Meet Our Contributors

Marnie has been a registered nurse for 18 years. Originally from Utah, she relocated to Fruita 11 years ago with her husband, two boys and two dogs. Marnie and her family love the Fruita area for its vast outdoor activities.

Jodi Buchan is a story explorer who came to Colorado by way of North Dakota. She is the author of numerous local and national magazine articles. Her book Western Colorado Fruit & Wine: A Bountiful History takes readers on a journey where the peach dictates time, and vines are cause for celebration.

Danielle is a lifestyle photographer, freelance graphic designer and owner of Birch and Twine Photography. She also works in the marketing department at Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties doing corporate design, branding, and social media management.

Abigail M. Garton is an English-Writing major and Editor in Chief for Horizon Magazine at CMU. Her passion in activism and her love of creative non-fiction and poetry bleed together in her writing. She is currently working on a feminist-focused poetry collection of self-discovery.

Evan Linko is a freelance reporter who has lived in Grand Junction for more than 20 years. Linko attended Grand Junction High School and later Colorado Mesa University, where he studied journalism.

Tyler is a Colorado native and local professional photographer. With years behind the camera, he approaches each new series of photos with fresh eyes and ideas. Tyler is inspired by the beauty and spirit Colorado offers. When not behind the camera, in the cutting room, or working on odd projects, Tyler enjoys his time with…

Mike Moran relocated to the Grand Valley in 1997 from Rochester NY. Mike worked for 31-years in the media world as sports producer, anchor and reporter. Mike is now a realtor and co-manager for Heiden Homes Realty. He teaches Speechmaking classes at CMU and is the advisor for the campus Circle K Kiwanis Club.

As a nonprofit professional with a deep love for public lands, Joe is the founding Executive Director of Colorado Canyons Association. Living in the valley since 2005, Joe can be found adventuring with his dogs, playing music with friends, or serving on one of several community nonprofit boards.

Robb Reece is an accomplished photographer and Colorado native. When not shooting photos, he’s out trail running, cycling and adventuring around the globe with his wife and two children. Contact: Robb Reece 970.261.8103 or [email protected].

Aaron Reynolds is a freelance writer that contributes regularly to the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor newspaper, as well as co-founder of FitRated.com. From an early age he was introduced to the wonderful outdoors of Colorado and now enjoys spending his time hiking through the Redlands or fishing and camping on the Grand Mesa.

Carrington Schaeffer is a writer, podcaster, actress, and creative based in Fruita. In 2005, she and her husband launched Hoptocopter™ Films, a creative video production company for which she is the principal copywriter, editor, and voice over artist. In her spare time, Carrington is a mother of two little boys, a freelance writer, and a…

Melissa Statler graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2016. Melissa is a freelance writer and photographer on the Western Slope. She and her husband also enjoy playing acoustic music together and performing at local venues.

Cole Wilson is a Colorado native who has lived in the Grand Valley for three years. He is currently working towards a degree at Colorado Mesa University and will graduate in 2019.

Robbie Urquhart is a freelance writer living in Fruita, CO where she enjoys all that the area offers. You may find her on the trails, in the pool, or sitting on one of the many benches in town.