Meet Krista Rogers | Corps Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krista Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krista, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Maine, the daughter of a State Park manager. My sisters and I grew up on public lands, interacting with hikers, boaters, and campers from all over throughout our childhoods. This unique upbringing fundamentally affected who I am as a person and as a professional today. It jumpstarted my love of the outdoors, taught me how to talk to people from all walks of life, the importance of stewardship, and how outdoor recreation can provide valuable learning opportunities to all. From that baseline, I continue to grow and learn: I knew my interest was in the earth and how we live among it, how access to the outdoors can be challenging, and how environmentalists and outdoor recreation professionals can contribute to a path forward in harmony with ancestral knowledge, experience, and belonging.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Corps Director for Conservation Legacy, but it wasn’t always an easy path. I had many disappointments along the way, mostly around rejections from jobs I really wanted or that would progress me in my career. Through that, resilience and perseverance was key to overcoming setbacks. I was very active in asking for feedback – both constructive and positive. I seek out mentors that can work with me to use my strengths to address areas that I can improve. I’m of the belief that failure is the best teacher: it’s impossible sometimes to see a path forward when you hit a barrier, but if you take a real critical look at why you failed, you can employ new strategies to either try again or try something different. Life is not a set course, and being open to possibilities makes the journey so interesting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Durango is a great City, and I’m fortunate enough to live fairly close to our downtown. If a friend visits in the summer, I’d get us a one-way ticket on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Before hopping on the train, we’d get breakfast at College Ave Cafe or the Durango Diner, then we’d wave goodbye to town and spend 3 hours on the train to Silverton – so much to see, and fantastic views! We’d get a pickup in Silverton, and on the way back to town stop at James Ranch Grill for a delicious local burger. After a day sitting, we’d walk the river trail through town, or do a short hike up Smelter Mountain for a town panorama. That evening, we’d eat at Taco Libre and wander to find a local artist and a good beverage. On day two, we’d head to Vallecito Lake for a day on the water – packing our own boats for paddling. Dinner at El Moro or Steamworks, then a night at the speakeasy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michelle Markley and Lynn Sullivan, two of the many great teachers in my life. Sara Knowles, who has turned from a mentor to a friend. I recommend everyone read ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’, which is one of the most important and best books I’ve ever read.

Image Credits
photos: Katie Nemmer and Filip Karamarko