How time flies, it feels like it was just a few months ago that I was walking up the stairs of the old Emerson School building, wearing a suit and nervous for my interview with Colorado Water Trust. That was May of 2016.
Over the last five and a half years, I have learned so much about rivers and our complex water system. I have also met so many wonderful, hard working, and intelligent people working in Colorado Water Trust’s world. I have made many lasting friendships and have many wonderful memories. It has been so cool to watch this organization grow and expand, with the support of ALL of you, to work on important projects all over the state for Colorado’s rivers. It has been exciting to watch Colorado Water Trust’s community of supporters and Tributaries (our monthly donors) grow and rise to meet the new challenges the state faces with long-term drought.
It is with much difficulty then, that I say that it is time to pass on the torch. A few weeks ago, I accepted a position at an organization called The Growhaus. They work in the Elyria-Swansea and Globeville neighborhoods of Denver, bringing healthier foods, and the education of how to choose and cook those foods, to these underserved communities. I am really excited to apply all that I have learned at the Water Trust to this new work. My final day will be this Friday, October 29.
Since 2016, I have watched this organization make a significant impact on our rivers. We launched a project on the mainstem of the Colorado River, on the 15-Mile Reach, where we protect endangered fish habitat along one of the country’s most iconic rivers. I saw our work support the communities along the Yampa River, as the changing climate and increased demands put more pressure on the river. I was inspired watching the Water Trust adapt to the increased aridification and long-term drought across the state. I also took part in growing our communications and fundraising efforts to reach more people who care about Colorado’s rivers. It was especially dear to me to watch our Tributaries monthly supporter community grow from around 20 people to the over 80 we have now. I am honored to be a part of all of the great work that the Water Trust has done and will continue to do.
It has been such a joy to get to know many of you over the last five and a half years, and while I will miss you all, I will certainly still be seeing you from time to time. I will still remain a Tributary and will try to make as many Water Trust events as I can, so I hope to see you around!
Thank you all so much for being such amazing supporters of Colorado’s rivers, let’s keep those rivers flowing!
Collin