Help Shape our Land and Water Future

One of the most significant internal initiatives we are pursuing this year is the Confluence Center of Colorado, a collaborative land, water, and education hub at the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers' confluence. This state-of-the-art facility, formalized as a 501(c)(3) in 2023, represents a unique partnership among local nonprofits in Mesa County committed to land and water stewardship, education, recreation, agriculture, and restoration.

The Confluence Center will be instrumental in advancing REW’s organizational goals by providing a centralized space for collaboration and resource sharing among key stakeholders. This facility will serve as a land and water resource hub, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices in riparian restoration. By bringing together nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups under one roof, the Confluence Center will break down silos and enhance strategic partnerships, directly supporting our goal to collaborate across boundaries.

Moreover, including a STREAM (Science, Technology, Rivers, Art, and Mathematics) preschool and childcare center within the Confluence Center aligns with our goal to expand educational programs and engage underrepresented communities. The preschool will offer 45 full-time slots, prioritizing equitable access for underserved children, thereby nurturing an early connection to environmental stewardship and science-based learning.

Through its community spaces, the Confluence Center will amplify our efforts to enhance community engagement. The center will host educational workshops, public events, and collaborative meetings, allowing us to reach a broader audience and deepen our community’s involvement in river restoration and conservation activities. By providing a physical identity and increasing visibility for RiversEdge West, the Confluence Center will strengthen our capacity to engage local stewards and enhance the long-term sustainability of our restoration efforts.