Connecting people to the basin.
Informed communities are resilient communities.
The work doesn’t happen without people.
Community is the foundation of everything we do.
ARWC’s impact depends on the communities we serve understanding the basin, caring about its health, and taking part in the solutions. That’s why community engagement and education isn’t just one of our priorities — it’s the thread that runs through everything.
We tell the story of the basin through monthly river reports, community events, tours, and volunteer programs. We partner with organizations like GARNA, the Basin Roundtable, and local conservation districts to reach people where they are. And we’re building a communications presence — through our website, newsletter, and social media — that helps people across the basin stay informed and connected.
Our role isn’t to be the sole educator. It’s to be a trusted resource and connector — bringing the right information, the right people, and the right opportunities together.
How we connect.
Programs that bring people into the work.
Arkansas River Reports
Monthly reports covering snowpack, streamflow, water quality, and project updates from across the basin. ARWC’s flagship communications product — accessible, trusted, and free.
Community Events & Tours
From Basin Roundtable tours to wildfire education workshops, we create opportunities for people to see the work firsthand and connect with the people doing it.
Volunteer Programs
Work days, stream monitoring through River Watch, and community events where people can get their hands dirty and contribute directly to watershed health.
PEPO & Outreach
ARWC participates in Colorado’s Public Education, Participation & Outreach (PEPO) framework — coordinating basin-wide messaging about water issues and connecting with statewide education efforts.
Newsletter & Communications
Our growing communications platform — website, email newsletter, social media, and press — tells the story of the basin and keeps our community informed about what’s happening and how to get involved.
Three regions, one story.
Engagement that meets communities where they are.
The upper basin knows ARWC through our forestry work and community chipping programs. The middle basin is getting to know us through fuels mitigation and the Minnequa Dam project. And in the lower basin, we’re building trust through listening — attending meetings, visiting farms, and understanding what watershed health means for agricultural communities.
Our approach is the same everywhere: show up, listen, and work together. The specifics change from Leadville to La Junta, but the commitment to community-driven solutions doesn’t.
Stay Connected.
The easiest way to be part of the work.
Sign up for river reports and project updates. Follow us on social media. Or just reach out — we’d love to hear from you.