As David Attenborough, renowned natural historian, broadcaster and narrator of Planet Earth, famously said, “If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don't understand it, they won't protect it.” For many of us who dedicate our time to protecting and caring for the natural world, this sentiment hits close to home. A love for nature often begins with experience: exploring a river, spotting wildlife or discovering where the water flowing through our communities begins. These moments can shape how we see the world and inspire a lifelong desire to protect it. A river can flow just miles from home and still feel out of reach. For some youth in Western Colorado, the cost of transportation, outdoor equipment and organized activities, along with language barriers, can make it difficult to explore the waterways that sustain their communities. Friends of Youth and Nature's (FOYAN) Youth River Stewards project sets out to break down that barrier by giving young people opportunities to explore local waterways, learn where their water comes from and experience the outdoors firsthand, building a lasting connection to the natural world. Forever Our Rivers is proud to support this work because protecting healthy rivers doesn't mean just restoring rivers; it means investing in the people who will care for them years down the road.

Forever Our Rivers has joined 1% for the Planet as an Impact Partner. Learn more about the organization and what that means for our impact.