Blog

Raise the River coalition partner Sonoran Institute celebrated Colorado River Day (July 25) this year by releasing this impressive 4-minute documentary about the fresh lagoons of the Colorado River estuary and the incredible, hard work being done by our teams there to restore this life-giving ecosystem.

Sonoran Institute teams coordinated the dredging of more than 6.7 miles of tidal channels, which took nearly two months to complete. They excavated with machinery, shovels, and lots of hands. These channels are essential as they bring in flowing water and revitalize estuary habitats. It’s a part of what we are doing to reconnect the river with the sea…

About Colorado River Day

Colorado River Day is celebrated each year on July 25th as a day when people come together across divides in support of maintaining a sustainable Colorado River. It was on this day in 1921 when Congress re-named the river from the “Grand” to the “Colorado”.

The Colorado River is at a crossroads. Demand on the river’s water now exceeds its supply. We need to bring the river back into balance in order to both sustain this lifeline of the West and to keep water affordable —and available — for people who need it. You can make a difference by reducing your water usage. Every small step, each conscious action to reduce, and sharing awareness can mean the difference in a brighter future for our Colorado River. 

— Please watch and share! From Sonoran Institute/YouTube

Eloise Kendy, Scientist and River Specialist with our coalition partner, The Nature Conservancy, shares her reflections of rafting down the Colorado River which she works so hard to protect — years after a similar adventure inspired her to become the geologist, hydrologist, and environmentalist she is today.  Read the full story, here: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/areas/coloradoriver/colorado-river-rafting-through-the-grand-canyon.xml

An important read is the National Audubon Society’s new report, “Water and Birds in the Arid West” which examines the critical habitats that birds rely on — including our Colorado River Delta — and provides recommendations of sustainable ways for people and birds to use water and coexist in the West. Read the Executive Summary, or download the full report, here: http://www.audubon.org/news/executive-summary-water-and-birds-arid-west-habitats-decline

We salute the Walton Family Foundation for their commitment to supporting the Colorado River! The Foundation recently announced grants to several organizations totaling $20M over the next 2 years to be used toward finding solutions to the Colorado River’s diminishing water supply, supporting the renewal of Minute 319, and restoring the region’s environment. The Walton Family Foundation supports the work of Raise the River, and for that, we are enormously grateful. Read more, here: https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2017/6/28/113151-foundation-to-put-20-million-into-restoring-colorado-river/

The Nature Conservancy scientists around the world work within river systems to help people and nature thrive together. This highlights the work of our Raise the River coalition partner with the Colorado River, featuring Taylor Hawes, director of TNC’s Colorado River program, and the Walton Family Foundation. Read (and share!) the full story, here:  https://www.nature.org/magazine/archives/saving-great-rivers.xml