Conferences & Events Late February
February 23rd, 2026 | Mountain Pine Beetle along the Colorado Front Range - Presenter: Dan West, PhD Entomologist, Colorado State Forest Service Date/Time: Monday Feb. 23, 6-7p Overview: Dr. Dan West will provide an overview of emerging mountain pine beetle activity along Colorado’s Front Range, with an emphasis on current population trends and the conditions contributing to their increase. Zoom Link Monday Feb. 23, 6-7pm.
February 24th, 2026 | WATER CONDITIONS MONITORING COMMITTEE - 9:30 - 11am - The Colorado Water Conservation Board hosts regular meetings to monitor temperature and precipitation outlooks, streamflow, snowpack, reservoir storage, & potential water supply impacts in Colorado. Hear reports from the Colorado Climate Center, National Resource Conservation Service, and updates from local water providers and managers. Learn more HERE.
February 25th, 2026 | MS4 Workgroup Quarterly Meeting - Workgroup meetings will be held virtually and in-person at the Mile High Flood District office. Please contact workgroup chair Candice Owen for more information.
February 25th, 2026 | Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center 2026 Spring Seminar Series - Colorado Mesa University assistant professor of environmental science and technology, Mark Gilfillan, will give a one-hour seminar about the following topic: US ACE civilian work force missions and STEM opportunities- 4pm-5pm. Learn more HERE.
February 26th, 2026 | St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District Annual Water Symposium - The Water Symposium is an opportunity to hear from District staff and other organizations about key issues facing our communities and projects in our basin and statewide. Topics include legislative updates, in stream flow, funding opportunities, and updates on projects. Registration will close on February 20th. Learn more and register HERE.
February 26th, 2026 | Water TAP Open House - Join Colorado State University’s One Water Solutions Institute (OWSI) for an inside look at Water TAP – a unique, real-world testing environment designed to accelerate safe, reliable, and efficient water technologies. Learn more HERE.
February 26th, 2026 | SEDGES & SANDWICHES - 12:00 - 1:00 MST - Join the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter for its February Sedges and Sandwiches with Lindsay Reynolds and Joanna Lemly. This February event is free for all attendees. Speakers: Lindsay Reynolds and Joanna Lemly Topic: BLM Monitoring of Wetlands on Public Lands in the West. Join Zoom HERE.
February 26th, 2026 | Snow Problem: Current State of the Snowpack & What This Means for Our Watershed with San Miguel Watershed Coalition - Join EcoAction Partners, Sheep Mountain Alliance, and the Wilkinson Public Library with special guest from the San Miguel Watershed Coalition for a timely discussion on our current state of the snowpack in our region and across the Mountain West. Engage in a conversation on what we can do to adapt to this reality and how we can prepare for warmer months ahead. As always, coffee, tea and pastries are kindly provided. We hope to see you in the Wilkinson Public Library Magazine room Thursday, February 26th from 8:30-9:30 AM.
February 26th, 2026 | How Water Made the West - Author Talk & Book Signing - Join award-winning author and hydrologist Robert Crifasi for an engaging, story-driven evening exploring the people, politics and power of Western water. Enjoy a lively presentation, audience Q&A, and book signing of Western Water A–Z in the iconic Hotel Colorado, with beverages and appetizers served. Learn more HERE.
February 26th, 2026 | Thinking Like Water Film Screening - The “Thinking Like Water” docuseries follows restoration practitioner Bill Zeedyk and his collaborators as they transform degraded watersheds into more resilient ecosystems – fighting against the ravages of drought and climate change. This in-person screening of the first episode of the series will be followed by a panel featuring local restoration experts and filmmaker Renea Roberts. Learn more HERE.
February 27th, 2026 | Sip N Science in the SLV - Groundwater - 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.
February 28th, 2026 | How Water Made the West - Author Talk & Book Signing - Join award-winning author and hydrologist Robert Crifasi for an engaging, story-driven evening exploring the people, politics and power of Western water. Enjoy a lively presentation, audience Q&A, and book signing of Western Water A–Z in the iconic Hotel Colorado, with beverages and appetizers served. Event admission is by donation and books will be available for purchase. Space is limited. Advance RSVP required. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
March 3rd - 5th, 2026 | Biennial Riparian Restoration Conference - Mark your calendar for RiversEdge West's 22nd Riparian Restoration Conference on March 3-5, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. Learn more and register HERE.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 28th, 2026 | Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium, Adams State University - Save the Date. Learn more 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.