RiversEdge West

08/27/2026

An update on Raft the River:

We’re disappointed to share that we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Raft the River event.

With exceptionally low river flows this year, we determined that we couldn’t offer the experience safely or in the way we believe it should be. We know many of you look forward to floating the river with us each summer, and we’re sorry we won’t be together on the water this year.

We’re grateful for this community and look forward to finding another opportunity to gather, celebrate our shared work, and connect with the river. 💙🌊

Thank you for understanding and supporting our work to protect and restore our rivers!

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶

Thank you to the REW dogs who help us keep up morale and support our staff and families with love and companionship!

Pictured in order: Quigglie and Mollie, Sadie, River and Millie, Copper, Pali and Harley, Arlo, and Yogi!

08/12/2026

Restoration is underway at Dos Rios!

We kicked off restoration work along the Riverfront Trail at Dos Rios this week, working with the City of Grand Junction and Western Colorado Conservation Corps to restore healthier native riverside habitat.

From August 10–14 and September 8–11, crews will remove invasive tamarisk and Russian olive and prepare the landscape for native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

And a heads-up: restoration doesn’t always look beautiful at first.

Removing decades of invasive vegetation can temporarily mean sparse areas, piles of branches, disturbed soil, chainsaws, and heavy equipment. But healthy riverside habitat doesn’t grow overnight. This is an important first step toward creating a more diverse, resilient riparian community.

Over time, native plants will return, habitat will recover, and the landscape will look very different.

We appreciate your patience as this work gets underway and we’re excited to watch Dos Rios recover over the seasons ahead!

08/11/2026

We are so excited about this project! Crews started work at Dos Rios this week, removing invasive vegetation and preparing the site for restoration. Once this first phase is complete, we’ll begin planting native trees, shrubs and grasses. If you want to adopt a tree to be planted as part of this revegetation effort, you can do so here: https://riversedgewest.app.neoncrm.com/forms/adopt-a-tree?campaignId=75

Please note that trail work will take place Monday through Friday on the Riverfront Trail near Dos Rios Park. This work is being completed by RiversEdge West through a grant-funded project in partnership with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps.

Please be aware that machinery, including chainsaws and wood chippers, will be in use and the area may be noisy. Temporary trail closures may occur while work is underway.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the Riverfront Trail!

07/09/2026

🪲 Help Protect Our Rivers at Beetle Blitz!

Ever wondered how tiny beetles can make a big difference for river restoration? Join RiversEdge West, Colorado Mesa University, and the Palisade Insectary for Beetle Blitz:a fun, hands-on community science event where you'll help monitor tamarisk beetles and the health of riparian habitats throughout the Grand Valley.

After a brief training at the Confluence Center of Colorado, we'll head into the field to collect valuable data alongside restoration experts. You'll also learn how to use community science platforms like iNaturalist and CitSci so you can continue contributing observations long after the event.

📅 Thursday, July 16
🕢 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
📍 Confluence Center of Colorado
2596 Dos Rios Dr., Grand Junction, CO

☕ Light breakfast, coffee, and all field equipment will be provided.

Please bring a water bottle, wear sun protection, and dress for a morning in the field.

Whether you're new to community science or an experienced volunteer, we'd love to have you join us!

Register today: https://www.riversedgewest.org/get-involved/events/beetle-blitz-community-science-program

07/08/2026

We are thrilled to be the Western Slope Whiskey Club's charity partner for July 2026 to June 2027!

Next Tuesday (7/14) at 6:30pm at SoCo Social House you can join the Western Slope Whiskey Club for a tasting to explore whiskeys from Still Austin Whiskey Co.! You'll embark on an in-depth journey into how grain choice, Texas terroir, mash decisions, and centuries of whiskey-making history come together to create the unique and delicious whiskey from Still Austin. Don't miss out on this unforgettable exploration!

Plus, proceeds from the event will support RiversEdge West's river education, stewardship, and restoration programs!

Tickets: $35 (includes light charcuterie & some paired bites)

Spots are going quickly, so reserve your spot today by going to the link below:
https://www.westernslopewhiskeyclub.com/event-details-registration/texas-grain-masterclass-with-still-austin

06/29/2026

On behalf of everyone at RiversEdge West, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the firefighters who lost their lives protecting our community. Words cannot express our sincerest appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

06/16/2026

🪲 Become a Citizen Scientist at our Beetle Blitz!

Join RiversEdge West, Colorado Mesa University, and the Palisade Insectary on Thursday, July 16 from 7:30 AM–1:30 PM for a hands-on day of learning and fieldwork focused on tamarisk biocontrol.

After a short training at the Confluence Center of Colorado, participants will head into the field with experts to collect data on tamarisk beetles, their life stages, and plant conditions at sites throughout the Grand Valley. You'll also learn how to submit observations through iNaturalist, CitSci, and other community science tools.

By participating, you'll contribute valuable data that supports riparian restoration efforts across the American West and gain the skills to continue monitoring throughout the year!

📍 Confluence Center of Colorado
2596 Dos Rios Dr., Grand Junction, CO

☕ Light breakfast, coffee, and all equipment provided.

👒 Please bring a water bottle and wear sun protection and field-appropriate clothing.

Learn more and register here: https://www.riversedgewest.org/get-involved/events/beetle-blitz-community-science-program

06/08/2026

Join us at noon this Wednesday 6/10 at the Confluence Center of Colorado to learn all about RiversEdge West (and enjoy a free lunch 🍽)!

We'll share an overview of our organization, highlight upcoming volunteer opportunities and educational programs, and then dive into our work along the Dolores River with Restoration Coordinator, Melissa!

This is a free event open to everyone in the community, but an RSVP is needed.

Learn more or register here: https://www.riversedgewest.org/get-involved/events/lunch-learn-0

06/02/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report is here!

In the past year, RiversEdge West brought people together to restore riverside habitats, engage volunteers in hands-on stewardship, inspire future river stewards through education, and connect restoration practitioners through training and collaboration.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners, volunteers, donors, and community members.

Check out our 2025 Annual Report to see the impact we made together and learn what’s ahead for the coming year:https://www.riversedgewest.org/sites/default/files/digital-2025-annual-report_compressed.pdf