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 200 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.
We are still accepting abstracts for Oral Presentations and Symposia, particularly from federal employees (if you are concerned about deadlines and timing given the shutdown, please feel free to reach out). Abstracts for Poster Presentations are due January 5, 2026. View the Call for Abstracts here! Email Nicole at ncook@riversedgewest.org with any questions.
We are currently building our agenda. View the outlined schedule below (more detail coming soon!):
Day 1 - Tuesday, March 3 (full day)
Light Breakfast
Plenary Session
Concurrent Sessions
Lunch
Concurrent Sessions
Poster Session and Happy Hour
Day 2 - Wednesday, March 4 (full day)
Breakfast
Concurrent Sessions
Lunch
Plenary Session
Happy Hour Social at Confluence Center of CO
Day 3 - Thursday, March 5 (half day)
Light Breakfast
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.
Registration is open! Early registration pricing is available now through January 12, 2026. Specifics for workshops and field trips are TBD, but you will be able to make or update workshop and field trip selections after registering as needed.
Walking Distance to Venue
Hotel Maverick is less than 1/4 mile from the conference venue. The room block rate ($139/night) is available for reservations made by February 3, 2026.
Hotel Maverick
840 Kennedy Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-822-4888
Dates available at block rate: March 2-5, 2026. The block code is 2603RIVE. Call the front desk at 970-822-4888 to make your reservations.
Downtown Hotels
These hotels are about 1.6 miles from the conference venue, but are walking distance to many downtown restaurants, shops, and bars! The room block rate ($110/night) is available for reservations made by January 31, 2026. Parking is an additional $11/night.
Tru by Hilton
243 Colorado Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-256-1000
Dates available at block rate: March 2-6, 2026. Book your room at Tru by Hilton using the block rate here.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
236 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-424-5777
Dates available at block rate: March 2-6, 2026. Book your room at SpringHill Suites using the block rate here.
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+
S E E D L I N G S P O N S O R S /// $500+
