JACK TURNER is the founder of the Durango Native programs.  The stories, guide service, and historic presentations are the result of six generations (more than 150 years) of family, friends, and community in the beautiful Animas Valley of southwest Colorado.  In fact it pre-dates the official founding of Durango in 1880.

The journey to officially establish Durango Native crisscrossed the world.  Taught by his parents to ski in the local mountains, Jack Turner competed for the Durango High School Ski Team and eventually made his way to the U.S. Ski Team.  It was the start of a 35-year career in the ski and snowboard world. Interesting highlights include serving as an Olympic Games expert commentator for ABC Television and leading the first-ever snowboard expedition to the Islamic Republic of Iran (1997).

Jack Turner is the award winning author of “Landscapes On Glass” (with foreword by President Bill Clinton), filmmaker, television producer, and community volunteer.   He was elected to the famed Explorers Club (est. 1904 New York City) and enjoys river running, hunting, mountain biking, and exploring the mountains and deserts of the southwest.

Our family is been blessed to have so many friends and be part of the community that is Durango, La Plata County, Colorado, and the greater southwest (AZ, NM, UT, NV, and CA).   We’re passing the legacy to the next generation and sharing the same with others.

The original natives, pioneer families, longtime residents, and newcomers have all contributed to our community. Here is a peek at 6 generations of our family album.