Funding Opportunities Early July

The Department of Local Affairs in Colorado has launched the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program for small, community-based nonprofits serving underrepresented communities. The program aims to support infrastructure and capacity-building by providing funds for strategic planning, professional development and technology. Eligible nonprofits with budgets between $150,000 and $2,000,000 can apply from July 5 to August 31, 2023. Grants totaling $33,100,000 will be awarded, with selected organizations receiving up to $100,000. Interested applicants should contact their Regional Access Partner for assistance and submit applications through them. Grant recipients will be notified by January 31, 2024, and the program seeks to help nonprofits enhance their impact on historically marginalized communities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.

Click here to access the funding opportunity on grants.gov and download the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (also searchable using the opportunity number R23AS00089).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating $550 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expedite investments to reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Grant funding will be available through the EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) program. This new program will fund up to 11 entities to serve as grantmakers to community-based projects that reduce pollution. Grantmakers will work collaboratively with the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. Grantees will develop an efficient, simplified process so that organizations that historically have faced barriers to receiving funding can more seamlessly apply for subgrants and address environmental harms and risks. The following types of organizations can apply:

• A community-based nonprofit organization;

• A partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations;

• A partnership between a Tribal Nation and a community-based nonprofit organization; or,

• A partnership between an institution of higher education and a community-based nonprofit organization.

Water Conservation Field Services Program Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.  Development of Water Conservation Plans to meet state or local water conservation goals and water management improvements through system optimization review are supported by this grant. May 31, 2023  Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET,

Federal Technical Assistance Grants. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million in federal funding has been allocated for technical assistance grants that will enable eligible entities to work with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) contractors or to hire contractors to expand their capacity and expertise, in pursuit of federal funding opportunities that directly support the Colorado Water Plan objectives. The allowable uses of this grant funding are broad in scope, to allow for the wide range of federal opportunities available. Funding can be used for: preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submittal. Rolling application deadline.

The Request for Concept Papers for AIM Grant Funding has been posted! Download the instructions and the concept paper from COCO's AIM Grant Page under How To Apply HERE.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure.

Applications are NOW OPEN for Nature in the City planning grants! Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!

The Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click here for more information and to apply.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure. Learn more about these opportunities here.

HUD: Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice. HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. HUD is making up to $2 million available for Lead and Healthy Homes Research Partnerships and approximately $1 million available for Research Partnerships for other topics. HUD is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. To learn more, click here.

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, click HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.

A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.

Announcements Early July

Scholarships applications are now open for the SCW Conference! The Sustaining Colorado Watershed Conference Scholarship covers registration fees and conference meals. The scholarship does not include accommodations or meals outside of the conference schedule. If awarded a scholarship, please note that a mandatory volunteer component must be fulfilled either before, during the conference (i.e., preparing packets, helping set up, etc.), or after. Volunteer information will be available to scholarship recipients upon award announcement. A $40 processing fee will be applied through the website when registering with the scholarship. The application questions must be answered to be eligible for a Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Scholarship. All scholarship applications are due by July 14th, 11:59 pm MDT.

Colorado Water Talk sits down with CWCB's Finance Section Chief, Kirk Russell, to talk about the Arkansas Valley Conduit. This project will bring water to more than 50,000 people in south eastern Colorado once complete. Listen here. 

Supreme Court Rules Against Navajo Nation In Colorado River Water Rights Case

Growing Water Smart: CWCB helps fund the Growing Water Smart Metrics Project, which empowers local governments with tools and opportunities to help them measure progress, evaluate the impacts of their policies and programs, and communicate their goals among stakeholders. Learn more.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to announce the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program application period is now open until October 10, 2023. The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) is a statewide program that offers funding opportunities to landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreation access to the public.

Trainings & Workshop Early July

July 7th, 2023 | Field Drawing Workshop with Patrick Kikut, MFA | Roaring Fork Conservancy. This workshop will focus on creating field drawings in the landscape of the Basalt area.  We will start with a short presentation that discusses the history, challenges, and rewards of creating work in the field.  Patrick will share examples of his work and talk about the impressive field drawings created by Thomas Moran (1837-1923).  Working on site (locations to be determined) students will work on paper to create their compositions.  The workshop will conclude with a casual group critique where we will share our work, ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the strengths and areas that might need more development.  Students will work on paper in sketchbooks or on drawing pads.  Drawing materials like graphite, pen, or hard pastel pencils are welcome.  Also, colored pencils and watercolors can be used to add color.

July 11th, 2023 | Making the Most of Your Board Meetings | Colorado Nonprofit Association. Board meetings are not "just another meeting." As Executive Directors and Board Chairs, this is your prime opportunity to bring your governance volunteers together. Your meetings should be intentionally crafted, highly effective, and produced similar to a special event. And, while there are similarities between all board meetings, yours should be designed to meet the unique needs of your organization. This one-hour course, followed by questions, will get you thinking about how to execute high quality meetings that drive the work of your agency and help attract and retain valuable volunteers.

July 18th, 2023 | HR for Small Organizations: People Strategies on a Budget | Community Resource Center. How do you do human resources when you don’t have an HR dept? This workshop will focus on the fundamental importance of good HR practices for your organization, and provide you with resources that small organizations can use to strengthen their practices. We will explore why good HR practices matter, and how they strengthen your entire organization and its standing in the community. A guest speaker will address the legal aspects of HR, and you will leave with tools to use immediately in implementing stronger HR practices.

July 18th-20th, 2023 | Project Archeology at CANM. Project Archaeology is an educational organization dedicated to teaching scientific and historical inquiry, cultural understanding, and the importance of protecting our nation’s rich cultural resources.This summer, Project Archeology participants will be investigating the Puzzle House Pueblo within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

July 17th-August 3rd, 2023 | Earth Corps Field Studies Program | RMFI. Earth Corps is an 18-day field studies course that provides motivated, environmentally conscious undergraduate students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Colorado mountains. The program began in 2002 and in 2014, it won the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education Higher Education Award. The application deadline is April 10, 2023.

July 17th-18th, 2023 | Water Transmission Pipeline Engineering and Management. As the population of the metropolitan areas in the United States continues to grow, the reliability of large diameter (>24 inches in diameter) water transmission pipelines become more critical than ever. This course will also provide insight into how different pipeline materials degrade over time. Join to gain an insight on how to approach large diameter pipeline management.

July 18-20, 2023 | Denver: The science of animal agriculture. A NEW, three-day professional development opportunity focused on immersive learning experiences in science education. From veterinary science to climate impacts of livestock production to food production, participants will learn directly from industry experts and be equipped with lessons and resources that can be immediately used in the classroom. While this session will be science-focused, it is open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 graduate level credit from Colorado State University.

July 20th, 2023 | Get Grants | Community Resource Center. Join CRC for a comprehensive grant writing workshop and learn best practices in grant writing and tips for success when writing the Colorado Common Grant Application. We will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal and how to craft a compelling case for support through interactive exercises. A review of grant terminology, sources of grant funding, and research tools including the Colorado Grants Guide™ will be discussed.

July 24th-25th, 2023 | SCADA Implementation in Water Treatment Facilities | EUCI. Water treatment facilities are faced with increasing permit standards while continuing to strive for cost savings via operational excellence efforts. These two items can both be achieved through improvements driven by real-time data analysis, which directly relies upon the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) components. In order to optimize facility performance, it is necessary to provide automated process control with the ability for human interaction with these systems to react in critical conditions and maintain output and quality goals.

July 28th, 2023 | Fire, Flood, and Mud: Assessing Postfire Debris-Flow Hazards Across the Western US. Parts of the western U.S., like southern California and Colorado, have a history of damaging debris flows after wildfire. Other regions are facing new postfire risks due to expanded wildfire activity. After a wildfire, emergency managers need rapid answers to the questions: Where in the burn area are debris flows likely? How much rain will it take to cause a problem? And how big will that problem be? Using examples of recent postfire events, Jason will describe how the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners work to answer those questions. He will also discuss current research to improve debris-flow hazard assessments with new tools to answer the questions: Where will debris flows will travel? How long it will take the burn area to recover? And what are the risks to future fires? 

August 1st-2nd, 2023 | Reservoir Engineering 101 | EUCI. This one and a half day course presents an overview of the fundamental concepts used in petroleum reservoir engineering. Starting with the definition and classification of petroleum reservoirs, and with the presentation of fundamental rock and fluid properties, the instructor will guide the participants in the application of engineering methods for estimation of initial volume of hydrocarbons in place.

August 3rd-4th, 2023 | Forest to Faucets Teacher Workshop. Each year, SJMA, Mountain Studies Institute, Water Information Program, and Fort Lewis College host a two-day, hands-on exploration of our local watersheds for teachers. This program is designed for local teachers to help their students understand where water comes from – besides the faucet. The curriculum guide is based on the children’s book “My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains”.

August 10th, 2023 | Glenwood Springs Water & Fire Resiliency Tour | Colorado WaterWise. On this tour, we'll learn from Glenwood Water Department staff about the critical steps they took to protect their watershed and water quality in order to be able to continue to supply safe, clean water to their residents immediately following the fire and into the future. These actions have included a new pipeline to create a redundant system at the Roaring Fork pump station, a mixing vault outside the City's water plant to support water quality and provide additional system redundancy, upgrades to the water plant that allow for advanced water quality treatment given continued impacts from the burn scar area, and upgrades to No Name Creek's diversion structures to protect the raw water delivery system, reduce sediment load, and improve plant performance. Depending on weather and snowpack, this tour will visit the No Name Intake System or the City's Water Plant and Roaring Fork Intake.

Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.Visit this link to begin the course!

Colorado Water and the American West teaches students about the rich history of water in the Western United States, how native communities used it, and the American approach to water management. The western United States is a region with a long history of water challenges. In the American West, over 40 million people depend on the Colorado River, now listed as one of the most endangered rivers in America. MSU Denver developed the non credit Professional Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Taught by MSU Denver faculty, courses are one month long, fully online, and self-paced to accommodate the schedules of busy professional students.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this new education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and waste water treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series here.

Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon here.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers live and online courses that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.

Job Announcements Early July

The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed is hiring a Post-Fire Recovery & Rivers Project Manager. The Post-Fire Recovery and River Project Manager will help lead CPRW’s efforts to improve watershed health and resilience by coordinating stakeholders and managing projects related to fire mitigation and recovery from the Cameron Peak Fire. The project manager will lead the oversight, coordination, and management CPRW’s post-fire restoration projects on public and private lands. Applications due by close of business on July 10, 2023.

Palmer Land Conservancy is seeking a Senior Vice President of Operations. The Senior Vice President of Operations (SVPO) plays a vital leadership role within Palmer Land Conservancy, overseeing and optimizing day-to-day operations to ensure effective execution of the mission and strategic objectives. As SVPO, you will collaborate closely with and be a member of the leadership team, providing strategic guidance, operational expertise, and driving organizational excellence. You will be responsible for managing various operational areas, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and implementing efficient processes and systems. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Best consideration will be given to applications received by midnight on July 14.

The West Region Wildfire Council (WRWC) is accepting applications to fill their GIS Specialist position. The GIS Specialist is the inhouse technical expert for all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related needs and functions for West Region Wildfire Council (WRWC) staff as well as for select partner/collaborative projects and initiatives. The GIS Specialist is responsible for developing and managing all GIS-related workflows, geospatial database administration and management, and the creation/building/management of static and online map products. The successful candidate will work with the Council staff as well as select external partners to assist WRWC with increasing community, ecosystem, and watershed resilience to wildfire in western Colorado. The position will be open until filled.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is seeking a Director of Stewardship & Restoration. This position will collaborate with a range of community groups – landowners, young people, nonprofit partners, and government agencies – in order to advance RiGHT’s restoration goals, while also stewarding our existing conservation easements.

Northern Water is seeking a GIS Analyst II. The GIS Analyst II performs spatial analysis, designs and creates integrated spatial data and high-quality mapping products (for both print and online use), and provides overall support to the GIS team using various geospatial technologies. As a GIS Analyst II, you will be involved in field data collection, authoring and maintaining geospatial data, web maps, and Survey123 deployments with post-survey automation. Success in this role will be exhibited by delivering high-quality, courteous geospatial support of products and services, utilizing critical thinking skills, and being a productive and supportive GIS team member to advance the goals of Northern Water.

The Lower South Plattee Water Conservancy District and the Children’s Water Festival Committee is seeking a Children's Water Festival Coordinator. This Position is a contract position with Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District and would assist the LSP Children’s Water Festival Committee. Hours will be submitted and billed to the District.The Festival Coordinator will provide coordination, administrative and event support for the festival during the planning stage as well as the week of the event. The Water Festival is held Mid-late September. Other duties would be performed between April and September.

Pawnee Buttes Seed in Greeley, CO has an opening for a Sales Representative. At Pawnee Buttes Seed, we sell more than just seed. We also provide guidance to help you get the right seed for your need. We specialize in seed for pasture, reclamation, turf, and CRP, but we offer much more. This self-starting, highly organized and results-driven individual will work in our Greeley office and generate business by selling our quality seed products to a wide range of customers. This position requires a proven track record of establishing new customer base and growing an existing customer base.

The City of Boulder is looking for energetic communication and outreach professional to join its team to support the Utilities Department’s Storm and Flood Program. As a Communications Senior Project Manager, you will find an unparalleled development opportunity to work with an array of local government professionals; develop communications and outreach strategies to connect the community with key projects and services; and use creativity to tackle complex projects. And you will do all of this in one of the nation's premier local governments and most innovative and beautiful cities.

Colorado Water Trust is seeking a Water Transactions Coordinator. This position will evaluate, develop, implement, and steward flow restoration projects throughout Colorado using collaborative, voluntary, market-based approaches. They will work in a team environment under the direction of the Executive Director, with a self-starting and entrepreneurial ethos. The ideal candidate will share our passion for Western water and healthy rivers, be adept at innovative thinking to advance Colorado Water Trust’s goals, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to technical skills. The right person for this role will be comfortable communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences, and be persistent despite occasionally skeptical audiences and challenging, long-term projects.

Mountain Studies Institute is seeking a Forest Program Science and Monitoring Manager. The Science and Monitoring Manager will design and implement forest and landscape monitoring programs, recruit, hire, manage and mentor seasonal field crews, oversee the collection and storage of monitoring data, analyze and synthesize resulting data, interpret and communicate monitoring results to a wide variety of audiences, seek and manage resources to support monitoring programming, and engage in collaborative conversations about desired conditions and adaptive management practices. The Science and Monitoring Manager will supervise other staff.

The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition is hiring a Stream Restoration Project Manager. Under the general direction of the BTWC Director, the Stream Restoration Project Manager works with landowners and partners to restore river function and riparian habitat, improve water quality, adaptively manage & monitor stream projects, and build resilience to climate change and other disturbances. The position will participate in and lead stream restoration project identification planning, coordination, management, and monitoring efforts.

Conferences & Events Early July

July 8th, 2023 | Troutfest Colorado | Colorado Trout Unlimited. Troutfest Colorado is July 8th at Coors Field! It’s a one of a kind summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and fly fishing. Bring the entire family FREE of charge with registration and enjoy exhibitors, youth activities, interactive booths, ballpark tours and concessions, casting presentation and demo opportunities, fly tying, and much more!

July 8th, 2023 | Crosscurrents | The Greenway Foundation. This free event is happening from 2 pm - 10 pm in Confluence Park and is open to the community. CROSSCURRENTS will feature live music all day, water activities and gear provided by Confluence Kayaks, a Kids Zone hosted by the SPREE team, food trucks, alcoholic and N/A beverages for purchase, and more!

July 8th-9th, 2023 | Cimarron State Wildlife Area Fence Pull. Another incredible opportunity in the Cimarron Mountains! Join BHA Chapter Leaders and Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) for a weekend of fence pulling, camping, community, and delicious food at the Cimarron State Wildlife Area on July 8 & 9 with an option to camp Friday night on the 7th. CPW will be opening up their cabin for volunteers to sleep in over the weekend but folks are more than welcome to camp out under the stars. After a day of pulling fences on Saturday you can take some time to relax, explore the area, or do some fishing. In the evening the BHA Colorado Chapter will provide volunteers with a delicious BBQ dinner prepared by Jimmer's BBQ and ice cold beverages. This is a great time to get to know fellow conservation-minded folks, other BHA members in the area, and your local Chapter Leaders. Registration is required.

July 10th, 2023 | Northern Water Garden Tour | Colorado WaterWise. Join Colorado WaterWise and Northern Water on July 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a walking tour of the Conservation Gardens on Northern Water’s campus. Hear from Northern Water staff during the tour to expand your knowledge on ideal irrigation methods and landscape practices for Colorado’s climate. Space is limited to 25 spots for this tour.

July 13th & 14th, 2023 | Water Quality Forum Retreat. The 2023 WQF Retreat will be on July 13-14, on the CSU Spur Campus in the Hydro Building. 4777 National Western Drive, Denver 80216. There is a flat fee of $125 to attend the event. The retreat agenda outline is below. As updates are made to the agenda, they will be posted to the WQF website.

July 17th-19th, 2023 | Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities | American Water Resources Association. Join for the second AWRA Summer Conference: Land and Water. This conference will bring together stakeholders across multiple disciplines, types of organizations, and professions to address the design, integration, and implementation of the programs necessary to better connect land and water planning and policy.

July 19th, 2023 | Western Slope New Challenges, Stronger Organizations | Community Resource Center. Join Community Resource Center and the Regional Leadership Committee of the Western Slope for an in-person summit on July 19th from 8:30am to 3:30pm at the Colorado Mountain College Rifle Campus in western Garfield County. This summit will address local challenges and provide support by discussing regional trends, creating opportunities to hear from and connect with local nonprofit and foundation leaders, and learning about the tools and skills that will support your critical mission.

July 22nd, 2023 | AVAS 4th Saturday Bird Walks | Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center. Join the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society at the River Campus each month on the 4th Saturday for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

July 29th, 2023 | Skygazing | City of Fort Collins. Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share their knowledge about the stars, planets, galaxies, and more. This program is a drop-in program, so when you arrive, please find a volunteer or an astronomer to ask all of your burning astronomical questions!

August 3rd-4th, 2023 | West Slope Field Trip | River Network. Explore two indicators of river health—floodplain connectivity and flow regime—and practice your facilitation skills through this 2-day field trip! Learn about the Upper Gunnison Watershed Management Plan with Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, connect with other SMP leads, and build a community of practice to collectively enhance work on SMP/IWMPs throughout the state. More details to follow.

August 8th, 2023 | Connecting Colorado: Pueblo. Connecting Colorado will be coming to Pueblo for a full day of learning and connection, which includes: Education sessions aimed at forming high-performing boards, volunteer engagement, planned giving and more! Opportunities to connect with other nonprofit professionals in the region to share ideas, solutions and celebrations. A panel discussion featuring local and state funders from Anschutz Family Foundation, Black Hills Energy and The Colorado Trust and lunch and a happy hour reception.

August 12th, 2023 | Poudre RiverFest. The Poudre RiverFest is a free, family-friendly festival that celebrates the Poudre River, promotes restoration, and educates people about our river corridor, an important natural resource in our community. The festival features activities for children and adults to explore the role of the river as an important habitat for wildlife, a lively recreation area, and a source for clean drinking water.

August 12th-16th, 2023 | American Phytopathology Society Plant Health 2023 Conference. Join us at the Sheraton Downtown Denver to explore this year’s meeting theme, "LINKS to a Sustainable Future," with programming that illuminates the interconnectivity of local and indigenous knowledge to the future of global agriculture.

August 19th, 2023 | From Burn to Bloom: The Art & Science of Wildfire Recovery | The Geospatial Centroid. From Burn to Bloom will be a fun and interactive community event with playful art and science activities, hopeful community reflection, and all-ages education. Get inspired by the ways nature repairs after fire and reflect on building more resilient landscapes–and mindsets–in the face of an ever-changing climate.