The Wellspring Project is a 4-day summer 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. View photos from Wellspring 2024 here. Watch a recap of the 2023 Wellspring Project here.
Applications are due May 16, 2025. Students must be rising 6th or 7th graders to apply. See below for more details!
Program Details
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.
To Apply:
Submit this Google Form by May 16, 2025
Deadline to apply: May 16, 2025.
Selected applicants will be notified by May 26, 2025.
Deadline for applicants to confirm their space is June 6, 2025.
If you have any questions, email Nicole 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 Fruita Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, One Riverfront, Xcel Energy, and Chevron Colorado.
Invest in the Next Generation
We are looking for additional sponsors for this program! Are you interested in supporting the Wellspring Project? Become a Wellspring Donor
