RiversEdge West Receives $20,000 Grant from Xcel Energy to Enhance Riparian Restoration and Community Engagement
July 2, 2023
Mesa and Delta County, CO – RiversEdge West (REW) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Xcel Energy to support its Grand Valley Stewardship Program. This funding will significantly bolster REW's ongoing efforts in riparian restoration, community education, and river stewardship within the Grand Valley.
About the Grand Valley Stewardship Program
The Grand Valley Stewardship Program is dedicated to the restoration and stewardship of riparian habitats along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and their tributaries in Mesa and Delta Counties. Through this program, REW oversees habitat monitoring and maintenance, co-leads the Grand Valley River Corridor Initiative (RCI), and enhances community awareness and education about river stewardship.
Addressing Critical Needs
Riparian restoration is vital for maintaining healthy river ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. Since 2014, the Desert Rivers Collaborative (DRC), led by REW, has conducted extensive restoration efforts, including the removal of invasive species, seeding, and re-vegetation. However, ongoing stewardship is necessary to protect these investments. Many DRC partners lack the funding or capacity for continuous monitoring and maintenance, which is where REW's expertise and support come in.
The RCI, a collaborative initiative by REW, American Rivers, and Colorado Mesa University, aims to improve coordination among the various agencies and stakeholder groups involved in river corridor land-use and habitat management. The RCI's framework is designed to foster long-term collaboration and successful river corridor planning.
Promoting Environmental Education and Stewardship
Long-term success in riparian restoration depends on community awareness and engagement. REW’s programs educate youth and adults about the importance of riparian lands and the challenges they face. From float trips to habitat improvement projects, REW offers diverse opportunities for community involvement. Our initiatives, such as the Wellspring Project, Raft the River, River Trivia, and the Grand Valley River Fest, engage different age groups in understanding the vital role rivers play in our communities.
Specific Goals and Activities
The Xcel Energy grant will support several key activities within the Grand Valley Stewardship Program, including:
- Monthly Volunteer Events: Organizing monthly stewardship opportunities from April to November for community members.
- Classroom and Field Instruction: Providing educational opportunities for students using REW’s river curriculum.
- The Wellspring Project: Leading a summer program for middle schoolers that integrates learning about the Colorado River with collaborative art projects.
- Grand Valley River Fest: Co-coordinating this annual event to educate and engage the community on waterway stewardship, environmental ethics, and recreation.
Ongoing support from Xcel Energy for the Grand Valley Stewardship Program is instrumental in allowing REW to advance the restoration and protection of this vital community resource.
RiversEdge West is a Grand Junction-based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of ecosystems for the benefit of both fish and wildlife as well as the economic, social, and cultural well-being of communities in the American West.
Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company operating in eight Western and Midwestern states. The company is committed to providing cost-effective, clean, responsible energy delivered with the highest standards for safety, reliability, and responsiveness. Xcel Energy supports communities in four important focus areas: STEM education; environmental stewardship; economic sustainability; and access to arts and culture.
Contact:
Cara Kukuraitis
Communications and Education Director | RiversEdge West
Ckukuraitis@riversedgewest.org | 970.256.7400