The Green Ribbons of Life Along Our Rivers: The interconnectedness of land and water
Only 2% of the land in the west is riparian, though 85% of wildlife in Colorado need riparian habitat!
The area along the river, known as the riparian zone, is critical to wildlife and water quality. In fact, riparian areas provide:
- Shade for Trout - trout have difficulty breathing, spawning and feeding in warm water
- Flood Water Absorption - riparian soils absorb flood waters and release them slowly
- Pollution Filtering - riparian plants trap sediment and filter pollutants
- Bank Stabilization - riparian plants are two to three times more effective than rock and boulder banks at stabilizing rivers banks, especially during floods
- Water Savings - planting riparian species means little to no irrigation use, saving homeowners money and water
- Food & Cover for Birds - birds use riparian zones as migratory rest stops, breeding grounds, and feeding
- All the Things You Love About Rivers - scenery, wildlife, water quality, fish habitat, beauty!
In fact, over 100 years of scientific research informs us that these green ribbons of life are just as much a part of the river as the water!
Interested in learning more?
- Roaring Fork Conservancy created a Citizen's Guide to Riverfront Property that includes tips for protecting these critical green ribbons of life, whether here in Colorado or any riparian area around the world!
- Take your family out for a riparian stream assessment. Check out page 5 of our summer newsletter found at www.roaringfork.org/media/2117/2020-rfc-summer-newsletter.pdf.
- Learn more about our Riparian Land Conservation program at www.roaringfork.org/your-watershed/riparian-land-conservation/.
If you own riverfront property within the Roaring Fork Watershed, we are happy to offer you a FREE riparian assessment. Email Heather Lewin, Director of Science and Policy, for more information at heather@roaringfork.org.
September Watershed Explorations
This month you'll get to learn the history behind the 18th largest reservoir in Colorado and enjoy Filoha Meadows one last time before its seasonal closure. Register early as space is limited!
Ruedi Reservoir Tour: Storing West Slope Water - Sept. 16 - FULL
Family Exploration at Filoha - Sept. 23
Women's Only Fly Fishing Clinic - Sept. 26 - FULL
Beginner Adult (co-ed) Fly Fishing Clinic - Oct. 3 - FULL
Join the wait list for full programs!
Participant numbers are limited for each program. Registration is required. Please visit www.roaringfork.org/events for program details and registration.
Angling Adventures
After-school program for local youth
This month, ten local youth are spending their afternoons with RFC's certified fly fishing instructors learning there is MUCH more to fly fishing then just catching fish, as we dive into:
- gear
- casting
- knot tying
- fish handling
- fishing etiquette
- aquatic insects/fish food
- stream ecology, water temperature, dissolved oxygen
- river conservation
- healthy times and locations for fishing
- and, of course, fishing!
Thank you to Basalt Recreation for collaborating with us on this very fun after-school program!
Education Program Catalog
In sunshine, snow, (light) rain, outdoors, online, next to, in or on a river, on a mountain; RFC's educators are experienced, equipt and ready to teach just about anywhere!
Recently, we put together an Education Program Catalog showing our education program offerings. Whether a one-time program or multi-class series we are here to help connect your students to our watershed and rivers!
If you are interested in scheduling a program, contact Megan Dean, education director, at megan@roaringfork.org or (970) 927-1290.
Click here to view RFC's Education Program Catalog
Stop by The River Center!
If you find yourself going for a walk through Basalt, please stop by The River Center. While our building is closed here are two things you can do when you stop by:
- Get an audio tour of The River Center
via our podcast! Learn about its history and architectural features making it an eco-friendly building. - Look at our windows for a gallery of art projects inspired by our local rivers! These masterpieces were created by local teens during a virtual summer camp we hosted in partnership with Basalt Library. Stop by to see the gallery before September 21.
Check-ins All Month Long
Are You Following Us?
Stay connected with RFC all month long by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
What we share:
- relevant water news
- fun facts about the Roaring Fork watershed
- weekly River & Snowpack Reports
- ways to get folks of all ages out exploring the watershed
- beautiful photos
- and much more!
REMINDER: Stay Connected to Our Rivers
Virtual Resources for families, teachers and adults
Learn about a water drop's journey to the river, catch up on a Brooksher Watershed Institute presentation you might have missed, tour the watershed from home, or listen as education director, Megan Dean, reads our children's book Dee Dee the Fryingpan River Dipper. These are just a few examples of the virtual resources we made available to teachers, parents, and our greater community.
- River Ranger Activity booklet, Dee Dee the Dipper activities, Keep It Clean coloring book, word search, water inventory and more at http://www.roaringfork.org/activities
Click on images to see more!
City Market Rewards for your Rivers!
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/
SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBERS:
The Ute Mountaineer is a family-owned and operated store that has served the Aspen community since 1977.
We sell only the highest quality and value goods available in the outdoor industry. We carry what we know and use. Our goal is to be the best outdoor specialty store in the industry. We endeavor to have the best-educated employees and make their lives better through their association with the Ute. Likewise, we strive to enrich the community we work in through our participation in and support of community events and outdoor education programs. We want to share our passion for the outdoors with our customers and develop partnerships with other outdoor stores, vendors and organizations that also represent this ideal.
210 South Galena St, Aspen, CO | (970) 925-2849 | www.utemountaineer.com
Expertise and Superior Service
We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success. We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen.
office@bprcpa.com | 970-384-0400 | www.bprcpa.com
Thank you for helping protect our rivers and streams!