For Nathan, the river is a place to go that clears his mind; a reprieve from the day-to-day bustle that comes with owning a business and a horse packing operation in Escalante, Utah.

 

Watch Nathan's story here or read more about his experience here.

“Having grown up in the desert Southwest, I feel a sense of wonder when I’m on moving water,” Chip says. “It’s all magical; the sound, the smell, and the touch.  When you overlay that with the abundance of wildlife that is concentrated around desert rivers and streams, it’s heaven on earth.”

 

Watch Chip's story here.

In Southeastern Arizona, Bill Brandau wears many hats: husband, father to four sons, and grandfather to eight grandkids; owner and operator of what he affectionately calls “Rancho Neglecto,” his small cattle farm near the Gila River; member of the Gila Watershed Partnership; and Director for the Graham County Cooperative Extension with the University of Arizona. Through these roles, Bill has developed a deep appreciation for the Gila River and has dedicated much of his time to help put this threatened waterway on a course to recovery.

 

Watch Bill's video or read more about his experience.

Emily's work on the Dolores River, a tributary of the Colorado River, is helping put the 241-mile-long waterway on a healthier trajectory – one that benefits both wildlife and creates more economic opportunity for communities along its course.

 

Watch Emily's video or read more about her experience.