The Wellspring Project is a 4-day river and art program for middle school students that addresses the complexities of the Colorado River and provides students with the opportunity to respond artistically to that experience.
RiversEdge West believes that experiences on the river and education surrounding these places should be accessible to all. We raise funds so that the Wellspring Project can remain free to students.
Program Details
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What: A field studying, rafting, art-making summer adventure
When: June 23-26, 2025 (8am-4pm M-W, 8am-2pm Th)
Who: Middle School students *must be entering 6th grade or entering 7th grade*
Where: The Gunnison and Colorado Rivers and field locations across the Grand Valley
Cost: FREE
Through field experiences across the Grand Valley, a river trip, art projects, and presentations/tours from stakeholders interested in how the Colorado River is allocated and protected, students will engage in a myriad of opportunities to learn more about river health and water use in the West.
By engaging youth in this project, we hope to build a foundation of heightened awareness and create a wellspring of ideas and conversations that will carry on the important work that will be needed to care for and preserve one of our very foundations of life.
Students from across the Grand Valley are encouraged to apply! In 2024, Wellspring hosted students from 9 different middle schools.
Apply for Wellspring 2025 here by May 16!
2025 Activities
Day 1 – Clean Water Monday, June 23 – 8am - 4pm
| Day 2 – Agriculture Tuesday, June 24 – 8am - 4pm
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Day 3 – Fish and Wildlife Wednesday, June 25 – 8 am - 4pm
| Day 4 – Rafting Adventure Thursday, June 26 – 8 am - 2pm (end time subject to change)
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2024 Recap
Over the course of four days, 18 students from nine middle schools engaged in activities aimed at fostering their connection with rivers and the environment.
The program began with lessons on river health with students sampling macroinvertebrates from the river and examining invasive plants. They also actively contributed to the preservation of natural ecosystems by collecting trash from Las Colonias Park, giving back to the community while gathering materials for their art projects. To further enrich their understanding of our local history, the Palisade Historical Society shared insights into the evolution of irrigation practices, and guided students as they designed model dams.
Day 2 of the Wellspring Project brought us to Lobato Farms, where the students learned about the responsible and efficient use of water. Then we explored the US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Fish hatchery where students had the unforgettable moment of kissing a fish! We ended the day by designing our own t-shirts using fabric ink and invasive plant cuttings we collected.
On Day 3 we visited the Ute Water Treatment Plant, where students learned about water treatment processes and how water gets to our taps. In the afternoon, we made Clean and Create collages from trash collected earlier in the week, enjoyed a pizza party sponsored by the Hot Tomato, and made seedballs to help Colorado Parks and Wildlife bring more native plants into our state parks.
On our final day, we embarked on an adventure down the Colorado River, giving the students an up-close and personal experience of the water source they had learned about throughout the week. This immersive journey served as the perfect culmination of their educational exploration, solidifying their bond with rivers, and leaving a lasting impression on their young minds.
Applications due by May 16, 2025
Selected applicants will be notified by May 26, 2025.
Deadline for applicants to confirm their space is June 6, 2025.
For more information:
Email Nicole Cook at Ncook@riversedgewest.org.
Funders and Supporters
Supported by:
The Wellspring Project is coordinated by RiversEdge West, with support from the City of Fruita Parks & Recreation, Trout Unlimited - Grand Valley Anglers, Ute Water, CSU Western Colorado Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Palisade Historical Society, EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, the Hot Tomato, and local volunteers.
Funded by:
Funding is provided by RiversEdge West, the Western Colorado Community Foundation, Alpine Bank, the Quimby Family Fund, the Fruita Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, One Riverfront, Xcel Energy, Chevron Colorado, and Rebecca Frank.
Invest in the Next Generation
Become a Wellspring Donor:
We are looking for additional sponsors for this program! Are you interested in supporting the Wellspring Project?
This summer, you can make a lasting impact by sponsoring a middle school student to attend the Wellspring Project, our free, 4-day river and art program exploring the Colorado River! Through rafting adventures, hands-on field studies, and artistic expression, students develop a deeper understanding of river ecosystems and conservation—completely free of charge.
Each student’s participation costs $350, covering essential expenses like equipment, transportation, and educational materials. Your donation ensures that every child has access to this transformative experience, regardless of financial barriers. Plus, your name or business name will be included on this webpage!
Help us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—sponsor a student today! 🌊🎨
