10/08/2026
What happens when young people are given the opportunity to spend four days learning, creating, exploring, and connecting with their river?That’s the heart of the Wellspring Project!
This summer, 15 students from 10 Mesa County schools joined us for our free four-day river + art program, exploring the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and the many ways water, people, wildlife, and communities are connected.
Throughout the week, students:
• Explored invasive plants and their impacts on river health
• Investigated aquatic life at Connected Lakes
• Visited the Ute Water treatment facility
• Learned about irrigation at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center
• Explored the history of irrigation with the Palisade Historical Society
• Tried fly fishing with Grand Valley Anglers
• Kissed an endangered fish at the Grand Junction Fish and Wildlife hatchery
• Created nature-inspired artwork with local artist Ami Purser
• Floated the Gunnison River together to wrap up the week
For many students, Wellspring is an introduction to the river and outdoor experiences they may not otherwise have access to. More than a week of activities, the program gives young people the opportunity to ask questions, see their community from a new perspective, and begin to see themselves as stewards of the places they call home.
We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Wellspring students and grateful to the sponsors who helped make their experience possible: Western Colorado Community Foundation, Alpine Bank, Kim and Joe Giannone, Club of Grand Junction, Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, One Riverfront, Xcel Energy Colorado, Colorado, and Wellspring Student Sponsors (Ginger Mitchell, Thomas McCloskey, Gudrun Rice, Chamberlin Architects, Stefanie Von Flue, David Desenberg, Rebecca Frank, Mac Lewis, Joseph Moreng, Beverly Neubaum, and Kyra Rivenloch).
Thank you for helping us connect the next generation to our rivers!
Learn more about the Wellspring Project: https://www.riversedgewest.org/education-stewardship/wellspring-project
