2025 SCW Workshops & Field Trips

WORKSHOP AND FIELD TRIP DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW

Community Navigator Programs

Hosted by CWA

Fluvial Futures Workshop

Hosted by CRA

Colorado Water Conservation Board initiatives, such as Wildfire Ready Watersheds and the Colorado Water Plan, have significantly increased the need for, as well as the accessibility and availability of, Fluvial Hazard Zone (FHZ) maps throughout Colorado. These maps, which delineate areas prone to fluvial geomorphic hazards, are now essential tools for local floodplain managers, consulting firms, and other stakeholders involved in hazard planning, river corridor planning, restoration, and development projects across the state. Approaches to translating FHZ maps into plans and actions, as well as steps for effectively integrating them into local planning and development policy, are continuously developing and evolving.

This workshop is targeted to a broad audience, from watershed and local planners to project sponsors, to consultants and practitioners. We will provide an overview of the processes, components, and methods behind mapping and applying the FHZ in a wildfire-prone watershed. The workshop will feature interactive modules in which participants discuss and decide where to map the FHZ for a Wildfire Ready Action Plan (WRAP) and then use FHZ maps to inform hazard mitigation project identification. Participants will learn and discuss how FHZs can inform “Fluvial Opportunity Zones” (the FOZ) within a river corridor, including applications for land use planning, conservation, and restoration. By completing this workshop, participants will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of the FHZ and also bridge the gap between completed FHZ maps, WRAPS, and other practical applications with guidance, case studies, and guided discussion.

No previous FHZ experience or specialized computer programs are necessary—we just ask you to bring curiosity, critical thinking, and questions about your own river systems!

Following our technical learning, the Colorado Riparian Association will lead the workshop participants in a raucous round of Riparian Jeopardy! Our hope is that this can be a time to meet new people, network, and make new friends in a casual and inviting environment before the conference officially kicks off!

Charting the Course: Shaping the Future of Water Education in Colorado

Hosted by WECo

Join Water Education Colorado for our Annual Pre-Conference Workshop! As our current five-year strategic plan comes to a close, we’re taking this opportunity to reflect on 22 years of impact and look ahead to the future. We’re inviting the Colorado community to help shape the next chapter—by sharing what’s worked, leaving behind what hasn’t, and building a bold, effective new plan to drive us closer to our mission.

As a statewide organization, we’re committed to gathering diverse input from across Colorado, and we want you to be part of this collaborative process.

Through a mix of presentations and small-group discussions, participants will have the opportunity to:
• Share feedback on our reach and relevance
• Exchange ideas to strengthen partnerships and equity
• Collaborate on ways to better serve Colorado communities and advance water education statewide

This workshop isn’t just for water professionals—anyone passionate about Colorado’s future is welcome. You’ll gain insights and inspiration for supporting and promoting water education in your own work and community.

The workshop will be led by Water Education Colorado staff Juan Pérez Sáez and Sabrina Scherma, in collaboration with Leander Lacy of Lacy Consulting Services.

Your voice matters—come help us shape what’s next.

POST CONFERENCE FIELD TRIP

Put the presentations away and come explore the Brush Creek Low Tech Process Based Restoration site just outside of Eagle Colorado!  Come gather and learn how a willing landowner, Eagle County Open Space and Eagle River Coalition came together to restore Brush Creek.  The field trip will discuss the projects objectives, multi-faceted partnerships and technical approach.  Learn about multiple years of monitoring and maintenance and discover valuable lessons learned!  The location is 23 miles west of the Westin Hotel, plan ahead and lets get outside and see some restoration in action.