Biennial Riparian Restoration Conference on March 3-5, 2026 in Grand Junction, CO!
Mark your calendar for RiversEdge West's 22nd Riparian Restoration Conference on March 3-5, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO.
Since 2001, RiversEdge West has been hosting riparian restoration conferences focused on the challenges and opportunities of managing riverside habitat in the arid western U.S. These conferences reflect our commitment to advancing both the science and practice of riparian restoration.
Our conferences bring together practitioners, students, and researchers to share the latest scientific findings, explore innovative restoration techniques, and highlight successful on-the-ground projects. Beyond presentations, they provide a unique space for networking and collaboration—connecting land managers, scientists, and community partners to spark new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and drive restoration efforts forward.
Who attends the Riparian Restoration Conference?
Over 150 river restoration professionals, including but not limited to: land managers, scientists, non-profit organizations, watershed groups, private landowners, consultants, students, river enthusiasts, biologists, you!
When and Where
The Conference is on March 3-5, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. Sessions will be at CMU's University Center. Click here for directions to the parking deck.
Registration is open! Register here! Learn more about pricing below.
View the Agenda here. Underlined text links to more information and/or directions. The timing listed on the agenda reflects Mountain Standard Time. Agenda subject to change.
Schedule at a Glance:
Day 1 - Tuesday, March 3 (full day)
9:00-10:00am Check-in and Light Breakfast
10:00-11:30am Plenary Session
11:30am- 12:20pm Concurrent Sessions
12:20-1:20pm Lunch
1:20-3:00pm Concurrent Sessions
3:00-3:20pm Break
3:20-4:35pm Concurrent Sessions
4:35-5:15 Plenary Session
5:15-7:15pm Poster Session and Happy Hour
Day 2 - Wednesday, March 4 (full day)
8:00-8:45am Check-in and Breakfast
8:45-10:00am Plenary Session
10:00-10:20am Break
10:20am-12:25pm Concurrent Sessions
12:25-1:25pm Lunch
1:25-3:05pm Concurrent Sessions
3:05-3:25pm Break
3:25-4:55pm Plenary Session
4:55-5:00pm Closing Remarks
5:30-7:30pm Happy Hour Social at Confluence Center of CO
Day 3 - Thursday, March 5 (half day)
8:00-8:30am Check-in and Light Breakfast
8:30am-12:30pm Workshops and Field Trips
Exhibitor pricing includes one registration and exhibit table.
Registrants must register on or before January 12, 2026 (11:59 pm MT) to receive Early Registration pricing.
Special discounts apply for Colorado Mesa University staff and students. Contact Nicole, ncook@riversedgewest.org, to learn more.
If you have any questions about pricing, require special documentation, or pricing adjustments, please contact Nicole at ncook@riversedgewest.org.
The deadline for hotel room block rates has passed. The majority of out-of-town attendees stay at the hotels listed below:
Walking Distance to Venue
Hotel Maverick is less than 1/4 mile from the conference venue.
Hotel Maverick
840 Kennedy Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-822-4888
Downtown Hotels
These hotels are about 1.6 miles from the conference venue, but are walking distance to many downtown restaurants, shops, and bars!
Tru by Hilton
243 Colorado Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-256-1000
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
236 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-424-5777
Partner with us at the leading riparian restoration conference in the West by becoming a conference sponsor!
Why Sponsor?
Our attendees are taking a leading role in restoring riparian ecosystems and are an important audience for your organization’s message. Along with increased visibility, additional sponsor benefits include complimentary registration(s) and exhibit space.
Ask us about additional benefits for title sponsors and refer to the sponsor packet for more information.
Your contribution will directly support all aspects of the conference - from scholarships for students and networking events to the cost of facility rental and meals.
To become a sponsor, simply make your contribution here - we'll take care of the rest!
Or, mail in a check, or contact Cara Kukuraitis, at (970) 256-7400 or ckukuraitis@riversedgewest.org.
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1907
Grand Junction, CO 81502
Attn: Cara Kukuraitis
Join us as an exhibitor! Your presence as an exhibitor increases your visibility at the 2026 Conference and provides the opportunity to interact with 220+ restoration-minded professionals from across the West; from land managers and researchers, to landowners, non-profits, agencies, and private individuals.
Exhibit Hall Perks
One conference registration is included per exhibit table—Includes access to all food, presentations, and networking events
One 5’x30" table with a tablecloth and two chairs
Complimentary list of attendees (contact information excluded)
Recognition on RiversEdgeWest.org and via the conference app.
Promotion in REW social media postings before, during, and after the conference
See pricing above for exhibitor rates or learn more here.
If you have questions about being an exhibitor, please email Nicole Cook at ncook@Riversedgewest.org.
R I V E R C H A M P I O N S P O N S O R S /// $5,000 +
C O T T O N W O O D S P O N S O R S /// $2,500 +
W I L L O W S P O N S O R S /// $1,000+
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S E E D L I N G S P O N S O R S /// $500+
Isaac is donating wine for the social/happy hour on March 5!
Base Camp Beer Works is donating beer for the social/happy hour on March 5!
WestCo Brewing is discounting beer for the social/happy hour on March 5!
The deadline for abstracts has passed. There is some flexibility for poster presentations. If you would like to submit a poster presentation abstract, please email Nicole at ncook@riversedgewest.org.
View the Call for Abstracts here!
The deadline to apply for a scholarship our 22nd Riparian Restoration Conference is January 2, 2026.
Thanks to the generosity of conference sponsors, a limited number of scholarships are available to cover the cost of registration.
RiversEdge West fosters collaboration across diverse groups to ensure inclusive and engaged riverside communities and stewards. These entities include governments, industries, and water user groups that are comprised of a wide array of socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and cultures. To that end, we are offering a limited number of scholarships to those lacking financial resources. Scholarship recipients are required to volunteer a portion of their time during the conference to assist with a variety of conference-related tasks.