Dear Editor,

The Watershed Center, a leader in watershed protection and restoration in Boulder County, is proud to announce its ambitious slate of 2025 river restoration projects. These initiatives, focusing on North St. Vrain Creek, South St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek, aim to build resilience against wildfires, floods, and climate change while enhancing water quality, ecosystems, and community spaces.

Founded in 2005, The Watershed Center has a long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring watersheds for people and the environment. Using a science-based and collaborative approach, the organization has tackled challenges including legacy mining cleanup, flood recovery, and forest management for wildfire mitigation. The 2025 projects highlight the Center’s deep-rooted expertise in and dedication to meeting the ever-changing challenges of watershed management.

“Our rivers are nature’s wildfire shield, acting as sponges that minimize erosion, reduce debris flows, and prevent flooding. Through these restoration projects, we’re not only protecting the environment but also enhancing community safety and ensuring our watersheds are prepared for the future.” said Deb Hummel, River Program Director.

Highlights of the 2025 river restoration projects include:

North St. Vrain Creek Headwaters: Enhancing the resilience and climate readiness of headwaters creeks and wetlands while providing new opportunities for community recreation and education.

North St. Vrain Creek: Restoring a healthier floodplain to mitigate wildfire and flood impacts, while improving critical habitats for fish and other wildlife during key life stages.

South St. Vrain Creek: Increasing floodplain adaptability to wildfire and flood, boosting water quality, and revitalizing ecosystems for sustained resilience.

Left Hand Creek: Reconnecting vital fish habitats and improving water management through a collaborative project co-led with the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District.

As climate challenges intensify, The Watershed Center continues to expand its capacity, expertise, and partnerships. The Center’s work would not be possible without the support of partners and funders such as the Argosy Foundation, Boulder County, the Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation Tax, City of Boulder, City of Longmont, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Left Hand Water District, National Forest Foundation, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, and many others.

The community is invited to join The Watershed Center in protecting local watersheds by: Subscribing to their newsletter for updates on watershed news, events, and volunteer opportunities. Reading local stories of resilience in The Watershed Center’s 2024 Impact Report (tinyurl.com/TWC2024Impact). Donating to support critical restoration projects and ensure the health of Boulder County’s watersheds for generations to come. Visit www.watershed.center to learn more about the organization’s work and how you can contribute to the health and resilience of local ecosystems.

Yana Sorokin

Executive Director, The Watershed Center