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Branham: Solastalgia — Homesick for home
By Lindsay Branham Follow at Aspen Times
· July 15, 2026
· 4 min read
There is a word for the great ache of witnessing environmental change to a place you love. Solastalgia. Solace, derived from the Latin sōlācium, meaning comfort, and -algia, from the Greek algos, meaning pain. Lately, when I stand at the edge of the Roaring Fork River looking in, and see the stru...
Key takeaway The Roaring Fork River’s cubic feet per second measurement, taken today at 6:30 a.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The dwindling flow of the Roaring Fork River, with its current cubic feet per second measurement at a mere 3.844 cfs, has significant implications for Pitkin County's ecosystem and residents. As the river's health declines, so too does the habitat for local wildlife, from fish to plants, that rely on its waters. The appearance of didymosphenia geminata, a pale-brown algae, on rocks in the riverbed further exacerbates the issue, threatening to destroy fish habitats and disrupt the delicate balance of the watershed. For Aspen residents, the emotional toll of witnessing this environmental degradation cannot be overstated, evoking feelings of solastalgia and a deep sense of loss for the valley they once knew. As the city and county grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial that they prioritize efforts to protect and preserve the Roaring Fork River and its surrounding ecosystem, ensuring the long-term health and wellbeing of both the environment and the community.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? There is a word for the great ache of witnessing environmental change to a place you love. Solastalgia. Solace, derived from the Latin sōlācium, meaning comfort, and -algia, from the Greek algos, meaning pain. Lately, when I stand at the edge of the Roaring Fork River looking in, and see the stru...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lindsay Branham Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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