UWP October Newsletter

[Emily Galanto]

Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership

October Newsletter

www.uncompahgrewatershed.org

Greetings all! Here is your monthly newsletter from the UWP!
(Please e-mail uwpv...@gmail.com if you've accidentally received this e-mail twice)

Updates:

Bird Walk and Banding on September 15, 2012: Ridgway State Park hosted their annual Bird Banding Event on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 7-11am. Kent Nelson from Ouray worked with the UWP to lead a bird walk first thing in the morning along the interpretive trails in the park. The purpose of the bird walk was to show that although the water is low and recreation is limited, there is still abundant wildlife to enjoy in our watershed. This was a great opportunity to learn about Bird ID'ing and bird habitats. We saw nuthatches, solitaires, flickers, warblers, vireos, kinglets and more! To see photos from the event, please visit our blog post!

National Public Lands Day: The UWP will be celebrated NPLD a day early on September 28 with the Ouray County 4th Graders. Thanks to the the World Water Monitoring challenge, the students were able to sample water on the Uncompahgre River, and be a part of a world-wide initiative to obtain data from all waterways. For more information and photos, please visit our blog post!

Colorado Riverwatch and the Ridgway 3rd Graders: September was the first month of the Ridgway 3rd graders participating in the Colorado Riverwatch Program. Thanks to Arlene Crawford from the Ridgway State Park, a long time participant in Riverwatch, and Robyn Cascade, a dedicated 3rd grade teacher in Ridgway, the UWP helped establish a new water sampling site that the 3rd grade students could sample! This is a great way to get the students out doing hands-on learning, while also being part of a nation-wide initiative to obtain samples in our country's waterways. The students will sample water down by the Dog Swim Area once a month. 

2012 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference: The 2012 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference is coming up - Oct 9-11 at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, CO! Don't miss this great event which expands cooperation and collaboration throughout Colorado in natural resource conservation, protection and enhancement by informing participants about new issues and innovative projects and through invaluable networking. And if you've already registered, don't forget to book your hotel room! More information can be found at www.coloradowater.org/Conferences!! Hosted by the Colorado Watershed Assembly, the Colorado Foundation for Water Education, and the Colorado Riparian Association.

Upcoming Events:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!! Seeding and Willow Staking in Rollans Park: the UWP will continue working with Ouray County Weed Control and the Town of Ridgway to complete the re-vegetation of Rollans Park. We are seeking volunteers to help broadcast a native seed mix, stake willows and lay down biodegradable aspen fiber along the east side of the River.  Lunch and a light breakfast will be provided for volunteers! 

The Organization Humanists Going Good will be coming down October 6 from 9am until mid-afternoon to begin the project. If you would like to help out, please e-mail uwpv...@gmail.com.

Alternatively, you can volunteer on October 12 and 13th for a full day, half day or just a few hours! Lunch and breakfast will still be provided! Please e-mail uwpv...@gmail.com for more information, or sign up at http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/484402760050.  

Project WET Inservice Training: On November 9, the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition is offering a training on the Project WET Curriculum. Project WET offers dozens of water education activities for youth, and these activites comply with standards for science, math, reading and more. This is perfect for teachers, parents and education oriented groups. If you would like to sign up, please contact Anthony Poponi at (970) 596-7496 or dire...@coalcreek.org. You can also view the attached flyer for more information!

Stakeholder Meeting November 29: The UWP will be hosting a Stakeholder Event at the Sherbino Theater on November 29. We will be showing an informative, yet amazing film about the Colorado River and its watershed. Please mark your calendars! More information to come!

Colorado Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Festival: The UWP is honored to announce that they will be the beneficiary of this year's Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Festival! The event will take place on December 8 at the Ouray Community Center. If you would like to purchase a ticket, reserve a booth, or find out more information, please visit http://coloradowinefest.org/. The more tickets sold, the more money the UWP will receive for future river restoration and education projects! The UWP and the festival coordinators appreciate all of your support!

Thank you all for all your support! Please visit our website for more information on past projects and upcoming events: www.uncompahgrewatershed.org

Have a great October and Happy Halloween!

--
Emily Galanto
Outreach Coordinator | OSM/VISTA
Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership

PO Box 1882, Ouray, CO 81427
http://uncompahgrewatershed.org

UWPV...@gmail.com