RiversEdge West Awarded $8,500 Grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to Support Community-Led River Stewardship
[Grand Junction, CO – July 23, 2025] – RiversEdge West (REW) is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors program to support its 2025-2026 River Stewardship Program. The funding will help REW bring community members together to restore riverside ecosystems across Mesa County.
Through hands-on volunteer events from March through November, REW engages students, families, and outdoor enthusiasts in maintaining and enhancing local riparian lands. These free events improve access to nature, boost habitat health, and foster a culture of stewardship across the Grand Valley.
“This grant supports more than restoration—it supports connection,” said Nicole Cook, REW’s Education and Outreach Coordinator. “We’re giving volunteers the chance to care for the places they love, while also learning about the science and significance of riparian systems.”
REW’s work aligns closely with Colorado’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), advancing priorities like expanding access to the outdoors, building a strong stewardship ethic, and conserving critical land and water resources. The grant will fund stewardship supplies, native plants and seeds, volunteer appreciation materials, and the staff time needed to coordinate over a dozen community events.
This year’s stewardship calendar includes collaborations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Reclamation, and local governments in Grand Junction and Fruita. From removing invasive weeds and planting native species to repairing social trails and restoring habitat, these efforts will benefit thousands who visit riverside recreation areas each year. In 2025–2026, REW anticipates engaging more than 200 volunteers in this work. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or get involved, visit https://www.riversedgewest.org/education-stewardship/volunteer-program.
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