 In 1997, the TI invented the idea of Greenbucks, printed vouchers that one earns by working for environmental clean-up and restoration projects and that can be used as tickets to local concerts or at participating stores and restaurants.The institute administered the Greenbucks program in Telluride, Mountain Village, and other nearby towns.In partnership with the Town of Telluride, the TI held its first annual black bear awareness week in 2005.