In the West, our rivers are more than just waterways—they’re the lifeblood of our wild landscapes. Whether you’re running cattle, growing peaches, casting a fly, navigating a rapid or simply soaking in a riverside sunset, you’ve felt the power and the serenity of these waters. But how do we know if our rivers are healthy? That’s where restoration, monitoring—and you—come in. At Forever Our Rivers, we improve water quality and restore wildlife along rivers and streams throughout the Southwest including the Gunnison, Verde, South Platte, Dolores, Escalante—even the mighty Colorado. But rivers aren’t static. Once a project is finished, active, skilled monitoring is key to ensure the restoration remains effective. Volunteers are needed now more than ever. And volunteering can take many forms. If you’re not excited about spending the day removing tamarisk with a chain saw, a less arduous way to contribute is by learning to monitor water and habitat health on your local river. It’s easier than you might think—and it’s fascinating. Through research that began in 2018, Western Colorado University students and volunteers led by Associate Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology Pat Magee helped shape local policy by monitoring great blue heron nesting sites. Their data led to community outreach and new habitat protections along the Slate River near Crested Butte, Colorado. The volunteers, people like you and me, are helping baby chicks survive. Across the Southwest, groups we collaborate with also rely on volunteers to protect and restore river ecosystems. Running now through May 3, Friends of the Verde is seeking volunteers to help with the third annual Bio Blitz , a community-driven event inviting volunteers to help identify as many living species as possible within the Verde Watershed. Rivers Edge West currently lists sixteen volunteer or educational events taking place in the Grand Valley over the next twelve months. The Roaring Fork Conservancy is seeking volunteers April 25 – 29 for the annual Watershed Cleanup on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers near Carbondale, Colorado. Sometimes you can even get paid to help, Conservation Legacy’s youth crews collect essential water quality data while building job skills and deepening their connection to nature. You can read more about these success stories in the links below. Whether you’re a student, retiree or weekend warrior, there’s a place for you. You don’t need a science degree—just a love for rivers and a willingness to learn. Together, we can keep our waterways clean, our habitats healthy and our communities strong. Want to help? Reply to this email or visit Forever Our Rivers to find a conservation group near you. See you on the water, Brian Riepe Grant Program Lead
In the West, our rivers are more than just waterways—they’re the lifeblood of our wild landscapes. Whether you’re running cattle, growing peaches, casting a fly, navigating a rapid or simply soaking in a riverside sunset, you’ve felt the power and the serenity of these waters. But how do we know if our rivers are healthy? That’s where restoration, monitoring—and you—come in. At Forever Our Rivers, we improve water quality and restore wildlife along rivers and streams throughout the Southwest including the Gunnison, Verde, South Platte, Dolores, Escalante—even the mighty Colorado. But rivers aren’t static. Once a project is finished, active, skilled monitoring is key to ensure the restoration remains effective. Volunteers are needed now more than ever. And volunteering can take many forms. If you’re not excited about spending the day removing tamarisk with a chain saw, a less arduous way to contribute is by learning to monitor water and habitat health on your local river. It’s easier than you might think—and it’s fascinating. Through research that began in 2018, Western Colorado University students and volunteers led by Associate Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology Pat Magee helped shape local policy by monitoring great blue heron nesting sites. Their data led to community outreach and new habitat protections along the Slate River near Crested Butte, Colorado. The volunteers, people like you and me, are helping baby chicks survive. Across the Southwest, groups we collaborate with also rely on volunteers to protect and restore river ecosystems. Running now through May 3, Friends of the Verde is seeking volunteers to help with the third annual Bio Blitz , a community-driven event inviting volunteers to help identify as many living species as possible within the Verde Watershed. Rivers Edge West currently lists sixteen volunteer or educational events taking place in the Grand Valley over the next twelve months. The Roaring Fork Conservancy is seeking volunteers April 25 – 29 for the annual Watershed Cleanup on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers near Carbondale, Colorado. Sometimes you can even get paid to help, Conservation Legacy’s youth crews collect essential water quality data while building job skills and deepening their connection to nature. You can read more about these success stories in the links below. Whether you’re a student, retiree or weekend warrior, there’s a place for you. You don’t need a science degree—just a love for rivers and a willingness to learn. Together, we can keep our waterways clean, our habitats healthy and our communities strong. Want to help? Reply to this email or visit Forever Our Rivers to find a conservation group near you. See you on the water, Brian Riepe Grant Program Lead
Welcome to our first edition of Currents, the updated monthly newsletter from Forever Our Rivers
Welcome to our first edition of Currents, the updated monthly newsletter from Forever Our Rivers
This Holiday Season, Help Make Snow Angels with Forever Our Rivers
Rivers Offer Relief from Daily Stress, Boost Mental Health
Visit Your Rivers in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness
Forever Our Rivers Receives Accreditation
Surviving the Chill: The Marvels of Cold-Weather Stream Life
White Fluff, River Health and Wildlife
