Riparian (riverside vegetation) areas have important ecologic, economic, recreational, and quality of life values in the arid West where rivers are a cornerstone of our livelihood. These riparian areas are increasingly affected by stressors including invasive plant species such as tamarisk, a woody invasive plant that can cause degradation to riparian habitats. Other stressors can include increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, droughts and water scarcity, and water quality concerns.
Our priority is on building riparian area resiliency to tamarisk and other invasive plant species, but in order to be effective, we must focus on riparian restoration as a whole. RiversEdge West’s challenge and opportunity is to raise awareness and provide resources that can help people restore and protect these areas to be healthy and self-sustaining riparian ecosystems.
Get involved and take action to help restore our riparian areas and promote community stewardship that will help us protect these areas into the future!
"As a land manager working for the State of Colorado, I rely extensively on the RiversEdge West to provide access to credible, current riparian restoration research and science. The RiversEdge West conferences and research symposiums provide the most comprehensive venues in the West for researchers, scientists, and land managers to exchange ideas and learn from one another. Personally, RiversEdge West is an invaluable resource, providing me with opportunities to augment and improve upon my skills as a land manager."
-Shelly Simmons, former RiversEdge West Board Member
RiversEdge West's
mission is to advance the restoration of riparian lands through collaboration, education, and technical assistance.