SCW Conference Scholarship Blog

Scholarship Recipient Communication Board

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & INSTRUCTIONS

Information to come......

Funding Opportunities for Early September

Eldorado Canyon, Fall colors off Streamside Trail and footbridge, 2005 Best in Show Photography Contest Winner, Jerry Bargar

The Clif Bar Family Foundation is accepting applications for its fall 2017 Small Grants program. Grants of up to $7,000 will be awarded in support of projects that address the foundation's priorities from a holistic perspective. Priority will be given to projects that aim to protect the earth's beauty and bounty; create robust, healthy food systems; increase opportunities for outdoor activity; reduce environmental health hazards; and/or build stronger communities. Projects must operate with clearly defined objectives and viable plans to achieve them; demonstrate strong community ties and operate at the community level; and promote positive change through both the project and the implementation process. To be eligible, applicants must be considered tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. See the Clif Bar Family Foundation website for complete program guidelines, an eligibility quiz, and application instructions. Small grants deadline is Sunday, October 1, 2017.

EPA 2017 Campus RainWorks Challenge – Registration September 1-30: EPA is pleased to announce the rules for the 6th annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a design competition open to U.S. colleges and universities. EPA seeks to engage undergraduate and graduate students in designing innovative green infrastructure for stormwater management to showcase the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure practices. The Campus RainWorks Challenge invites the current generation of scholars to lend their creativity, knowledge, and energy to become part of the solution. Registration opens on September 1st. Click HERE for more information.

NOAA Climate Program Office 2018 – Due September 11, 2017: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced funding for climate research programs. Eligible programs can include research to improve observations and monitoring of the climate system, advance understanding of the climate, improvements in modeling and prediction, community engagement related to climate change, and research on interactions between climate and society. Applicants are encouraged to support the principles of diversity and inclusion when writing their proposals and performing their work. Learn more HERE.

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) are pleased to announce a $500,000 grant opportunity for open space, local government, and land trusts to hire conservation corps. In addition to public parks and open spaces, corps projects can occur on private lands protected by a conservation easement. The RFP can be found at www.cyca.org.  The application deadline is Sept. 21, 2017.  Successful projects will be announced in December 2017 and crews will complete the proposed work in 2018.  Matching funds/support not required but encouraged.  Applicants can apply for youth corps crews (ages 16-25) to complete a variety of stewardship projects. To find the youth corps that serves your area, go to www.cyca.org/joinfind-a-youth-corps/  or contact Scott Segerstrom at or 303-863-0604 with questions.

The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program has released a new funding opportunity announcement. Past projects funded by the program have typically involved converting unlined canals and ditches to pipelines located in the Upper Basin States to reduce seepage that picks up salt and carries it into the Colorado River system. The Colorado River and its tributaries provide municipal and industrial water to about 27 million people and irrigation water to nearly four million acres of land in the United States. The river also serves about 2.3 million people and 500,000 acres in Mexico. The threat of salinity is a major concern in both the Unites States and Mexico. Salinity affects agricultural, municipal, and industrial water users. Click HERE for more information. 

EPA Wetland Program Development Grants – Due date varies by region. Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the reduction and elimination of water pollution. WPDGs assist building programs to protect, manage, and restore wetlands. States, tribes, local governments, interstate associations, and intertribal consortia are eligible to apply for the Regional WPDG Request for Proposals. Click HERE for more information.

Research to Action: Assessing and Addressing Community Exposures to Environmental Contaminants - Due October 5, 2017: Applications using community-engaged research methods to investigate the potential health risks of environmental exposures of concern to the community and to implement an environmental public health action plan based on research findings are encouraged. Learn more HERE.

National Science Foundation Environmental Sustainability Grants - Due October 20. The National Science Foundation’s Environmental Sustainability program promotes sustainable engineered systems that support human well-being while also being compatible with sustaining environmental systems. For full proposals submitted via FastLane: standard NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide proposal preparation guidelines apply. For full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov Guidelines applies. (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website. To apply for this grant click HERE

Conservation Alliance Invites Nominations for Conservation Projects – Nominations Due November 1st, 2017. The Conservation Alliance seeks to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values. Grants are awarded to registered 501(c)(3) organizations in support of projects designed to secure permanent and quantifiable protection of a specific wild land or waterway with clear habitat and recreational benefits. Click HERE for more information.

FEMA FY17 Flood Mitigation Assistance Application Cycle – Due November 14: FEMA has posted the Fiscal Year 2017 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcements for the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program on www.grants.gov. The NOFO provides an overview of the grant program and details about the agency's funding priorities and review process. FMA grants are available to implement measures to reduce or eliminate risk of severe repetitive and repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). New in this application cycle is a set-aside of $70 million for community advance assistance and flood mitigation projects. The remainder of the FY17 FMA grants will continue to focus on reducing or eliminating the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures. FEMA will also fund flood hazard mitigation planning as well as technical assistance for applicants who were awarded FMA grant program funds totaling at least $1 million in FY16. Further information is in the NOFO: DHS-17-MT-029-00-99.

FEMA FY17 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Application Cycle - Due November 14, 2017: FEMA has posted the Fiscal Year 2017 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcements for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant program on www.grants.gov. The goal of the PDM grant program is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, while at the same time reducing reliance on federal funding from Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) disaster declarations. FEMA’s highest priority for FY17 competitive sub-applications is multi-state/tribal mitigation initiatives. FEMA will select eligible planning and project sub-applications that limit duplication of other HMA programs by prioritizing funding in areas without post-disaster funding available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); and projects that cannot be funded by the FMA grant program. Further information is in the NOFO: DHS-17-MT-047-00-99.

Applications are being accepted for Colorado Corn Future Farmers of America (FFA) Grant Program. For a fifth year, the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) is accepting applications from FFA chapters around the state as part of its Colorado Corn FFA Grant Program. The deadline to apply is November15th. Be sure to let your local FFA chapters know about this opportunity. The Colorado Corn FFA Grant Program assists FFA chapters in Colorado on projects that lack funding in their school's budget. Adding to its support of other youth-focused projects, Colorado Corn began its FFA grants in 2013, awarding a $5,000 grant to the winner during the first year, and all together has contributed nearly $30,000 to FFA chapters through this program. Click HERE for more information.

The National Water Quality Initiative will work in priority watersheds to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners improve water quality and aquatic habitats in impaired streams. NRCS will help producers implement conservation and management practices through a systems approach to control and trap nutrient and manure runoff. Qualified producers will receive assistance for installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces. More Details here.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), provided through the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities. To learn more CLICK HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Program provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. The funds help eligible entities complete water activities, which may include competitive grants for: Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; and structural and nonstructural water projects or activities. For more information click HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has a new category of grants available to support implementation of the Colorado Water Plan. The purpose of the Water Plan Grant funding is to make progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will select projects, programs and activities to fund from applications that have the best opportunity to make progress on the Colorado’s Water Plan Measurable Objectives or critical actions. Categories for funding include: supply and demand gap projects; water storage; conservation, land use and planning; engagement and innovation activities; agricultural; and environmental and recreation. Click HERE for details on October 1, 2017 submittal deadline. There will be multiple opportunities to submit applications – in October, February and August 2018 and February 2019.All applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular CWP Measurable Objective category. Click HERE for more information. 

Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Water Efficiency Grant Program provides financial assistance to communities, water providers and eligible agencies for water conservation-related activities and projects. Eligible entities as well as state and local governments and agencies can receive funding to develop water conservation and drought plans, implement water conservation goals outlined in a water conservation plan and educate the public about water conservation.
Types of Water Efficiency Grants available - Click on programs below for more information about each and how to apply:

• Water Conservation Planning Grants: For water providers seeking to develop or update their water conservation plans.
• Water Conservation Implementation Grants: For water providers implementing water conservation plan goals and programs identified in locally adopted and CWCB-approved water conservation plans.
• Drought Mitigation Planning Grants: For water providers or state and local governmental entities developing drought mitigation and response plans.
• Water Resource Conservation Public Education and Outreach Grants: For agencies seeking to promote the benefits of water resource conservation through public education and outreach.

Tamarisk Coalition has a list of riparian restoration funding opportunities maintained by the Tamarisk Coalition.  For list click restoration funding opportunities.  

Conferences & Events for Early September

Woman kayaking in river, Division of Wildlife, Colorado Division of Wildlife

SEPTEMBER 7th, 2017: Animas Watershed Partnership Summer River Forum at the Animas River Wetlands from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Ed and Patti Zink will take you on a tour of the Animas River Wetlands Bank where they are helping to meet the goal of No Net Loss of Wetlands. After the tour there will be a POTLUCK in the Zink's barn. Bring a dish to share! Park at Waterfall Ranch, 4166 County Road 203, Durango, Colorado to walk the 1 mile loop to see the wetlands. The tour begins at 6:10pm so please arrive promptly! Remember to wear footwear for walking. There is also limited vehicle space to ride along! Questions? Call or email Ann Oliver at 970.903.9361 or annsoliver@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 7th, 2017: Brews, Boots and Bucks from 5:00 – 7:30 pm, Table Mountain Inn, 1310 Washington Ave, Golden, Colorado. Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts is getting together to celebrate private land conservation. They'll have a short program, "Made in Colorado," heavy appetizers, beer, wine, a silent auction, games, and lots of good conversation! This event directly supports the Coalition's public policy and educational programming for the Colorado land conservation community. Tickets are $90/person with discounts for members, students, and nonprofit staff. For more information, visit their website at cclt.org/bbb.

SEPTEMBER 8th, 2017: West Slope EE Conference: Building an Inclusive EE Movement. Join the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education to explore the newly released National Guidelines for Excellence in Community Engagement, published by the North American Association for Environmental Education. Engage in participant driven discussions and sessions to explore the topics of most interest in advancing inclusive, culturally relevant environmental education. They will convene at the University Center at Western State Colorado University for the morning and if weather permits, they will travel to the ColdHarbour Institute for an outdoor lunch and afternoon discussion and activities. Go to their WEBSITE for more information.

SEPTEMBER 8th - 10th, 2017: Yampa Valley Golf Trout Tournament. The Yampa Valley Stream Improvement Charitable Trust (YVSICT) in association with the Yampa Valley Fly Fishers (YVFF) invite you to beautiful Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley to join a three day fund raising tournament. Teams will enjoy one day of guided fishing on some of the finest public and private water in Northwest Colorado, and a day of golfing on the premier Tom Weiskopf championship golf course at Catamount Ranch and Club. Proceeds will benefit conservation projects on the Yampa River. Space is limited, sign up today!

SEPTEMBER 9th, 2017: FUTURE SO BRIGHT: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF MOUNTAIN STUDIES INSTITUTE! Please join them in Silverton for a full day of family friendly festivities! 9:00 am - 12:00 pm workshops, Tours and Service Projects leaving from MSI’s Mountain Discovery Center, 114 E 12th Street. Lunch provided.  Ophir Fen Restoration Project, Wacky Water Bugs for Kids, Animas Forks History Tour and Bonita Peak Mining District Tour. Please register in advance - free. 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Champagne & Cupcake Reception at MSI's Mountain Discovery Center, 114 E 12th Street. 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Celebration and Appreciation of MSI's Past, Present, and Future at the Southern Pacific, Wyman Hotel, corner of 14th and Greene Streets. 4:00 pm & ON: Party! Live music from Liver Down the River, Appetizer Buffet ($20), and Cash Bar at the Southern Pacific Courtyard, Wyman Hotel 14th & Greene. For more information go to their website, mountainstudies.org/15.

SEPTEMBER 9th, 2017: Colorado Native Plant Society Annual Conference: A Region of Astonishing and Fragile Beauty located at Colorado College Armstrong Hall, Kathryn Mohrman Theater 14 E Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Tom Schweich: History of Botanizing in the Pikes Peak Region, Larry Vickerman: Natives: Pretty with Purpose, Pat Hayward: Pretty Tough Plants: Award-winning native plant selections from Plant Select, Steve Olson: BioBlitz Information Distribution, Linda Overlin: Land Water Preservation in the Pikes Peak Region, Shane Heschel: Ipomopsis UV Tolerance Tradeoffs: Flower Color Pollinators, Doris Drisgill: The Astonishing Beauty of Pikes Peak Alpine Flora, Judy von Ahlefeldt: Black Forest Landscape Ecology & Relict, Tallgrass Prairie Rare Plants, Marion Hourdequin: Ecological Restoration & Environmental Ethics. Click HERE for more information. 

SEPTEMBER 10th - 13th, 2017: American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Annual Conference. The 2017 RMSAWWA/RMWEA Joint Annual Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado. This year’s conference features more than 120 exhibitor booths, an outdoor demonstration/exhibit area, technical sessions jam-packed with the most up-to-date information and numerous opportunities to network with hundreds of representatives of the Rocky Mountain water industry. For more information and registration visit the American Water Works Association Website.

SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2017: 2017 Western Colorado Community Forestry Conference from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. This is an opportunity to earn your 2017 ISA CEU’s or CEU’s for 2018 Re-licensing! Lunch is provided and ISA CEU Credits available. Located at Lincoln Park Barn, 910 N 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501. Click HERE for the schedule and more information about the conference. Register Online.

SEPTEMBER 15th, 2017: Blue Moon After Party on the Bridge. It's your last chance to get tickets to the Blue Moon After Party on the Bridge presented by The Fang Law Firm. All proceeds from this event will go directly to The Greenway Foundation to continue funding all of our great programs! At the event you will enjoy unlimited food from Fogo de Chao and local food trucks, open bar, three live DJ's, a surprise musical guest, and silent disco from Sounddown Silent Disco. This event will sell out and you don't want to miss it! Get your tickets today!

SEPTEMBER 15th, 2017: Colorado River District's Annual Water Seminar: Points of No Return to focus on irrigation, 'Big River' Colorado River challenges. The Colorado River District's popular one-day Annual Water Seminar in Grand Junction, Colo., takes place 9:00 am to 3:30 pm  at the Two Rivers Convention Center. Cost of the seminar, which includes lunch, is $30 if pre-registered by Friday, Sept. 8; $40 at the door. Registration info:www.ColoradoRiverDistrict.org.

SEPTEMBER 16th, 2017: Watershed By Bike with the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC). Join a bike tour of part of the watershed! Learn about watershed management, water rights, native trout spawning, and more! End the day at Glenwood Springs Brew Garden where MCWC participants will enjoy happy hour specials all day. Space is limited, so REGISTER NOW!

SEPTEMBER 18th- 20th, 2017: The COSA steering committee is delighted to announce that the 2017 conference will be held at Beaver Run Resorts in Breckenridge. As information is available, it will be posted on the COSA website. 

SEPTEMBER 21st, 2017: Create Your Own Model Native Plant Garden. Learn how to create your own model native plant garden in this one hour lunchtime webinar from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.  Join the class from the comfort of your desk or tablet where you will discover some of the top native plants for your garden along with effective plant combinations and secrets for success. The instructor for this class, Deryn Davidson, is the author of the recently published “Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens: Front Range & Foothills”. Register or learn more about this or other Jeffco Native Plant Master classes at www.npm.eventbrite.com. For information on the program, see www.M2Mnativeplantmaster.org.

SEPTEMBER 23rd & 24th, 2017: Fourth Annual Student Water Field Conference at Keystone, CO. The Hutchins Water Center and the One World, One Water Center at Metropolitan State University of Denver take turns hosting this field conference that is open to all Colorado college students. This year, OWOW is hosting in Keystone. The One World One Water Center is a collaboration between Metropolitan State University of Denver and Denver Botanic Gardens. The partnership presents a compelling opportunity to build on and expand joint initiatives on water issues. For more information click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017: Headwaters Hoedown! Come celebrate the community's conservation accomplishments at their Headwaters Hoedown from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the lovely La Garita Creek Ranch in Saguache County. The Headwaters Hoedown is a chance to listen (and dance!) to the music of local favorites, Don Richmond and the Rifters, feast on great food by Pepita Catering, partake of the wine and beer, and explore the beauty and archaeological features on the ranch. The whole family is welcome! For more information go to Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust.

SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017: Denver Carp Slam After Party. Come support the South Platte River at Denver Trout Unlimited's annual party and fundraiser from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm.  The Evening on the South Platte After Party will be held on the top floor of the DaVita building down town with amazing views overlooking the river and a venue to remember. The event features live music with catered food, wine and beer, highlighted by a silent auction with amazing gifts and the Carp Slam awards ceremony. This is certainly a party not to be missed! Get your Tickets Now.

SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017: Grape Stomp at Mountain Harvest Festival supporting WSCC! It's the can't miss event of the festival - the annual Grape Stomp! Form your teams, design your costumes, and sign up today! Prizes are awarded for "Most Juice Collected" and "Best Costume," so dress as your favorite TV Cartoon characters, or give them your Best I Love Lucy Look-Alike! Best of all, the proceeds will benefit Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC), SEI, and the Paonia Public Library Foundation. Swing by WSCC's office to sign up, or check out THIS LINK for more details!

SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017: High School GLC Fall RiverSweep. Help remove trash from the South Platte River with an in-stream clean up! The Greenway Leadership Corps will be at Fall RiverSweep again this year, and will be joined by fellow environmental youth groups, ELK and cityWILD. You'll walk in the South Platte, piling up trash in a raft as you walk downstream. When you get back to the Confluence, you'll have a chance to try kayaking in the Confluence Rapids with cityWILD! Coffee and breakfast will be provided, and you'll earn service hours for your time. Sign up NOW.

SEPTEMBER 27th, 2017: Ag Water Tour in Avondale and Rocky Ford with the Colorado Foundation for Water Education, National Young Farmers Coalition, Colorado Ag Water Alliance and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union are partnering to offer this one-day tour focused on innovative solutions for agricultural viability. Hear from expert speakers and visit operations focused on irrigation efficiency, soil health, adaptation for climate change, alternative transfer methods, water quality, farmland succession planning and more. Participants will enjoy a local meal and walk away with a stronger understanding of the nexus between water and the agriculture industry. Learn more and register HERE. 

SEPTEMBER 27th, 2017: Farm to Table Dinner with Groundwork Denver at Sister Gardens at Aria, featuring: A dinner in the garden, prepared by the well-known, flavor fluent chefs of Edible Beats, fresh ingredients picked from the Groundwork Denver urban farms, beer and wine pairings and wonderful company at a beautiful garden in the Chaffee Park neighborhood in northwest Denver. All while supporting the mission of Groundwork Denver. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Cindy@GroundworkColorado.org for more details. Buy your tickets HERE.

SEPTEMBER 30th, 2017: Western Slope Conservation Center's 40TH Birthday & Reunion! Come celebrate their 40th birthday at Zephyros Farm and Garden. Food, beverages, garden potluck, live music and dancing, CAKE, and stories will be shared! Festivities start at 3pm. Bring your favorite WSCC memories and your vision for the next 40 years! For more information visit the WSCC WEBSITE.

OCTOBER 3rd-5th, 2017: EPA Region 8 is hosting a Wetlands Conference to convene federal, state, tribal, and local representatives and NGOs to share information and best practices related to wetlands management. The 2017 conference in Boulder, Colorado will include sessions on stream and wetland restoration; mitigation; monitoring and assessment/mapping; and federal, state, and local level aquatic resource protection. The conference will allow stakeholders to discuss opportunities, hurdles, strategies, and potential solutions associated with protecting aquatic resources in Region 8. The event will facilitate networking, peer-to-peer learning, and collective problem-solving on specific issues, and allow regulators to share updates and learn from stakeholders View the conference webpage here and register here.

OCTOBER 7th, 2017: BEULAH CHALLENGE. The Subaru of Pueblo Beulah Challenge is the best running event in southern Colorado! With free camping, amazing race courses, and great energy, this is an event for everyone. Events: 5k walk/run, 10k run, half marathon run. The Beulah Challenge directly supports scholarships to the Mountain Park Environmental Center's environmental education programs. With your race entry, you'll get an awesome Next Level hoodie shirt this year. They're amazing. Trust us! Full event pricing and registration HERE!

OCTOBER 7th, 2017: 4th Annual Alpine Bank Middle Colorado River CleanUp. The Colorado River needs our help, so lets come together as a community and clean-up this essential resource. They will meet at Centennial Park and head out to the river from there. Please register early to be assigned a section. You are encouraged to form your own River Team. Contact Middle Colorado Watershed Council for more details!

OCTOBER 8, 2017: TOUR DE POUDRE BIKE RIDE from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm. Fee includes commemorative event t-shirt for the first 50 participants, as well as snacks, lunch and drinks.  You’ll finish the afternoon by visiting Odell Brewing Company, start/finish at 1805 E Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins, CO. REGISTER ONLINE AT: COLORADOTREES.ORG.

 OCTOBER 10th-12th, 2017: 2017 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference at the Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO. This highly popular event expands cooperation and collaboration throughout our state for natural resource conservation, protection, and enhancement by informing citizen groups, agencies, consultants, and legislators about current issues and through networking opportunities. REGISTER for 2017, the conference which will focus on “Coming Together – the Confluence of Science and Society.”

OCTOBER 13th, 2017:  8th Annual ELK 'n Eggs! Join Environmental Learning for Kids from 7:30 am - 9:00 am at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This event sells out every year - get your FREE tickets early! Keynote Speaker is Juan Martinez, Director, Leadership Development and Natural Leaders Network at Children & Nature Network. Register Here.

OCTOBER 14th, 2017: Friends of Barr Lake Annual Harvest Festival from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton, CO. This event raises funding for educational programming at Barr Lake State Park. Learn more HERE.

OCTOBER 24th, 2017: Registration is now open for Colorado WaterWise 9th Annual Water Conservation Symposium at 8:15 am-4:00 pm at the Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way, Building 697, Denver, CO 80230. Keynote Speaker: Zachary Johnson of Colorado State University's College of Horticultural Sciences - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture will talk about Connecting the Relationship Between Landscapes and Health. Click HERE to register.

OCTOBER 26th-28th, 2017: Join the Land Trust Alliance Rally this year in Denver, Colorado,  for a gathering packed with diverse topics to explore and great colleagues and friends to learn and share with. Rally has all of the resources you want to take your conservation skills further. Rally is the Land Trust Alliance's  annual gathering of nearly 2,000 inspired and passionate land conservation practitioners from the US, Canada, South America and beyond, who are dedicated to conserving cherished places in local communities. Registration now open. Learn more.

SPREE Holiday Camps 2017-2018

SPREE will be hosting several day camps during the 2017- 2018 academic calendar on days that Denver Public Schools are closed These unique and educational programs are for children who are in kindergarten (must be at least 6 years old) through 5th grade. All holiday camps will be held at Johnson Habitat Park, 610 S. Jason St. Denver CO, 80223; from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Cost for this program is $50/child/day.

Oct. 26-27, 2017: Fur, Feathers, and Scales
Find out why animals have different body coverings and help Chompers the Beaver solve a mystery along the way.

November 3, 2017: Geology Rocks!
What is the rock cycle? What types of rocks are found in Colorado? Become a geologist with SPREE and find out!

November 20-21, 2017: Time Travelers
Hop into your time machine and join SPREE to learn all about the Native Americans and Pioneers who lived along the South Platte River. 

January 15, 2018: Something Fishy!
oin SPREE as we learn about the fish in the South Platte River and the many amazing adaptations they have.

February 2, 2018: Raptors of the River
Investigate the birds of prey that live along the South Platte River.

To view specific dates/themes and to register, please visit the SPREE website!

NOVEMBER 1st, 2017: Save the Date - Cherry Creek Watershed Annual Conference presented by the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners, the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority (CCBWQA), & the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA). Join them as they celebrate active stewardship in the Cherry Creek watershed! The focus for the conference is providing an update on ‘what’s happening’ in the basin. This year they are going to highlight watershed monitoring to illustrate how dynamic technical advances, successful regional planning, and stewardship engagement can benefit from raising awareness through data collection & analysis. Monitoring takes various forms and can be instrumental in supporting the positive environmental actions we see in our watershed today. For more information visit http://www.cherry-creek.org/events/.

NOVEMBER 1st, 2017: Join the Big Thompson Watershed Forum for its 15th Biennial Watershed Conference. They will welcome 14 speakers who will present on topics ranging from abandoned mines in the Big Thompson Watershed, to status updates on Highway 34 construction. The deadline to register is October 17th. This year's conference will feature the following five sessions: From Source to Treatment: Public Perception of Water Quality, Abandoned Mines: A Watershed at Risk?, Highway 34: Protecting a River Ecosystem, Ripple Effects of the 2016 Fish Kill Event and Wildfires and Watersheds: Lessons Learned. Go to their website to register for this conference. 

NOVEMBER 6th, 2017: The Colorado Foundation for Water Education is having a workshop about 2017 Considerations in Implementing Regional Water Solutions. Regional water planning and management is becoming a popular topic in Colorado as a means to help secure water for our future. This informative, day-long workshop will provide a forum for information and discussion around the tradeoffs in regional water planning for achieving economies of scale as well as a close examination of the opportunities, the hurdles, and the best approaches for success. Register HERE to reserve your place and join them in Colorado Springs. 

NOVEMBER 6th-9th, 2017: After 26 years, Colorado welcomes North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) back to the headwaters state. Colorado is home to thousands of both natural alpine lakes and reservoirs. We are proud of our mountains and appreciate the importance of our lakes and reservoirs. In Colorado, water is used for fishing, drinking, farming, rafting, camping, mining, ranching, boating, brewing, and much more. These uses are supported with a statewide annual average rainfall of just 17 inches. The lakes and reservoirs throughout the West and the Rockies provide the resources to meet these diverse needs. Finding balance in how we manage them is important. Finding Balance is the key to managing our lakes, watersheds, and even day-to-day relationships with people. Come to NALMS 2017 in Colorado to hear fascinating lake talks, see the mountains, and network. Click HERE to register.

NOVEMBER 26th - DECEMBER 8th, 2017: Join Pueblo County Extension Director Michael Fisher and Horticulture Coordinator Sherie Caffey as they explore both the agriculture and the history of Spain’s Andalusian region. They have planned a diverse tour with stops ranging from seed and grafting propagation to green-house vegetable production. You’ll learn about olive oil production and marketing, avocado exports, and fruit production in Spain. Their group will have the opportunity to look at how a cotton cooperative has spread their risk by diversifying into tomato concentrate production and the cut flower business, marketing over 70 million carnations annually. Some of Spain’s famous equine and cattle operations are going to open their gates & barns for their group to learn about livestock production in the region. To apply and learn more about this event, click HERE.

Job Announcements For Early September

Fish Hatchery Technician, Fish Hatchery Technician, Kyle Okeson, Division of Wildlife, Jason Fearheiley, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 10/15/2008

Pitkin County Open Space & Trails has posted an opening for a Senior Ranger position. The Senior Ranger assists the Ranger Supervisor in supervising and training the seasonal ranger crew, and helps ensure resource protection and public safety for the Open Space & Trails system. WFR or EMT-B certification is preferred, and a friendly and flexible attitude is a must. You can find the job description and information on how to apply HERE.

Boulder County Open Space & Mountain Parks Trails Stewardship Team has posted an opening for a Program Lead. Under general supervision to implement, evaluate, and assist with the development of the Trail Stewardship plans, policies, projects, and management practices at a professional level, consistent with department goals and within a department-wide context that supports all chartered land uses and open space purposes; primarily to deliver professional project design and field work. You can find the job description and information on how to apply at: www.governmentjobs.com.

The Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT), an accredited land trust, in Evergreen, CO has an opening for a part-time (24 hours) Land and Water Conservation Director.  Please find the complete job description, duties and details on how to apply at, http://www.savetheland.org/job-opportunities.

The City of Longmont is seeking a Sr. Arborist Technician. Under general supervision provided by the Forestry Supervisor, act as lead worker to arborist technician, temporary & seasonal employees.  Assist and fill in for Forestry Contract Maintenance Supervisor as needed.  Perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to tree care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, including the operation and maintenance of various specialized equipment. Click HERE to apply.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking a Planning Manager. Their Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. Click HERE to apply

The City in Aspens is seeking a City Forester at the Parks of Open Space. Responsible for the successful development, implementation and monitoring of the community’s forestry, noxious vegetation and natural resource programs; including the administration of the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards. To apply, click HERE. 

The Mountain Park Environmental Center is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and engaging individual to join their team as Environmental Educators who will primarily work with their new Forest School for Little Rangers program. This position will co-facilitate MPEC’s preschool program and have the option to facilitate other programs when needed. The ideal candidate will possess a solid early education background, environmental science background and demonstrable experience working at the intersection of nature education and early child development. Position is idea for a retired teacher who is looking for a part time position working with young children in the outdoors. Click HERE for more information and to apply. 

The Colorado State Forest Service is requesting proposals from qualified Contractors for facilitation and coordination services of the South Platte River Urban Waters Partnership (SPRUWP). Awarded for one year, this contract may be extended up to five years. Services of the contractor will assist local partners identify federal tools and resources in support of local projects, goals, and objectives. Also, to encourage collaboration, minimize competition, and improve communication among partners. The contractor will serve as a catalyst to successfully complete on-the-ground projects and build relationships and capacity that support continued success for decades to come. Responses must be sent electronically to: fady.elsegeiny@colostate.edu. Please enter the document number and title, D810085 South Platte River Urban Waters Partnership Ambassador, in the subject line of your email, this applies to all email correspondence in regards to this solicitation.

Trainings Early September

Water skier, Sillouette of person waterskiing,Division of Wildlife, Colorado Division of Wildlife,9/20/2001

The Center for Watershed Protection's 2017 Webcast Series is open. Register and join them via Adobe Connect for the following sessions: 

September 13th, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 4: Stream Restoration: Where are we now? - Register for this webcast!

October 18th, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 5: Bringing Better Site Design into The 21st Century - Register for this webcast!  

November 15th, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 6: Modeling for Water Quality - Register for this webcast!  

SEPTEMBER 13th, 2017: Webinar 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT, New Frontiers in Water Efficiency: Integrating Land Use and Water Supply Decisions. What happens to our rivers and groundwater as population growth drives the need for increased water supply? How can communities ensure that new development doesn’t further stress water sustainability? Join RiverNetwork to learn about Net Blue, an innovative approach to support sustainable community growth. By requiring new residential and commercial developments to offset their water use through water-efficient retrofits of existing development, communities can continue to grow without increasing their overall water use or requiring new water withdrawals from rivers and aquifers. This webinar will provide an overview of water efficiency practices and opportunities, share examples of how communities have used this water neutral development approach, and how you can use new Net Blue tools, including a model ordinance toolkit, in your community. Net Blue is a collaborative effort of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the Environmental Law Institute, and River Network. Register HERE.

SEPTEMBER 19th, 2017: Webinar, Naturalizing Early Childhood Education in Colorado: The ECHO Initiative, 3:00pm to 4:00pm MST. Join CAEE for an informative webinar with Sarah Konradi, from the National Wildlife Federation and Adrienne Sedlack, from Qualistar, to learn about the ECHO Initiative and the Outdoor Learning Environment Toolkit, participate in an interactive conversation about current early childhood environmental education programs, and share with them how your work fits with ECHO Initiative goals as we seek to elevate the quality of outdoor learning environments across the state. Healthy, natural, affordable. These are the foundations of Colorado's new Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) Initiative created to ensure all young children in Colorado have daily access to quality outdoor learning environments where play and learning support development across all domains-cognitive, physical, social, and emotional. Register HERE.

SEPTEMBER 26th-27th, 2017: Setting Watershed-Scale Priorities in Riparian Restoration Workshop in Grand Junction, Colorado. This workshop is being organized by the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University and hosted by the Hutchins Water Center. Decades of restoration efforts in the Colorado River basin have had varying success. They will review restoration strategies and techniques being pursued in the Colorado River basin and obtain participant feedback on restoration goals, strategies, and techniques. We will introduce decision-support tools useful to implement analytical prioritization strategies in order to refine prioritization tools that help workshop participants increase their effectiveness. Click here to register.

SEPTEMBER 28th & 29th, 2017: The National Stormwater Center is offering Certified Stormwater Inspector (municipal) training. Designed specifically for municipal personnel, their course offers training and certification to demonstrate, for the record, that inspectors are qualified. Inspectors who take their course learn how to inspect construction, commercial, and industrial, and municipal activities, what to inspect, the limits of their authority, appropriate demeanor, and appropriate discretion. They also learn about the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the six Minimum Control Measures, and how to better implement and support their MS4 stormwater program. You may call Michele at 1-888-397-9414, email info@npdes.com or visit their website at www.npdes.com.  Registration is available on their website for all classes.

OCTOBER 4th, 2017: Careers In Natural Resources Workshop: Grand Junction from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Help young adults on their path to a natural resource career! Join Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education to develop a training model for using the Career Guide in your programs. Attending organizations will receive kits with hard copies of the Career Guide and digital resources including activities, handouts, and presentations. 

• Get to know the "How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources" - an in-depth career development tool for young adults - and how you can use it.
• Participate in activities you can use to engage your audiences in natural resource careers.
• Get an insiders perspective on getting hired from a panel of state and federal natural resource professionals.
• Plan future training opportunities for your audiences using the tools provided

For more information and to register go to, caee.org.

NOVEMBER 6th, 2017: Considerations in Implementing Regional Water Solutions. Regional water planning and management is becoming a popular topic in Colorado as a means to help secure water for our future. This day-long workshop will provide a forum for information and discussion around the tradeoffs in regional water planning for achieving economies of scale as well as a close examination of the opportunities, the hurdles and the best approaches for success. REGISTER HERE to reserve your place.