort Lewis College, to talk about her background and current research focused on language, community, and health. Dr. Dutta shares how her work translating the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) began during COVID and led to a deeper realization about the absence of this tool in Tribal languages.The MSPSS is an essential tool used all of the world to understand the strength of community bonds and social supports. Now, Fort Lewis College students and Dr. Dutta have translated this scale and have conducted community-centered research to make it available in Diné Bizaad.Dr. Dutta and her team of students are now ready for their next phase of research. This phase includes two Diné-language versions of the MSPSS scale—one translated word-for-word from English and another adapted to include cultural context. Diné speakers who are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Dr. Tapati Dutta to learn more about this important work.

Access to affordable, quality childcare is essential to fostering a healthy community. Heather Hawk, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County joins us on this episode of Common Air to discuss the impacts of early childhood education on families, children, and the community as a whole. In the discussion, Heather shares the current gap of care in La Plata County and discusses many of the systemic issues that have led us to the current landscape. But there is hope on the horizon. Tune in to learn more about the community-driven Childcare Investment Strategy and the ways our community to come together to solve the early childcare crisis in La Plata County. Learn more about the Early Childcare Investment Strategy by visiting https://yeslpc.com/childcare-strategy/

Water is top of mind for many in the Western United States. On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass sits down with Teal Lehto, environmental activist, and content creator to unpack what’s happening with water in our region and why it deserves our attention.The conversation explores the Colorado River Basin, climate change, declining water availability, and the growing momentum of Indigenous-led solutions. Teal also highlights the positive role of beavers and wetlands in strengthening our watershed and offers practical actions listeners can take to stay informed and engaged. Tune in to learn how policy, ecology, and community action intersect!You can follow Teal’s work at Westernwatergirl on Instagram and Tiktok for ongoing insights on water in the West.

Teri and Tony Gasaway, founders of Stillwater Music, along with Vanessa Jergensen, Program & Marketing Manager join us on this episode of Common Air . Together, they reflect on Stillwater’s 20-year journey from a small idea to a regional music education program serving 1,500 students across Southwest Colorado. The conversation explores how Stillwater built its foundation on joy, belonging, and a belief that music should be accessible to everyone.Stillwater is currently celebrating this milestone with a $100,000 matching gift campaign, doubling every donation made through the end of the year. Tune in to hear how Stillwater is expanding access to music education for students of all ages and abilities, and visit stillwatermusic.org to learn more and get involved.

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Lisa Weber, Board Chair of the ELHI Community Center in Ignacio, to reflect on ELHI’s 10-year journey from a former school building to a lively hub for nonprofits, youth services, small businesses, and community gatherings. She also highlights the upcoming Taste of Christmas celebration on Friday, December 5 — complete with the Light Parade, courtyard games, a holiday market at ELHI, photos with Santa, and Dancing Spirit’s “Fill Your Bowl” fundraiser. Tune in to learn how the ELHI Community Center continues to strengthen Ignacio’s sense of place and community spirit.

On this episode of Common Air, Louise Snodgrass is joined by Joshua Kling, Director of Outdoor Pursuits (OP) at Fort Lewis College. Josh shares how a cross-country bike trip set him on a path to attend Fort Lewis College and how OP became the center of his college experience. He learned new outdoor skills, built a strong sense of community, developed his leadership, and even launched his own guiding business—experiences that ultimately led him back to OP to help students grow in the same transformative ways.From guiding someone down their first slope to preparing them for a once-in-a-lifetime backcountry expedition, OP expands access to the outdoors and supports students as they grow. The program provides upgraded gear, student-led training, and financial assistance that removes barriers to participation. Tune in to learn how Outdoor Pursuits is shaping confident leaders, and visit their website to discover upcoming programs and opportunities. www.fortlewis.edu/life-at-flc/sports-recreation/outdoor-pursuits/op-home

In this episode, Louise Snodgrass talks with Jenny Hill, Executive Director, and Erika Brown, Regional Energy Coach with the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE). The conversation explores how 4CORE is helping communities across Southwest Colorado shape more resilient energy futures. Erika and Jenny share how their team supports residents and businesses through energy efficiency programs, rebate access, and initiatives like Project Sunshare, which expands affordable solar opportunities for working families.Tune in to learn how their work is shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for the region, and visit 4CORE’s website to explore current programs and opportunities to get involved. https://www.fourcore.org/

This week on Common Air, Louise Snodgrass sits down with Stella Zhu and Emily Bennet from the Fort Lewis College Grub Hub to talk about how they’re supporting students’ basic needs and building a stronger culture of care on campus. They share how the Grub Hub helps students access healthy food, housing resources, and personal essentials all while working to remove stigma and create a welcoming, inclusive space for anyone who needs support.The conversation also spotlights Giving Tuesday on December 2, when every donation to the Grub Hub will be matched by a foundation, doubling its impact. Tune in to learn how community support strengthens student wellbeing, and visit their website to stay updated on ways to get involved.https://www.fortlewis.edu/life-at-flc/health-safety/student-well-being/grub-hubThis episode was recorded on November 4, 2025

This week on Common Air, Louise Snodgrass talks with Alex Vick and Kelsie Borland from The Hive about the community, creativity, and collaboration behind their brand-new space in Durango.Join them for their Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, November 1 from 4–7 p.m., featuring free food, community shoutouts, and an all-ages skate competition, followed by a punk show from 7–11 p.m. with Gabe Casual, Wavelengths, Mommy Milkers, and Undisassembled.Learn more about The Hive on their website: https://thehivedgo.org/

This week on Common Air, Louise Snodgrass sits down with Artemis Eiyster and Jules Gavin from the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center to talk about student-led sustainability, campus initiatives, and this year’s upcoming Sustainability Summit on October 29.They share how the Environmental Center empowers students to turn ideas into action through hands-on projects like managing the Free Store and e-bike program to leading composting, trail maintenance, and ecological landscaping projects. Artemis discusses how professional staff support these initiatives and connect students to research, career, and community opportunities in the growing field of sustainability.The conversation also dives into the importance of collaboration across campus and community, highlighting this year’s Summit partnership with the Good Food Collective and the unveiling of the La Plata County Food System Plan.Tune in to hear how the next generation of environmental leaders is shaping a more resilient, connected future right here in southwest Colorado.

This week, Darcy Poletti and Nancy Stoffer from the Durango Public Library join us on Common Air. What begins as a conversation about the library’s annual Literary Festival unfolds into a reflection on the role of libraries in building community. Together, they explore the creativity and connection fostered within the library and the wide range of programs that make it a cornerstone of community life year-round.Learn more about the Durango Public Library: www.durangoco.gov/1749/Library

Matt Salka, La Plata County Commissioner, joins Common Air for a conversation about the proposed one-cent sales tax and what it means for county services, residents, and the local economy. The discussion takes a look at how La Plata County is funded, why revenues have remained flat despite rising costs, and how a modest sales-tax adjustment could affect everything from road maintenance to public safety and wildfire preparedness.Learn more about the proposal and explore the facts at www.onecentlaplata.comThis episode was recorded on October 7, 2025

Matthew Schaeffer and Emily Bell join Common Air to discuss the importance of reconciliation and understanding our past in order to move forward together. The conversation explores the history of Fort Lewis College, the reconciliation work supported by Schaeffer in his role as Reconciliation Coordinator, and how the former Federal Indian Boarding School at the Old Fort in Hesperus is using agriculture as a tool for healing rather than assimilation.Learn more about the Old Fort at Hesperus and Emily's work on their website: https://www.fortlewis.edu/the-old-fort/History Colorado is hosting a series of Community Listening Sessions for families and individuals impacted by the history of American Indian Boarding Schools. OPEN to survivors, descendants, and those who have direct family connection to Federal Indian Boarding Schools.Session 1: Information about the legislation and community input on the project. - October 23, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 pm, Fort Lewis College Student Union, Vallecito Room Session 2: Families share their relationship to American Indian Boarding Schools. - November 17, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 pm, La Plata County Fairgrounds, Main Exhibit Hall & KitchenSession 3: Recommendations for remembering and healing for Boarding School families - TBD Spring 2026RSVP HERE: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8456886/RSVP-for-American-Indian-Boarding-School-Research-Project-Community-Feedback-Session"Common Air" is a local public affairs program on KDUR Durango that highlights the local voices and local happenings shaping our community. You can catch Common Air LIVE on KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9FM or KDUR.org every Tuesday morning at 9:00am (MST).

Chris Andrews and Joseph Kuzma join Common Air this week to highlight the stories, history, and services of Manna—a Durango-based nonprofit with a mission to provide, in the spirit of faith and love, nourishing meals and supportive services in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for those in need.Tune in to learn about all of their amazing work and how their services have evolved over 40 years. Ready to donate or volunteer? Visit Mannasoupkitchen.org"Common Air" is a local public affairs program on KDUR Durango that highlights the local voices and local happenings shaping our community. You can catch Common Air LIVE on KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9FM or KDUR.org every Tuesday morning at 9:00am (MST).

Sia Gomez-Boyiddle, Assistant Director of El Centro De Muchos Colores, and Alma Alejandre, President of Ballet Folklorico and VP of Club del Centro join us on Common Air this week to chat about FLC's El Centro and give us the details on all their events, programs, and the upcoming Fiesta on the Mesa. "Common Air" is a local public affairs program on KDUR Durango that highlights the local voices and local happenings shaping our community. You can catch Common Air LIVE on KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9FM or KDUR.org every Tuesday morning at 9:00am (MST).

Bailey Carlson and Stephen O'Brien join us for the VERY FIRST episode of Common Air. Tune in to learn more about the Four Corners Diversity Alliance, the LGBTQIA+ community of La Plata County, and their Fall Pride festival."Common Air" a local public affairs program on KDUR Durango that highlights the local voices and local happenings shaping our community. You can catch Common Air LIVE on KDUR Durango 91.9 & 93.9FM or KDUR.org every Tuesday morning at 9:00am (MST).This episode was recorded on September 9th, 2025