The Wellspring Project is a 4-day river and art program for middle school students that addresses the complexities of the Colorado River and provides students with the opportunity to respond artistically to that experience.
RiversEdge West believes that experiences on the river and education surrounding these places should be accessible to all. We raise funds so that the Wellspring Project can remain free to students.
Applications are open! Apply here by May 15, 2026!
Program Details
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What: A field studying, rafting, art-making summer adventure
When: June 22-25, 2026 (~8am-4pm M-Th)
Who: Middle School students *must be entering 6th grade or entering 7th grade*
Where: The Gunnison and Colorado Rivers and field locations across the Grand Valley
Cost: FREE
Through field experiences across the Grand Valley, a river trip, art projects, and presentations/tours from stakeholders interested in how the Colorado River is allocated and protected, students will engage in a myriad of opportunities to learn more about river health and water use in the West.
By engaging youth in this project, we hope to build a foundation of heightened awareness and create a wellspring of ideas and conversations that will carry on the important work that will be needed to care for and preserve one of our very foundations of life.
Students from across the Grand Valley are encouraged to apply! In 2025, Wellspring hosted students from 9 different middle schools.
Wellspring 2026 Applications Are Open!
- Applicants will be notified of their application status by May 19.
- Applicants must confirm their participation by May 25.
2026 Activities
Day 1 – Clean Water Monday, June 22 – 8am - 4pm
| Day 2 – Agriculture Tuesday, June 23 – 8am - 4pm
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Day 3 – Fish and Wildlife Wednesday, June 24 – 8 am - 4pm
| Day 4 – Rafting Adventure Thursday, June 25 – 8 am - 4pm (end time subject to change)
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2025 Recap
Over the course of four days, 14 students from nine middle schools engaged in activities aimed at fostering their connection with rivers and the environment.
The week kicked off with lessons on invasive plants and river health. Students collected trash to use for art projects, explored aquatic life at Connected Lakes, and learned about how clean water gets to our taps at the Ute Water Conservancy District treatment plant.
We started our second day with a visit to the CSU Western Colorado Research Center farm to learn about responsible water use for irrigation! Then students learned about the local history of irrigation with the Palisade Historical Society and designed their own model dams.
On Day 3 students learned to fly fish with the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Grand Valley Anglers! In the afternoon, we visited the USFWS endangered fish hatchery, and the students even kissed a fish!
Throughout the week, students worked with local artist, Ami Purser, on projects inspired by the Colorado River, and native plants and wildlife. We ended the Wellspring Project with an adventure down the Colorado River, giving the students an up-close and personal experience of the water source they had learned about throughout the week. This immersive journey served as the perfect culmination of their educational exploration, solidifying their bond with rivers, and leaving a lasting impression on their young minds.
View the 2025 photo album here.
Wellspring 2026 Applications Are Open!
Apply Here by May 15, 2026.
- Applicants will be notified of their application status by May 19.
- Applicants must confirm their participation by May 25.
For more information:
Email Nicole Cook at Ncook@riversedgewest.org.
Funders and Supporters
Supported by:
The Wellspring Project is coordinated by RiversEdge West, with support from the City of Fruita Parks & Recreation, Colorado Canyons Association, Trout Unlimited - Grand Valley Anglers, Ute Water Conservancy District, CSU Western Colorado Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Palisade Historical Society, EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, the Hot Tomato, and local volunteers.
Funded by:
Funding is provided by RiversEdge West, the Western Colorado Community Foundation, Alpine Bank, the Quimby Family Fund, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, One Riverfront, Xcel Energy, and Chevron Colorado.
Invest in the Next Generation
Become a Wellspring Donor:
We are looking for additional sponsors for this program! Are you interested in supporting the Wellspring Project?
This summer, you can make a lasting impact by sponsoring a middle school student to attend the Wellspring Project, our free, 4-day river and art program exploring the Colorado River! Through rafting adventures, hands-on field studies, and artistic expression, students develop a deeper understanding of river ecosystems and conservation—completely free of charge.
Each student’s participation costs $400, covering essential expenses like equipment, transportation, and educational materials. Your donation ensures that every child has access to this transformative experience, regardless of financial barriers. Plus, your name or business name will be included on this webpage!
Help us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—sponsor a student today! 🌊🎨
