Alpine 2024 Press Release banner with 3 boys in life vests on a river raft

RiversEdge West Receives $10,000 from Alpine Bank to Support the Wellspring Project and Lunch and Learn Outreach Events 

 

[Grand Junction, CO – October 16, 2024] – RiversEdge West (REW) is pleased to announce it has been awarded $10,000 from Alpine Bank to support the Wellspring Project and Lunch and Learn outreach events. This generous award will bolster REW's efforts to enhance riparian health, foster community stewardship, and expand environmental education initiatives within the Grand Valley. 

 

The grant will support various programs and initiatives aimed at community engagement and environmental education: 

 

  1. The Wellspring Project: Each summer REW hosts a free, 4-day river and art program for middle school students across the Grand Valley. Students learn about the complexities of the Colorado River and have the opportunity to respond artistically to that experience. You can learn more about the Wellspring Project here: https://riversedgewest.org/education-stewardship/wellspring-project 

 

  1. Lunch and Learn: REW will host 2 Lunch and Learn outreach events per year. These events are open to the public and free of charge. Attendees will learn about RiversEdge West, the impacts of invasive plant species, and the riverside restoration work that REW leads to counter them. 

 

“The Wellspring Project allows us to increase accessibility and awareness of our rivers for middle schoolers in the Grand Valley. By engaging youth in field activities, tours with stakeholders, and providing opportunities for students to explore these experiences through artistic expression, we hope to inspire the next generation of river stewards.” – Nicole Cook, RiversEdge West 

 

The long-term success of riverside restoration is dependent on community engagement and awareness about the challenges our rivers face. Educating youth and adults in the Grand Valley about riparian ecosystems and their restoration is a key component of RiversEdge West's work.  

 

 

Contact:

Nicole Cook - Education and Outreach Coordinator

ncook@riversedgewest.org

970-256-7400