Tamarisk Coalition: 3rd Annual Raft The River
On August 27th, join The Tamarisk Coalition and local river experts for "Raft the River," a fun, educational float trip and dinner along the Colorado River in Fruita, Colorado from 1pm~6:30pm. Plus, live music from Jack+Jill!
This one-day float trip will provide you with a “behind the scenes” look at the work being done to rejuvenate the treasured riparian (riverside) area in the Grand Valley. Talk with local river experts and explore past, current, and future riverside restoration sites and reclaimed wildlife areas at a few stops along the river. Discussions may also include the tamarisk beetle, fish, and other wildlife.
After the float, you will be greeted with an acoustic set from Jack+Jill, delicious dishes donated from local Grand Valley restaurants, drinks, and prizes.
Rafting, shuttles, buffet dinner: e.g. pulled pork from Rib City, salads from Cafe Sol, bacon wrapped pears and crab cakes from Barons Bar & Grill, coleslaw from Pink's BBQ, desserts from Trailhead Coffee Bar & Cafe, beer from Copper Club Brewing Company, and live music are ALL included in the $80 registration fee.
$40 tickets are available for the dinner-only portion.
Bring your friends and family and don't miss this evening that celebrates our rivers and the community that supports them. All proceeds go towards river restoration programs here in the Grand Valley.
To register Visit the Tamarisk Coalition Website.
Guest Speakers:
Along with Tamarisk Coalition staff, guest speakers and topics include:
(from left to right):
Dr. Gigi Richard, Professor of Geology and Faculty Director of the Water Center at Colorado Mesa University
Patty Gelatt, former Fish and Wildlife Biologist and current Tamarisk Coalition board member
Rick Krueger, former Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Environmental Contaminants Coordinator. Rick's work with FWS mainly focused on reducing concentrations of selenium, a natural occurring trace metal that is leached from the soil through irrigation and is known to adversely impact the reproductive capacity of razorback suckers and Colorado pike minnow, two endangered fish found in the Colorado River. Rick will discuss the fish that live in the river, selenium and its impact on razorback suckers, and non native plants - particularly pertaining to how they have caused the river to become incised and reduce backwater habitat necessary for native fish species. Rick is also a member of the Mesa County Search and Rescue ground and swift water teams.
Jenny Fausey is a Crew Leader with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps. She will discuss the social benefits of restoration and an overview of the correct process of removing invasive species
(Taken from the Tamarisk Coalition Website)
We are proud that our own crew leader Jenny Fausey was invited to speak at the event!
Check out the succesful 2015 Raft The River event here
We encourage you to attend Raft The River and Support the Tamarisk Coalition!
