Conferences & Events Early March
March 4th, 2026 | Conservation Trends in the West - Lori Weigel, Principal of New Bridge Strategy, will share an inside look at the findings from the annual bipartisan Conservation in the West poll, which digs into Westerners’ views on climate change, public lands, water, wildlife, and other important conservation issues. Learn more HERE.
March 6th, 2026 | Poudre River Forum 2026 – Innovations and Trailblazers - The Forum is a full-day conference on water issues, use, history and conservation practices across the Cache la Poudre River watershed. This one-of-a-kind event offers a neutral space for discussion and idea generation in support of a healthy, working river while fostering collaboration across disciplines. A community united by a shared connection to the Poudre River. Hosted by the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and the Poudre Runs Through It program, the Poudre River Forum explores water from multiple lenses. Learn more and register HERE.
March 9th, 2026 | State of the River: Upper Yampa River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
March 10th, 2026 | Water Quality Rulemaking Hearings 101 - Join the Water Quality Control Division on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn about water quality rulemaking hearings. The division will explain what rulemaking hearings are, their importance, how to engage effectively, and where to find information about upcoming hearings. Presenters will give tips for submitting public comments, and division experts will be available to answer questions and provide resources on current actions to protect water quality. Meeting materials will be available in this public folder closer to the meeting date. Learn more and register HERE.
March 10th, 2026 | State of the River: Lower Gunnison River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
March 11th, 2026 | Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center 2026 Spring Seminar Series - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' lead hydrologist, Max Strickler, will give a one-hour seminar about the following topic: management and operation of dams and reservoirs - 4pm-5pm. Learn more HERE.
March 11th, 2026 | WaterWise in Action: What is the Live Like You Love It® Toolkit? - 12 - 12:30pm - This session is perfect for Colorado WaterWise members who need a refresher on the materials as well as non-members who are looking for better ways to communicate key water conservation messages to their customers. Learn more HERE.
March 12th, 2026 | Leave it to the Beavers: “Beavers and Their Impacts on Fish” with Dr. Niall Clancy - co-hosted by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), Larimer Conservation District (LCD) and Rocky Mountain Flycasters (RMF), brings together experts, enthusiasts, and community members passionate about the important role beavers play in creating resilient ecosystems. Learn more HERE.
March 12th, 2026 | Securing Tomorrow’s Water: Strategies For Source Water Protection - 12pm MST - As water scarcity, climate volatility, and emerging contaminants place increasing stress on U.S. drinking water supplies, proactive source water protection has never been more critical. Join leading experts Kenan Ozekin (The Water Research Foundation), Karen Frost (The Water Council), and Alex Shannon (WSP in the U.S.) for a dynamic discussion on how utilities and engineering teams can safeguard source waters amid rising demand and evolving risks. You’ll hear sharp, actionable insights on mitigating upstream risks, strengthening watershed partnerships, deploying smarter monitoring, and reducing treatment strain — all designed to help you stay ahead of regulatory, operational, and supply challenges. If you’re responsible for delivering safe, reliable drinking water in an era of tightening resources, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Learn more and register HERE.
March 14th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE.
March 17th, 2026 | State of the River: Uncompahgre River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
March 19th, 2026 | Colorado Trout Unlimited 2026 River Stewardship Champions Gala - Join Colorado Trout Unlimited on March 19, 2026 from 5pm to 8:30pm for an evening that celebrates you, the champions behind healthy rivers across our state. Held at the Cable Center in Denver, the River Stewardship Champions Gala brings together conservationists and community leaders for a night of connection, shared purpose, and impact. Learn more HERE.
March 19th, 2026 | From Lab to Launch: Colorado’s Emerging Water-Tech Innovators - 12pm - 1:30pm - Join us for a webinar spotlighting Colorado-based water-tech startups transforming university research into real-world impact. From rapid PFAS testing to real-time water quality digitization and advanced nutrient removal, these innovators are tackling urgent challenges facing water and wastewater utilities. You’ll hear about current market traction, regulatory drivers, and what’s next for water innovation. If you care about the future of water technology, this conversation will give you insight into where the industry is headed and who’s building it. Learn more HERE.
March 20th - 22nd, 2026 | SUN SOIL WATER 2026 - Sun Soil Water is a showcase of what can happen when a community gathers around its shared love of food, learning, and local entrepreneurship. Learn more and register HERE.
March 26th, 2026 | Coffee & Climate Conversation: An Ode to our Forests - Join EcoAction Partners, Sheep Mountain Alliance and the Wilkinson Public Library for both a celebration of our forests and a call to care. Our discussion will include current challenges our forests face from climate stress and wildfire risks to pests and drought, along with practical actions we can take to protect them. We will weave in moments of literary appreciation and invite you to bring your favorite poem or passage to share! Whether you are a forester, climate advocate, poet, someone concerned about our forest health, or simply someone who finds peace beneath a canopy of leaves, this conversation offers space for learning, gratitude, and collective action. We hope to see you in the Wilkinson Public Library Magazine room Thursday, March 26th from 8:30-9:30 AM.
March 27th, 2026 | Sip N Science in the SLV - Wetlands - In partnership with the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, a series of events that shines light on our natural resource systems... and beer. ‘Sip n. Science in the SLV’ is a yearlong series designed to help our community learn about the natural systems that define our region. Each of our sessions focuses on a different environmental topic that directly affects life here in the San Luis Valley. Learn more HERE.
March 27th, 2026 | Southwestern Water Conservation District’s Annual Seminar - Join the conversation shaping the future of water in the Southwest Basin. One Watershed, Many Voices connects local and regional leaders to explore water quality, supply, recreation, and policy—and how collaboration across communities and jurisdictions can move us forward. Learn more and register HERE.
March 28th, 2026 | Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium, Adams State University - The 2026 Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium “Where Water Connects Us” provides an opportunity to learn from experts about the natural resource challenges shaping our basin and the communities working to create solutions. Register HERE. See informational flyer HERE.
April 2nd, 2026 | TENACITY: Women in Conservation - Over the last ten years, TENACITY: Women in Conservation has brought together passionate advocates, curious community members, and conservation leaders for an evening that's equal parts inspiration and action. Whether you're a longtime conservationist or just beginning to explore what protecting Colorado means to you, this event welcomes everyone to the table. Learn more and register HERE.
April 2nd, 2026 | 2026 Denver Water Law Review Symposium - Oil & Water: Energy Across the West - The University of Denver’s Water Law Review is delighted to welcome you to our 18th annual symposium. This year’s theme is Water & Energy Across the West. We look forward to welcoming an interdisciplinary group of experts, who will lead us through discussions about the intersection of water and energy in Colorado and the West. Learn more HERE.
April 7th, 2026 | State of the River: Grand Valley - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
April 9th, 2026 | State of the River: Glenwood Springs - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
April 16th, 2026 | Leave it to the Beavers: “Chew on This: Colorado's Approach to Beaver Management” with Boyd Wright, Colorado Parks & Wildlife - co-hosted by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), Larimer Conservation District (LCD) and Rocky Mountain Flycasters (RMF), brings together experts, enthusiasts, and community members passionate about the important role beavers play in creating resilient ecosystems. Learn more HERE.
April 16th, 2026 | State of the River: White River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
April 22nd & 23rd, 2026 | Arkansas River Basin Water Forum - The Arkansas River Basin Water Forum brings together diverse water interests to explain their views and engage in open dialogue about water issues in the basin. It is an opportunity to hear about key issues facing our communities and projects within the basin and statewide. Topics include legislative updates, a climate report, augmentation, river management, watershed health, and updates on projects like the Arkansas Valley Conduit. Join us April 22 & 23, 2026 at the Salida Streamplant. Learn more and register HERE.
April 23rd, 2026 | State of the River: Roaring Fork - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
April 27th - 29th, 2026 | Partners in the Outdoors Conference - The Partners in the Outdoors Conference serves as a vital platform to address the intricate balance between conservation and outdoor recreation in Colorado. Registration is now open. Learn more HERE.
April 30th, 2026 | Firewise Futures: Readiness & Resilience in the West - Wildfire is reshaping the West—are we ready? Elemental confronts wildfire risk and resilience through powerful documentary storytelling, followed by an expert panel discussion. The afternoon and evening also feature a hands-on, family-friendly fire safety simulator from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control, turning awareness into action with practical, take-home knowledge for all ages. Learn more and register HERE.
May 1st, 2026 | 2026 AWRA & CGWA Symposium - The 2026 AWRA & CGWA Symposium is a premier gathering of experts, researchers, and practitioners in the field of hydrology. This year's Symposium theme, Flowing Tensions: Navigating Water Scarcity and Competing Demands, highlights the deep tensions and competing interests inherent to water use in the arid West and how policy, regulation, and science have evolved in the context of water scarcity. Learn more and register HERE.
May 6th, 2026 | State of the River: Eagle River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
May 13th, 2026 | State of the River: Gunnison River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
May 14th, 2026 | Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter - Abstracts are due by March 20th, 2026. Submit an oral abstract HERE. Submit a poster abstract HERE. Registration is now open. Learn more and register HERE.
May 14th, 2026 | For Love of the Land - Our biannual gala, For Love of the Land, returns May 14, 2026, at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Come together with the best minds in business, philanthropy, and conservation to make an impact that will last more than a lifetime. The evening event will include a private cocktail reception for lead sponsors, a full-course dinner, and an inspiring program highlighting the generational impact of conservation. Learn more HERE.
May 18th, 2026 | State of the River: Blue River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
May 19th - 21st, 2026 | Western Collaborative Conservation Network Confluence - This year's theme: The Future of Collaboration: The Power of Working Across Divides. Save the Date. Learn more and register HERE.
May 21st, 2026 | State of the River: Upper Colorado River - Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in twelve different watersheds, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in western Colorado. Join your neighbors and local experts for a casual, public-information evening including not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Learn more and register HERE.
June 4th &5th, 2026 | 2026 Colorado River Conference - Save the Date. Registration is now open. Learn more HERE.
June 14th - 20th, 2026 | Colorado Trout Unlimited’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp - Colorado TU’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp is a week-long, overnight experience for youth ages 14–18 who want to learn about fly fishing, river conservation, and the role people play in caring for Colorado’s waters. Campers learn outside, on the river, and alongside peers who share a curiosity for the outdoors. Learn more HERE.
June 27th, 2026 | Ridgway RiverFest - The Ridgway RiverFest is a family-friendly celebration of the Uncompahgre River, our watershed and river recreation with all-age river races, live music, local food and drink, kids’ activities, watershed educational and cultural programs. Learn more HERE.
August 30th - September 2nd, 2026 | Rocky Mountain Mining & Reclamation Conference - Save the Date.
September 16th, 2026 | 2026 Water Conservation Symposium - Call for abstracts closes March 31st. Student scholarship application closes May 29th.
October 6th - 8th, 2026 | Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference - Save the Date.