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Events
2021 Conference
February 16th, 2021 to February 26th, 2021
Changing Rivers
Due to COVID-19, RiversEdge West's board of directors and staff have elected to move our 2021 Research and Management Conference to an interactive online format. The 19th Annual Conference will be held in a virtual collaborative format over the course of two weeks - from February 16-19, 2021, and February 23-26, 2021.
The conference will feature a mix of live sessions and panels with interactive discussion, pre-recorded presentations followed by live Q&A, field tours, and demonstrations, as well as plenty of virtual networking opportunities! Stay tuned for more details!
Background
RiversEdge West has been conducting riparian restoration research and management conferences with a focus on impacts to riparian habitat in the Southwestern U.S. since 2001. The primary goal of REW’s annual conference is to connect the people managing riparian lands and stream environments with the techniques, scientific findings, lessons learned, and products that help make restoration successful. This venue also serves as a valuable networking opportunity to build relationships that foster innovation and collaboration, present new projects, and advance research.
Abstracts for oral presentations are due November 19, 2020
Abstracts for poster presentations (check back soon for details on our unique poster session) are due January 1, 2021. Email your abstract(s) in a Word document to Cara at ckukuraitis@riversedgewest.org.
Send us your abstract for a presentation or panel! We also encourage you to submit your ideas for recording a how-to video, hosting a field demonstration, or tour of your restoration project (where you can walk through your restoration project, highlight your successes, failures, planting methods, weed control, etc.).
The topic and proposed speakers should not duplicate or substantially overlap sessions previously presented at prior RiversEdge West Conferences.
Potential topics include (but are not limited to):
Climate Change & Adaptation
How can we adapt restoration responses such that they are more likely to be successful in a rapidly changing climate? What tools, experiences, and monitoring can we use to develop climate-adapted stream and riparian restoration?
Wildlife & Restoration
Does restoration create quality aquatic and riparian habitat for wildlife? As we look to the future, what are the key challenges and opportunities for restoring riparian and aquatic habitat? What in-stream habitat improvements or impacts have you seen as a result of riparian restoration?
Lessons Learned & Failed Projects
What have we learned from past riparian restoration experiences? It is much easier to discuss successes but there is a wealth of information gained from restoration efforts that were not able to meet their objectives. What worked and what didn’t? What could have been done better? We want to hear about those lessons and experiences.
Revegetation
What native riparian plants are you finding to be the most successful in your restoration projects or research? E.g. sourcing, successes, failures, alternatives, genetics of effective cultivars.
Tribal Perspectives on Restoration
What has worked and what hasn’t worked from both a historical standpoint as well as present-day? How do we manage a constantly changing landscape while incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, historical land management, and cultural considerations?
Science, Technology, & Monitoring
What technology/tools/guides/research is out there to make restoration tactics and monitoring of results more efficient and effective?
Public Engagement & Stewardship
How do you engage the public and elected officials throughout the life of your project and beyond? How have you adapted as a result of COVID-19?
Demonstrations from the Field
Show us (successful or unsuccessful) examples of post-fire restoration, weed control methods, revegetation techniques, etc. Presenters may pre-record their field demonstration or site tour in advance, present via a PowerPoint, or use a combination of the two presentation methods.
Abstracts for oral presentations are due on November 19, 2020. Abstracts for poster presentations are due January 1, 2021. Email your abstract(s) in a Word document to Cara at ckukuraitis@riversedgewest.org.
Become a Sponsor
Partner with us at the leading riparian restoration conference in the West.
Your sponsorship and/or exhibit space will directly support all aspects of the conference - from scholarships for students and networking events to the cost of the online hosting platform and staff capacity. Willow Sponsors ($1,000) and above receive complimentary registration(s). Cottonwood Sponsors ($2,500) and above also receive complimentary exhibit space. Learn more about sponsor benefits here.
To become a sponsor, make an online donation, mail in a check, call us at (970) 256-7400 or email Cara at Ckukuraitis@riversedgewest.org.
Exhibitors
Conference attendees are taking a leading role in restoring riparian ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and are an important audience for your organization’s message.
Your presence as an exhibitor increases your visibility at the Conference and provides the opportunity to interact with restoration and wildlife-minded professionals from across the West; from land managers and researchers to landowners, non-profits, agencies, and private individuals.
To reserve your exhibit space, select the appropriate exhibitor category during your conference registration (opening in the Winter of 2020).
More information coming soon!
To view our past conferences, click here.
RiversEdge West's
mission is to advance the restoration of riparian lands through collaboration, education, and technical assistance.
