Our Healthy Rivers, Vibrant Lives Program supports community-centric river conservation throughout Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
The Slate River, Rio Grande, South Platte, Animas and Yampa are some of the rivers that we have recently prioritized.
Already a dry region, temperatures here region are rising faster than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. Rivers, streams, wetlands and lakes all suffer as these snow-melt fed ecosystems face declining snowfall.
Grantmaking through this program focuses on community-inspired projects.
All projects must demonstrate inclusion in project planning and execution by actively seeking and valuing a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences from the communities the project will serve.
Priorities include but are not limited to projects that:
- Inspire young minds to become active stewards of their local rivers by fostering a deep understanding of their ecosystems and encouraging responsible practices toward protecting toward them.
- Protect land along rivers and streams.
- Create or improve new trails and access points.
- Empowers emerging leaders in rural or underserved communities.
- Support biodiversity and improved connectivity between streams and their floodplains.

