Like many scenic communities, Steamboat Springs is experiencing explosive population growth. This invasion of humanity has created many community challenges and concerns, key among them the protection of the environment in the face of major development. Aspen Invasion comments on the abundance of condominiums that are proliferating on the aspen-covered mountains, altering and destroying habitat. From hot tub to hot tub, the (wo)man made viruses ooze, covering and smothering anything in their paths. This piece highlights the challenges of population growth, consumerism, and environmental protection.