Healthy watersheds are the foundation of thriving ecosystems, resilient communities, and productive working lands. At Coldharbour Institute, we believe the best way to protect and restore watersheds is through hands-on learning, collaborative restoration, and applied research.
Implementing Phase I of the Coldharbour Wetlands Restoration Project made a huge impact on how I view restoration efforts and their impact. Watching our low-technology processed based restoration efforts create large-scale ecosystem changes within a matter of months helped me recognize the greater impacts of seemingly simple actions. I am excited to apply the experiences I gained as a Coldharbour Fellow to future environmental research and restoration projects.
- Althea Deschenes, former Coldharbour Fellow
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Our Healthy Watersheds program is rooted in the stewardship of Coldharbour Ranch, where our conserved wetlands and Tomichi Creek serve as a living laboratory for education, research, and restoration. Here, we provide field-based technical trainings, conduct long-term water quality monitoring, engage youth in watershed education, and evaluate restoration practices.
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Beyond the ranch, we partner with landowners, conservation organizations, agencies, and community members to restore streams, wetlands, and riparian habitats across the Gunnison Basin. By connecting research with education and on-the-ground action, we help build healthier watersheds and more resilient communities throughout the region.
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Healthy Watershed Initiatives
Restoration TrainingColdharbour Institute provides field-based training opportunities for wetland assessment, monitoring protocols, restoration project design, and low-tech restoration techniques. We partner with agencies and practitioners to host workshops promoting a range of technical skills to build capacity for watershed health. |
Watershed EducationHealthy watersheds depend on informed and engaged communities. Through youth programs, field experiences, and community education, we help people build a deeper understanding of how watersheds function, why they matter, and how water, land, and ecosystems are connected. Through hands-on learning and meaningful dialogue, we help cultivate the next generation of watershed stewards. |
River WatchRiver Watch is a statewide initiative that engages communities in water quality monitoring and stewardship. Through our participation at Coldharbour Ranch, we contribute valuable data to a statewide database while training graduate students and community members in water quality sampling techniques. This program provides hands-on learning opportunities that connect participants with watershed science, monitoring practices, and the health of local waterways. |
2026 Restoration Sites
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In addition to improving the land at the Coldharbour Ranch, we partner with other organizations, agencies, and landowners to advance restoration and stewardship on lands throughout the Gunnison region.
In 2026 we will be use over 800 potted willows, 4,000 willow stakes, 1,000 cottonwood stakes, and hundreds of riparian shrubs from our native plant nursery to revegetate three restoration sites in the Gunnison Valley. |
