The Coldharbour Ranch is a living laboratory where education, research, and applied practice come together. Whether you're joining a workshop, volunteering, attending a community event, or partnering on a research project, a visit to Coldharbour offers the opportunity to connect with the land and the people working to care for it.
Now Open! Register for our Fall 2026 Technical Training Modules
In partnership with Western Colorado University, Coldharbour Institute is offering three technical training modules this fall. Designed for students, land managers, restoration professionals, and community members interested in advancing their knowledge, each standalone module combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experience.
Participants will build a strong foundation through lectures, discussions, and assigned readings before applying those concepts during two immersive field days. This blend of theory and practice provides practical skills that can be immediately applied in the field.
Click on each module title below to learn more. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Participants will build a strong foundation through lectures, discussions, and assigned readings before applying those concepts during two immersive field days. This blend of theory and practice provides practical skills that can be immediately applied in the field.
Click on each module title below to learn more. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
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Beaver Coexistence
Beavers are incredible ecosystem engineers that play a vital role in creating healthy wetlands and supporting biodiversity, yet their natural activities can lead to complex conflicts with human infrastructure and property. To address these challenges, this workshop provides an introduction to beaver ecology and the practical management of beaver-human interactions. This introductory course is designed to equip land managers and restoration professionals with the foundational and practical knowledge required to plan, implement, and monitor beaver-related conflict mitigation frameworks. |
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: Sampling & Analysis
Aquatic macroinvertebrates—such as stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies—are vital components of freshwater ecosystems. Because different species possess varying degrees of sensitivity to environmental pollutants and physical degradation, these organisms serve as excellent continuous biological indicators of stream health. This module introduces the essential principles and practices of macroinvertebrate data collection, bioassessment, and taxonomic identification. Students will gain an understanding of how biological metrics are utilized within regulatory and restoration frameworks to protect aquatic life. |
Low Tech Process Based Restoration: Perennial Streams
LTPBR focuses on restoring the underlying ecological processes that drive ecosystem function, rather than solely focusing on replicating pre-disturbance conditions. The LTPBR module is designed to equip students with the introductory knowledge and skills necessary to assess the potential for restoration projects using a process-based approach. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on field experience, and case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of LTPBR ecological principles, restoration techniques, and adaptive management strategies. |
Events & Contact Us
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After the summer solstice, the time between spring planting and our fall restoration work, courses, and community workshops is a sacred time for rest, reflection, and preparation for the work ahead. Please check back in August for our updated fall offerings.
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