Happy New Water Year!
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Thursday, October 1 started a new water year. The water year, which begins on October 1 every year, is a term commonly used to describe a 12-month period for which precipitation totals are measured. Its beginning differs from the calendar year because in the late autumn, snow begins to accumulate creating the first and primary source of moisture that will become next summer’s runoff. The high-elevation Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests in the watershed act as frozen reservoirs, collecting and holding the winter snow, then slowly release the valuable stores of water throughout spring and early summer.

With the arrival of water year 2027, we happily usher in the cooler weather and beauty of fall colors and the optimism that a new year can bring. Although unforeseen challenges lie ahead, we all remain hopeful for a good or even average water year to start replenishing the ecosystem.

 
Do you know we write a weekly River and Snowpack Report?

Every Thursday afternoon you can read the report at  https://roaringfork.org/news/ and RFC's social media pages; read it every Friday on page 2 of The Aspen Times; or sign up to receive the reports in your inbox.

New Documentary Thirsting for a Future Explores the Front Lines of Youth Climate and Water Education Across Colorado

RFC's watershed education director and innovative Watershed PenPal Program are featured in the newly released documentary Thirsting for a Future, a compelling 30-minute film produced by award-winning filmmaker Christi Bode of Moxiecran Media.

The documentary examines the current state of K-12 climate and water education across Colorado, highlighting how school districts, nonprofit organizations, and local communities are preparing young people to navigate critical environmental challenges, including drought, wildfires, and evolving water security concerns.

RFC, Wild Rose Education, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and Christi Bode hosted a screening of this film and an engaging discussion with attendees on September 23 at The Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.

In case you missed it, the film will air on Rocky Mountain PBS on November 8 at 5pm.  Watch the trailer below.

Calling all amateur and professional photographers!  The 21st annual Roaring Fork Watershed Photo Contest is underway and RFC is looking for your best photos - as long as they were taken within the Roaring Fork Watershed!

This year's Photo Contest will be slightly different than in the past, with a theme of BLESSED & STRESSED.

BLESSED: Scenic Waterways of the Roaring Fork Watershed

• Photos in this category should focus on water; rivers, snow, wetlands, riparian areas, etc.
• Judges will determine the "Best of" in the amateur and professional division. The public will select "People's Choice" via Facebook.

STRESSED: Help Document This Record-Breaking Water Year

• The 2026 Water Year will go down in history as one of the driest and hottest years on record. RFC would like your help to document and archive the low flows and stressed ecosystems. Send us photos of local streams that are stressed - no water, low water, algae blooms, etc.
• RFC will randomly select two people that submit photos to this category to win a prize package from Two Leaves and A Bud. 

Submission rules and guidelines can be found at https://www.roaringfork.org/education-and-outreach/annual-photo-contest/.

Submission deadline is November 15, 2026!

Thank you Two Leaves and a Bud for sponsoring the 2026 Photo Contest prizes!

	Double your Impact with a Company Match By taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing phoebe@roaringfork.org.

Consider a Charitable Rollover Individuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income. Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers!

	Would you like to be featured as a Spotlight Business Member? Join us as a Premier Business Member! Show your clients and customers that you support essential river research, education, and conservation work and be featured as a Spotlight Business Member!

 

 

  If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting your watershed is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1) Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com

  2) Search for Roaring Fork Conservancy or CV113

  3) Click Enroll and you're ready to support your rivers while you run errands! 

  Learn more at: https://www.citymarket.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER! 

Thank you for helping protect our rivers and streams!