Meet the A-Team: Virginia Leffler
Unseen wildlife need loud advocates. That's the rallying cry behind the RFSP Advocacy Team (aka the A-Team), a group of valley residents who show up for this work in their own words, through their own networks, and with their own differing skillsets. Because safe passages for wildlife don't happen without a community behind them — they happen because of it. Virginia Leffler is one of those people. An administrative assistant at Aspen Elementary School and six-year valley resident, Virginia was writing letters to the BOCC and CDOT about wildlife crossings before RFSP even existed. We sat down with her to find out what drives her — and what gives her hope.
What’s your day job?
Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Aspen Elementary School
How long have you lived in the Roaring Fork Valley, and what brought you here?
We moved here a little over six years ago. This valley was our favorite place and I decided we needed to live here!
What's your most memorable wildlife encounter in the valley?
Oh, there are so many amazing ones! One of the cutest was last fall. We were sitting on our porch and a giant bear sauntered into the yard, plopped down, and started devouring all the cherries on our small tree. We watched him eat all he wanted then he moseyed out of the yard- we are so lucky to live in this amazing place!
What's your favorite spot in the valley and why?
It’s a secret 😊
What made you want to get involved with Roaring Fork Safe Passages?
I was so excited to discover RFSP right when it started! I had been writing letters to anyone I could think of from BOCC to CDOT right after I moved here to try to get someone to really care about this issue. I was thrilled to connect with Cecily who was many steps ahead of me with Safe Passages.
Have you ever had a personal experience with a wildlife-vehicle collision? How did it affect you?
Luckily no, in the sense of I have not hit an animal myself, but sadly I have seen a number of vehicle-animal collisions and it breaks my heart every time.
When you imagine the Roaring Fork Valley 20 years from now, what do you hope to see?
My wish would be to see it barely changed. I don’t think we can go back in time, but I would love it if we could massively slow down development and protect what open spaces and wildlife we still have.
What's always in your car/backpack when you're out in the valley?
A hat and kleenex!
If you could be any animal that uses our valley, which would you be and why?
A Moose that lives in Beth Wille’s yard. I love Moose- they seem chill but don’t mess with them!
What's been the most rewarding part of being a RFSP advocate?
Everything! I love talking about RFSP with all different kinds of people. I have yet to meet one person who does not think this is an important issue. I love that strides are being made in our valley and across Colorado. Most of all, I have loved getting to partner with the kids at AES to support them in advocating for RFSP.
What gives you hope about this work for the future?
The BOCC’s recent match gives me great hope! Working with kids who are passionate about protecting wildlife in our valley also gives me great hope!
