Forever Our Rivers

Snow Angels are Real

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 22:02:22 GMT

This Holiday Season, Help Make Snow Angels with Forever Our Rivers

As days get shorter and the sun follows a low path on the southern horizon, throughout the four corners’ region our celebrated rivers are quietly freezing over. Tiny ice rafts form, fish retreat to the deepest channels and the once furious currents have decreased to a fraction of summertime glory.

On December 21, 2024 the solstice will pass and winter will be upon us. It’s officially time for river lovers to stop tracking runoff by cubic feet per second and instead become preoccupied with snow depth high in the Rockies.

It’s time to celebrate each winter storm, praise Ullr and do snow dances. And It’s time to make snow angels.

This is the time of year when nature starts building reserves in the high alpine lands, storing snow that come spring, will melt and feed our river tributaries. Similarly, this is when Forever Our Rivers needs your help building reserves to support fresh, clean water for people and lush habitat for wildlife year-round. With a gift today, you will make a difference. Every drop—and every snowflake counts.

Donate today for yourself or as a gift in the name of your favorite lover of rivers. Your gift will improve the health and vitality of rivers and streams throughout the Southwest all year long.

For each donation, we’ll make a snow angel in your honor. Plus, a generous donor will match every gift we receive this holiday season up to $35,000.

By doing so, you improve the health and vitality of rivers and streams throughout the Southwest year-round.

Making a donation to Forever Our Rivers is safe, simple and tax deductible. Ways to give range from Venmo, donating online or gifts of stock. Learn more here . Or, you can simply write a check and mail it to Forever Our Rivers, PO Box 1952, Crested Butte, Co, 81224.

Feeling Blue? Let the River help you.

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:01:24 GMT

Rivers Offer Relief from Daily Stress, Boost Mental Health

As autumn winds down and winter approaches, it’s a time of change for many. “I love the fall,” notes Cindy Hester, a teacher at Sopris Elementary School. “But kids can find the transition back to school stressful, and this often impacts the entire family.”

The good news is that spending time in blue space is a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, and our partnerships with community groups in the Four Corners region are showing benefits. Research shows that spending time near streams, rivers and lakes can reduce restlessness, increase vitamin D levels and improve overall well-being.

“Being on the river helps clear my mind like nothing else," said Jaime Fiske, owner of SUP Marble and a Carbondale resident who regularly paddleboards on the Roaring Fork River. "It's my go-to stress reliever”.

Research proves it. "Being near, water can be one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety in children. The sight and sound of water triggers a calm and meditative state, helping children feel more relaxed, centered, and even happier," explains Dr. Nichols, whose research explores the neurological and psychological benefits of water environments.

“Rivers don't play favorites. Whether you are an angler, paddler or simply love to watch the sunset over your favorite lake, just being near blue spaces benefits your mental health”

That’s why access to rivers is so important. The gentle sounds of flowing rivers, coupled with the natural beauty of areas along the water, create an ideal environment for relaxation and reflection.

Working to enhance water access

Yet, as important as access to rivers is, many communities don’t have safe, welcoming or convenient ways to experience it. That’s starting to change as groups like the Colorado Canyons Association in Grand Junction provide free rafting trips to teach kids and young adults about freshwater ecology and water in the West. Along the way, they get the chance to release stress release and build confidence in the outdoors.

The Association’s executive director Chris Herrman notes the transformative effect these experiences have. "We see kids arrive stressed and glued to their phones," Chris said. "By the end of the trip, they're more relaxed, enjoy more engaging conversations with each other and have a new appreciation for rivers. It’s not just a one-time thing”—it continues off the river, too”.

Jaime, agrees. “Rivers don't play favorites. Whether you are an angler, paddler or simply love to watch the sunset over your favorite lake, just being near blue spaces benefits your mental health”.

We hope this month you can take peaceful strolls along your local blue spaces, enjoying the sights and sounds of water in motion. From the headwaters to the desert, rivers and streams are an excellent way to celebrate nature and take care of yourself, too.

Photo by Mike Hagadorn

Top: Casting in blue space on the Eagle River by Adventure Photo

Visit Your Rivers in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:18:03 GMT

Visit Your Rivers in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness

Have you ever experienced a moment when you feel like your head is so full of thoughts that it feels like it’s going to explode? Do you have a difficult time remembering the timeline of your memories? If you live with neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression or even Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the world feels like that—loud and chaotic—almost all of the time.

Many people think that mental health is all about what’s going on in your brain, but the truth is that it’s also about what’s going on with your body. When you feel good physically it can help you feel good mentally, and vice versa. Many studies demonstrate that spending time in nature helps you feel better. But did you know that spending time along bodies of water, like rivers and streams, can induce a meditative state that makes us smarter, happier and healthier, calmer—and even more creative?

“When I lived in Vail, I used to hike up and journal next to the creeks. It was a traumatic time in my life with the passing of my mom. After that, it was as though my mind became harder to navigate. I was in a dark place. However, I’d sit next to the creek and it’d help soothe me and clear my head,” says CJ, river enthusiast from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. “While all bodies of water are uplifting, the moving water is representative of clearing things out— moving things along. I find peace in that.”

The mere sight or sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart, and relax us. They can also help take us away from our busy lives for a little while. Plus, they’re beautiful! Whether you’re looking out over a river from a boat or just walking along its banks, there’s something about the way it flows and sounds that helps settle your mind.

CJ was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. After reflecting upon that news, she found it made sense. Throughout her life, her brain felt like a computer screen with too many tabs open. Rivers and streams have always been her happy place but she has felt even more connected to them in the last year since finding out. They bring her peace in the midst of chaos. “I need the rivers and will always follow them. If they cease to exist here, I will go to where they are,” she mentioned.

That’s exactly what has been done throughout history. Our ancestors lived near rivers because they provided water, food, transportation and other necessities for survival. But they also provided something else— peace .

When we are near a river, we can feel at peace with ourselves, our surroundings and the world around us. “It’s about letting your cares flow away,” CJ continues. “When I’m river rafting or paddleboarding, my brain quiets down and all of my thoughts are pushed aside because I have to be present in the moment. I can’t afford not to be.”

When you think about it, rivers are like a metaphor for the health of our minds: if they’re healthy, we’re healthy; if they’re polluted or running dry, we suffer. That’s why keeping rivers healthy and flowing is so important—they’re not just naturally beautiful; they’re also powerful allies in one’s quest for mental health.

I think people living with mental health concerns have a heightened awareness of the benefits nature provides,” CJ concludes. “We need people, and organizations like Forever Our Rivers, to care deeply for our rivers. In this loud, crazy world, we can’t afford to lose another natural resource that provides the benefits of healing, safety and peace.”

The mere sight or sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals

Forever Our Rivers Receives Accreditation

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:15:31 GMT

Forever Our Rivers Receives Accreditation

In a remarkable achievement, Forever Our Rivers Foundation has secured accreditation from the esteemed BBB Wise Giving Alliance . This recognition, granted in July 2023, underscores the organization’s dedication to upholding high standards of board oversight, financial integrity, results reporting, and transparent fundraising appeals. This milestone signifies that Forever Our Rivers has not only met but exceeded the criteria for accreditation, establishing itself as a reliable and efficiently managed nonprofit entity.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, distinguished as the sole comprehensive charity evaluator in the nation, plays a pivotal role in aiding donors’ decision-making processes. When a charity bears the BBB WGA accreditation, donors can place their trust in the organization’s ethical and responsible practices. Unlike other charity monitoring bodies, the BBB WGA’s stringent standards delve deeper and extend beyond legal requirements. The evaluation process involves an in-depth examination of 20 holistic BBB Charity Standards, collaborative engagements with charity officials to rectify any identified shortcomings, and meticulous quality checks to ensure the accuracy of the final report. The outcomes of this process are made accessible to the public at Give.org , offering transparency and informed decision-making.

Art Taylor, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, emphasizes the integrity of the evaluation process, stating, “The public can be assured that every charity evaluation is completed with careful, objective analysis of charity information.” Taylor continues, “By achieving accreditation, Forever Our Rivers Foundation has earned public trust having demonstrated its commitment to sound governance, transparency, and achieving its mission.”

Ann Johnston, the executive director of Forever Our Rivers, expressed elation about the accreditation, affirming, “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition.” She underscores that this accomplishment validates the organization’s unwavering dedication to maintaining rigorous standards and employing donations judiciously. Moreover, Johnston highlights the far-reaching impact of this recognition: “Accreditation demonstrates that we have high standards and use donations wisely. Ultimately, that translates into healthier wetlands, rivers, and streams.”

Forever Our Rivers, headquartered in Colorado with offices in Crested Butte, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, is dedicated to enhancing river health across Colorado, Arizona and Utah through community-inspired projects. Through its grant programs and partnerships, Forever Our Rivers protects rivers for the benefit of both ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

The recent accreditation bestowed upon Forever Our Rivers by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition not only solidifies Forever Our Rivers’ reputation as a well-managed nonprofit but also reinforces its capacity to effectively fulfill its mission. Through transparent practices, fiscal responsibility, and a resolute dedication to river health, Forever Our Rivers continues to shine as a beacon of hope for rivers.

Celebrating Commitment to Excellence in Leadership, Finances, and Mission-Driven Initiatives

Surviving the Chill: The Marvels of Cold-Weather Stream Life

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:12:20 GMT

Surviving the Chill: The Marvels of Cold-Weather Stream Life

During winter, rivers and streams are often thought of less as we’re holed up in our homes, cozy under blankets next to a roaring fireplace. However, magic is happening out there. In the frigid embrace of below-freezing temperatures, bodies of water transform into icy landscapes, presenting a challenging yet opportunistic environment for plants and wildlife.

Plants

When the cold sets in and ice blankets the water’s surface, vegetation along rivers and streams starts winter dormancy. Many plants retreat into a state of suspended animation, conserving energy by losing leaves until the thaw of the spring. But, beneath the frozen surface, their roots continue to sustain life by holding onto water and waiting for warmer days. The submerged plants decompose, providing food for aquatic life during winter months.

Deep in the river beds, bacteria and other decomposers take advantage of the lower oxygen levels and begin to clean house. Leaves and other organic materials that fell in the Fall start breaking down into new sediment. This sediment will ultimately feed new plant growth life as the seasons change and warm up again.

Wildlife

For wildlife inhabiting the frigid landscape of frozen streams and rivers, adapting to winter’s icy embrace becomes a matter of survival. Aquatic species such as fish become sluggish, slowing their metabolism to conserve energy in the face of limited food. Trout seek out deeper pools where the water remains relatively unfrozen, providing a refuge against the cold. The cool part about cold-blooded fish like trout, salmon and pike is they can adjust their body temperature to the environment in which they live. Therefore, even at low temperatures, their bodies allow them to swim easily, even if they are a little slower.

Amphibians and some insects, on the other hand, may hibernate in terrestrial habitats surrounding the water bodies, awaiting the warmer temperatures of spring. They employ various strategies, from burrowing into the soil to seeking refuge in decaying vegetation, to endure the harsh winter conditions.

The icy cold

While winter poses challenges for both flora and fauna, the ice itself plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health. Ice acts like an insulating layer, protecting the water beneath from extreme temperature fluctuations which could ultimately harm aquatic life. In some areas, where cold enough, the frozen surfaces of streams and rivers can offer more room to roam as they become winter highways for certain species. Animals like coyotes, foxes and elk can travel more efficiently in search of harder-to-find food or suitable shelter.

Truthfully, we think rivers and streams are just as, if not more, beautiful in the winter than in the summer. It’s captivating to think about the adaptability of nature during this time. It’s also important to remember that while most river projects and activities happen in the warmer months, the winter should not be forgotten. Important changes happen then, too. It’s essential to recognize and appreciate the resilience of plants and wildlife that endure and thrive amid frosting conditions. It’s up to all of us to keep our rivers healthy in every season so that when winter circles back around, plants and wildlife that depend on our rivers are set up to thrive.

Ideas to help rivers in the winter:

Avoid excessive use of de-icers and salts.

Conserve water.

Avoid clearing vegetation along riverbanks.

Support conservation organizations like Forever Our Rivers.

Practice responsible winter fishing.

Report and clean up pollution.

Magic is happening out there

White Fluff, River Health and Wildlife

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:09:38 GMT

White Fluff, River Health and Wildlife

You decide to go for a walk and step outside. You see an abundance of white fluff floating around, gathering in piles on the ground or coating your backyard. Is this a good sign? Absolutely! What you are witnessing are cottonwood seeds. While they might be a bit messy, they are a welcomed sight, indicating there is a mature cottonwood tree nearby.

Cottonwoods release their seeds during spring and early summer, perfectly timed with the high runoff from melting snow and seasonal rains. This floodwater disperses the seeds downstream across riparian areas—from Colorado’s headwaters to the Arizona desert. The nutrient-rich, damp silt deposits create ideal germination conditions, allowing the saplings to thrive in riverbank soil. Every year, cottonwoods depend on abundant clean water to propagate and survive.

Benefits of Cottonwoods

Once established, cottonwood roots filter contaminates and fortify riverbanks, slowing erosion and extensive flood damage. Their large canopies and dense foliage provide cool, shady spots for willows, which in turn provide food and breeding grounds for a variety of wildlife, including dragonflies, frogs, cutthroat trout and eagles.

Cottonwoods also serve as a beacon of hope, indicating the presence of water. Small flowers, called catkins, produced by the trees in early spring, have medicinal uses and can be chewed for toothaches or used to treat skin abrasions. As you spend time on the river near you, know that by supporting the conservation of these magnificent trees you are also helping ensure healthy rivers—for people and wildlife.

Is this a good sign?

We All Take from the River

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:07:25 GMT

We All Take from the River

Hey, fellow adventurers of the tabletop realm! Today, we embark on a journey down the winding paths of environmental stewardship and strategic gameplay with the new board game, “We All Take from the River” by Ben Hammer.

This game invites players to step into the shoes of different communities, each with their own visions for the future. As you navigate the twists and turns of the river, you must gather resources, adapt to changing weather conditions and balance your goals with your neighbors’. You will encounter challenges and opportunities that mirror the complexities of real-world issues, from forestry management to wetlands conservation. “We All Take from the River” offers a truly immersive experience that educates, entertains and empowers players to make a difference.

We’re really excited that someone is taking the time to recognize deep-rooted issues with our rivers these days and making people aware that every decision can have pros and cons. We’d like you to get to know the game creator, Ben, and his motivation for changing the world, one game at a time.

A board game with a meaningful message

Welcome, Ben! Thank you for talking to us about your exciting board game project, “We All Take from the River.” Let’s dive right in! First of all, congratulations! Can you tell us a bit more about what inspired you to develop “We All Take from the River”?

Ben: Thank you! It’s been really wonderful to see so much interest in this passion project of mine.

I was first inspired to make a game that mimicked policy and community decision-making that happens in real life. Basically, I wanted a game where players weren’t necessarily on the same team or opposing teams but instead had a chance to decide their relationships for themselves. They would have their own goals, which might overlap or might not, and would have to work out for themselves how to manage a shared space.

Life along a river immediately stood out to me as a perfect setting for such a game because the impact of the actions of one individual or group is so clear. If I pollute upstream from where you live, you have to reckon with the direct consequences of my actions, not me. So players are forced into conversations about land management, water use, conservation and all kinds of other interesting topics.

The game seems to offer a unique blend of environmental education and strategic gameplay. Can you explain this a little more, specifically some interesting things people can learn about their rivers?

Ben: Absolutely. The most important part of designing the river environment of “We All Take from the River” was to capture how our impact on the environment ultimately has human consequences. Players can cut down all the trees to build up their industry, but that will increase the risk of floods when the forest is not there to protect them. If they overfish, there won’t be any fish left to reproduce. If they pollute, that pollution will get in the way later on.

All of these relationships between the players and the river exist in reality to some degree. Players learn a bit about the kinds of decisions that go into environmental management and sustainability as they come up with their strategies for winning the game. An important point to me about this was “show, don’t tell.” The game doesn’t tell you about the risks of your actions; it lets you see for yourself.

The game features a variety of roles, each with its own objectives and strategies. Can you tell us more about how players navigate these roles and the potential conflicts that arise?

Ben: Each player has two objectives that must be accomplished for that player to win. Say you and I both want to build a city. We can work together on that because our interests are aligned. But then if my other objective is to clean pollution out of the river and yours is to stockpile fish, we might find that difference creates conflict. Maybe the way you gather fish will create pollution, which is a problem for me. Alternatively, if we both want to stockpile fish, we might run into a scarcity problem when there aren’t enough fish available for the two of us. In that case, we could be in direct competition.

An important point is that we don’t know what each other’s objectives are. Like in real life, we can only interpret one another’s behavior and talk to each other to try to figure out where we stand. If one of us is lying, that could cause more tension. Maybe I promise you I won’t fish in your part of the river, but at the last minute, I betray that trust and do it anyway.

The game also offers solo and two-player modes, which is quite intriguing. How does this work?

Ben: The solo and two-player modes change the dynamic from being about diplomacy to being purely about sustainability. In these versions of the game, you, and possibly a partner, want to stockpile fish, build a city and do it without leaving any pollution behind. So you have to develop your industry in a way that is harmonious with the environment you live in. You must deal with the consequences of your own actions rather than letting those actions become someone else’s problem. In practice, this makes for a much more puzzly type of game.

It’s impressive to see your dedication to sustainability not only reflected in the game’s themes but also in its production. Can you tell us more about your environmental commitments and the steps you’ve taken to minimize the game’s ecological footprint?

Ben: It is hard to make an environmentally friendly board game, but I’m doing my best. The Forest Stewardship Council approves all of the paper and wooden materials to avoid contributing to deforestation. I am also minimizing the use of plastic in the game. Ideally, the final product will not use any plastic at all. Hopefully, we’ll end up with a product that lasts a long time, is produced sustainably and can be recycled at the end of its life.

What’s your end goal for this game?

Ben: Gosh! That’s a hard question. I would just like to see this game out in the world. If people can play it and enjoy it, then I’ll be happy. I would also really love to see it used as a teaching tool, and maybe even inspire other games to balance education with fun. That, to me, is an important point. A game can’t really be educational if it isn’t fun because if it can’t hold the player’s interest, then they aren’t going to learn anything from it. I hope I’ve made a game that is fun first and foremost but also makes people think.

Lastly, before we wrap up, what do you love most about rivers?

Ben: Looking at them! I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid and it rained, I would always run to the nearest trickle of water. I’d pile up sticks and rocks to make dams, bends and rapids, and then just watch the water flow. There’s something so captivating about flowing water.

I grew up hiking through the Appalachians and Shenandoah Valley. I have a particular affinity for Catoctin Mountain, which is in western Maryland along the Appalachian range and whose streams flow down to become part of the Potomac. I would hike from there to Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah and Potomac meet. I’d follow the little streams to the river and watch them become whitewater rapids. It was an important, magical part of my life.

Thank you so much, Ben, for sharing with us today. “We All Take from the River” sounds like an incredible board game with a meaningful message. We’re so excited to check it out and share one with a lucky member of the Forever Our Rivers family. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing the game come to fruition.

Ben: No, thank you! I think Forever Our Rivers is doing some really wonderful and important work. I love that I can be a part of it any way I can.

Conservation Corps Helping Rivers Thrive

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:56:08 GMT

Conservation Corps Helping Rivers Thrive

Jump into the world of the conservation corps. Who are they and what exactly do they do? The mission of our partner, Conservation Legacy, succinctly captures it—engaging future leaders who protect and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service. They are a diverse group of young adults (usually 18-35) and veterans who plant trees, fight wildfires and remove graffiti. They also test water quality and weatherize homes in underserved communities. And when disaster strikes, teams jump right in to mitigate flooding or remove debris. When you look at the list, it feels like the corps does a little bit of everything!

The roots of the conservation corps stretch back to 1933, during the challenging times of the Great Depression, when President Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Corps provided jobs and in-demand skills training to young men for conservation projects. In exchange for a paycheck, a roof over their heads and warm meals, they built retaining walls along the Virgin River in Zion National Park and created fishponds in parks throughout Colorado. In the Southwest, the Corps planted millions of trees to anchor watersheds and prevent soil erosion. They also completed a fire watch tower in Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.

Today, Conservation Legacy continues this historic work. This spring, Forever Our Rivers awarded $159,296 to Conservation Legacy to monitor and manage the health of three watersheds—the Dolores, Escalante and Verde. These rivers are crucial tributaries to the Colorado River.

Who are they and what exactly do they do?

Photo by Conservation Legacy

Conservation Legacy is developing plans and protocols to regularly check on the three rivers’ ecosystems, using tablets equipped with mapping technology to collect data. They analyze activities like the regrowth of native plants or the return of bird populations. It is then organized and shared with the respective river partnerships in those watersheds. This collected information is key to learning what has worked and what has not. This helps ensure that our conservation efforts are impactful and sustainable.

It’s tough work out there. We’re grateful to partner with organizations like Conservation Legacy to ensure the longevity of rivers. Communities depend on rivers for agriculture, drinking water, fishing and recreation. Ongoing restoration of native species is necessary to keep rivers healthy and flowing for generations to come.

Photos by Conservation Legacy

Enhancing Access to the Colorado River

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:46:36 GMT

Enhancing Access to the Colorado River

With funding from Forever Our Rivers, a new boat ramp offers easy access to the Gunnison River in Colorado. For those who don’t know, nearly one-third of kids live in poverty on Colorado’s Western Slope. Usually, this cascades into a lack of time in nature and its life-enriching benefits, making our hearts sad. Thankfully, a new boat ramp will be a game-changer for the people of Delta, Montrose and Olathe. After all, the rivers are for all of us.

And for those skeptics worried that a new boat ramp might harm the environment, don’t worry! Native trees and shrubs were planted along the river banks, creating a beautiful new area ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, birding and a genuine connection with nature. Plus, local volunteers were entrusted with the responsibility of looking after this spot, giving them the knowledge of how to keep it in tip-top shape.

Bridging Gaps for Underserved Communities

The strategically located boat ramp project along G50 Road, just 3.5 miles from Delta’s town boat ramp, expands accessibility to new demographics. Prior to the installation of the new boat ramp, river users accessed the Gunnison River from the Confluence Park boat ramp in Delta. However, the next legal exit point downstream was a whopping 14 miles away. While this might sound like an adventurous day out for some, it could be overwhelming and unsafe for those with less river experience. The creation of a shorter float with official put-ins and take-outs now allows families and beginners to enjoy a safer river experience. And hopefully, as they experience and enjoy the river, they will fall in love with and care for it.

Not into floating? The improved access area is a great place for walks, lunches, reading, drawing or other outdoor activities you might enjoy along a river. This transformation is thanks to dozens of students from Paonia and Delta middle schools and community volunteers. They helped cultivate and plant cottonwood and plum trees, as well as alders and willows. As the new plants grow, it will become increasingly special for birdwatching. Which, by the way, is just as good for you mentally as being on the water! More volunteers are always welcome, so if you want to help the new cottonwood and willows survive, reach out to some key players in this project—Libby at Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) or Jake at the Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC).

“The new G50 Boat Ramp project is a great example of generating greater recreation access to nature while enhancing wildlife habitat. We look forward to the collaboration of bringing more folks of all ages together to enjoy the river and help with restoring the native plants,” exclaims Libby, program manager at CWLT.

Collaboration Is Key

The property on which the picnic area and boat ramp are is owned by Delta County and protected with a conservation easement managed by CWLT. “Restoring riparian ecosystems is extremely important for sustaining rivers and wildlife in western Colorado. The G50 project provides an excellent opportunity to connect the community to the Gunnison River and help re-establish vital habitat”, said Jake. Knowing this land could do so much more for people and wildlife, WSCC, along with CWLT and the county, got to work.

A Lasting Impact

The G50 Boat Ramp and Habitat Improvement Project, fueled by funding from Forever Our Rivers, is sure to have a positive impact on the community. As more people come to know the Gunnison River, more people will learn to cherish it. How’s that for jump-starting some environmental love? We are so proud of these local organizations. They successfully demonstrated the power of collaboration, conservation and community. We definitely love that!

Delta County is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebration this spring. While the date is yet to be determined, stay connected with these organizations—info below. Or contact Delta County if you’d like more details.

If you’re interested in supporting other projects like the G50 Boat Ramp, please give today .

Follow the Western Slope Conservation Center on Instagram and Facebook . Follow Colorado West Land Trust on social, too— Instagram and Facebook .

New boat ramp offers easy access

Riverside Majesty is A Symbol of Luck

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:27:45 GMT

Riverside Majesty is A Symbol of Luck

While the American robin is often considered the classic harbinger of spring, it’s the red-winged blackbird that strikes the hearts of many this season with its distinctive call. Few birds evoke as much fascination and mystery as they do, with their glossy black plumage and vibrant red patches on their wings. But what adds to their allure is the rich tapestry of folklore that surrounds them, casting the red-winged blackbird as a symbol of protection, good luck and prosperity.

In ancient tales and legends across cultures, the red-winged blackbird plays a prominent role as a symbol of good luck and fortune. In Native American folklore, their distinctive call, reminiscent of a creaking door or rusty hinge, is believed to be messages from the spirit world, bringing joy and abundance to those who encounter them.

But why is the red-winged blackbird associated with good fortune? Some believe it’s because of its striking appearance, with its bold red patches symbolizing vitality and energy. Others attribute its lucky status to its adaptability, thriving in diverse and sometimes harsh habitats and weather conditions all over North America. For generations, Native Americans have held a deep respect for this bird due to its courageous nature in facing danger without wavering or succumbing to fear.

Furthermore, red-winged blackbirds symbolize abundance and prosperity in many cultures. Its arrival signifies the promise of a new start—farmers welcome it as a sign that their crops will flourish, while fishermen view it as a promise of plentiful catches.

In addition to their cultural importance, red-winged blackbirds are crucial to the environment. They play a vital role in preserving ecological balance by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. Farmers benefit from red-winged blackbirds during breeding season because these birds consume a significant number of insects.

The red-winged blackbird that strikes the hearts of many

Despite the good luck the red-winged blackbirds seem to bring, they could use a little luck themselves. These birds face various threats, including habitat loss and climate change. In just 52 years, the population has declined by 92 million. To ensure their survival, it’s crucial to protect the rivers, streams, wetlands and marshes they rely on.

So, the next time you encounter a red-winged blackbird perched along the riverside or hear its call echoing through a marshland, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this remarkable creature. Remember that beyond the realm of myth and legend, the red-winged blackbird plays a vital role in the web of life, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living—and perhaps even spiritual—things.

As we celebrate the presence of the red-winged blackbird, let’s also come together to cherish the rivers, streams, marshes, wetlands and other bodies of water that sustain us all—flora and fauna included. For in the delicate balance of nature lies the true essence of prosperity and good fortune.

Local Communities Take Action

jennifer@swifthausdesign.com (Jennifer Swift) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 01:58:13 GMT

Local Communities Take Action

As wildfire season expands across the Southwest, our rivers and their tributaries face a growing challenge. With rising temperatures and extreme weather, there’s no better time than now to take action.

Standing on the banks of the Escalante or Verde River, you would likely see invasive trees and shrubs choking the shoreline, their thirsty roots sucking precious water. You’d feel the heat of the sun and recognize that these non-native species increase the risk of out-of-control wildfires. But look closer and you’ll also see hope—in the form of dedicated communities ready to make a difference.

That’s why we are pleased to award $138,300 in funding to two local community organizations for their efforts to protect these vital rivers. Thanks to our growing group of supporters, we’re partnering with Friends of the Verde River in Arizona and the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners in Utah to restore 3,400 acres of land along these rivers and their tributaries.

The consequences of inaction paint a stark picture: rivers choked with invasives are unable to support diverse wildlife, like butterflies, eagles, trout and elk. Fire risk increases and there’s less clean water for the region’s health and well-being.

These organizations, along with community members and the Southwest Conservation Corps of Colorado, will carefully remove invasive, water-guzzling plants like tamarisk, Russian olive and Arundo. With each plant removed, native species like cottonwood and willows get a fighting chance, and the risk of uncontrollable wildfires diminishes. It’s a labor of love that protects not just the rivers, but the communities that depend on them.

$138K Boost for Colorado River Tributaries

Photo by Friends of the Verde River

“Removing invasive plants is a bit like a chess game,” said Jackie Grant, the Partners’ executive director. “It teaches patience and is a lesson in strategy. You learn patience because the long-term results are worth the wait. Strategy comes into play when determining where your efforts will have the biggest impact. Plus, it feels good to know that you are not only improving water quality directly where you are treating invasives but downstream as well.”

This year, the Partners are tackling Harris Wash, a critical tributary to the Escalante, and a popular overnight hike past sheer cliffs and small overhangs. With both cattle and people moving through the wash, it is imperative that invasive plants and their seeds are not dispersed by foot and hoof traffic. Our grant will help eradicate these plants and remove the threat of their seeds being distributed throughout the watershed. Similar tales of restoration will play out along the Verde River.

So far, Forever Our Rivers has distributed grants to restore 13,000 acres of wildlife habitat along rivers that flow into the Colorado. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of people like you. Plus, our commitment doesn’t end when the last invasive plant is removed. We will return to the site time and again to ensure that the project was effective and that every dollar invested translates into real, lasting benefits.

Looking ahead, we plan to give out three times as many grants as we have before. This is a big goal, but it’s important because our rivers face so many challenges. With the support of people like you, it’s within reach. We’re not just helping the rivers, we’re creating a better future for communities in the Southwest. Together, let’s write a new chapter for rivers—one full of water, life and hope.

Photos by Friends of the Verde River and Grand Staircase Escalante Partners