Katrina Blair, the founder, director, and CEO of Turtle Lake Refuge, has died, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, holistic health, and community education. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and supporters who knew her as a passionate advocate for wild foods, ecological awareness, and sustainable living in the American Southwest.
Blair was widely recognized in Durango and beyond for her work establishing and leading Turtle Lake Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the connection between personal health and wild lands. Through workshops, educational programs, and community outreach, she encouraged people to develop a deeper relationship with nature by learning about wild edible plants, local ecosystems, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
Her philosophy blended environmental activism with holistic wellness, emphasizing that human health and the health of the natural world are inseparable. This approach became the foundation of her life’s work and helped Turtle Lake Refuge become a respected voice in the growing movement toward sustainable and plant-based living.
Blair’s educational background reflected her lifelong interest in biology, ecology, and integrative health. She studied Biology at Colorado College, where she developed a scientific understanding of natural systems. She later pursued Holistic Health Education at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California, further shaping her belief in the connection between physical well-being and environmental balance. These academic experiences helped her combine scientific knowledge with holistic philosophy, a hallmark of her teaching and leadership style.
A longtime resident and native of Durango, Colorado, Blair remained closely tied to her hometown throughout her life. Durango’s mountainous landscapes, rivers, and wilderness areas played a central role in her personal and professional identity. She often drew inspiration from the surrounding environment, using it as a living classroom for her teachings on wild foods and ecological awareness.
At Turtle Lake Refuge, Blair served not only as founder but also as a hands-on educator and community leader. She led wild food foraging walks, cooking demonstrations, and environmental workshops designed to help participants reconnect with nature in practical and meaningful ways. Her work encouraged individuals to see wild plants not as untapped resources, but as essential parts of a living ecosystem that supports both human and environmental health.
Colleagues and participants often described her as deeply knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to her mission. Many noted her ability to translate complex ecological ideas into accessible lessons that inspired people from all walks of life. Her teachings emphasized respect for biodiversity, seasonal eating, and the importance of understanding local landscapes.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Blair was also known for her personal relationships and strong ties to family and community. She is survived by family members including her sister, Kelly McMenimen; her brother, Kurt Blair; and other relatives, including Will J Watts. She was also noted to have been in a relationship at the time of her passing, reflecting the close personal connections she maintained throughout her life.
Friends and colleagues have described her as someone who lived in alignment with her values, consistently practicing the principles she taught. Her life in Durango was marked by a commitment to both personal growth and community engagement, and she remained active in local environmental and wellness initiatives for many years.
The impact of her work extends beyond Durango, as Turtle Lake Refuge has inspired individuals and groups interested in foraging, herbalism, nutrition, and ecological restoration. Many who attended her programs say she changed the way they see food, land, and health, encouraging a more mindful and sustainable approach to everyday living.
Following news of her death, tributes have highlighted her role as a pioneer in connecting holistic health education with environmental advocacy. Supporters have emphasized that her teachings will continue through the ongoing work of Turtle Lake Refuge and the many students and community members she influenced over the years.
As Durango reflects on her life and contributions, Katrina Blair is being remembered not only for the organization she built, but for the philosophy she embodied — one that encouraged respect for the earth, awareness of natural systems, and a belief in the healing power of wild landscapes.
Her legacy remains deeply tied to the mountains and ecosystems of Colorado, where she spent much of her life teaching others how to live more consciously and sustainably.
