Restoration Underway at Fruita Riverfront Trail
In May 2025, RiversEdge West teamed up with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps to restore 21 acres along the Fruita Riverfront Trail near the Kokopelli trailhead. Crews tackled over 24 acres of invasive tamarisk and Russian knapweed—two aggressive species that threaten native habitats.
The project also served as a living lab for Colorado Mesa University’s Restoration Ecology students, analyzing soil and vegetation in these challenging upland zones to identify native plant species best suited for long-term restoration. Next up: removing leftover biomass to reduce fire risk, continued weed control, and planting native species to help this riparian zone thrive.
Together, we’re working to reclaim riparian areas from invasive species—and this project was a meaningful step in bringing native ecosystems back to life.