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Steamboat Springs — Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication. The Talking Green event is from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Organizers of the monthly Talking Green event thought they would try something different.

The event series, held the second Wednesday of each month for the past two years, usually takes place at area restaurants. But given this month's topic - sustainability of agricultural buildings - the Steamboat Springs green building group will present a case study.

They thought the Rocking C Bar Ranch, owned by Marsha and Doc Daughenbaugh, "seemed like a perfect fit for a Talking Green event," said Sarah Fox, vice president of Fox Construction.

Fox said that because some structures on the ranch were moved from other properties and restored, and because of Marsha Daughenbaugh's experience with area organizations including the Community Agricultural Alliance and Vision 2030, holding the event on location was ideal.

The event will include the Daughenbaughs discussing their property, which was purchased by Marsha's father in 1946.

Marsha Daughenbaugh said three buildings on the ranch were relocated from other properties. The barn was moved from the old Taylor place near the Upper Elk River, she said. Daughenbaugh said two smaller buildings were moved from the Mount Harris area when the coal mining community shut down.

Marsha Daughenbaugh said those structures were moved simply because it was cheaper than building new ones.

"He was pretty resourceful," she said about her father. "He had a lot of things working in his head about how to make things work with a little amount of dollars. He and my mother didn't have much money."

Marsha Daughenbaugh added that her father's use of the buildings was a good resource, and it's been her and DocDaughenbaugh's goal to use those buildings and maintain them so they last forever.

Towny Anderson, executive director of Historic Routt County, also will give a presentation at the event. Anderson will talk about the importance of sustainability and the preservation of historic buildings.

"The greenest buildings are the ones already built," he said about the cost of preserving buildings being less than building new ones, not to mention keeping old buildings prevents additional materials from being discarded in landfills.

Anderson said dilapidated buildings tend to symbolize agricultural properties in decline, which isn't the case at Rocking C Bar Ranch, a hay, grain and cattle operation.

"In Doc's and Marsha's cases, that's particularly poignant with some of the buildings that were moved there," he said. "That's another example of recycling."

The Yampa Valley Sustainability Council sponsors the Talking Green events, aimed at increasing awareness in the community of different green building and sustainability practices.

The event is a potluck barbecue. The Daughenbaughs will provide burgers, and those who attend are encouraged to bring their favorite side dishes.

To RSVP, or for more information, e-mail Sarah Fox at sarah@fox-construction or call her at 970-734-5006.