Water, Earth, Fire: Citizen Science in the Arkansas River Watershed
The upper Arkansas River watershed is a crucible for understanding the effects of climate change. From dwindling permanent snowfields on the Continental Divide, its water flows through fire-suppressed forests and the tailings piles and merlot ponds of 150 years of mining before exiting the mountains, crossing the central plains, and joining with the mighty Mississippi River. Students spend 10 days exploring the interaction of these natural elements – water, earth, and fire – and participating in real-world science and conservation projects to promote climate resiliency at the headwaters of one of America’s most important rivers.
Students develop backcountry camp and travel skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, and white water rafting, as they partner with local environmental conservation groups to understand the ecological, geologic, and historical factors that have shaped this dramatic landscape.
Water
Explore the alpine meadows and ridgelines that make up the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Spend a week tracing the river’s journey from alpine snowfields to the whitewater of Brown’s Canyon. Engage with aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and local communities, gaining insights into current water use controversies and the diverse reliance on water in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond.
Earth
Dig into the geology of the Rocky Mountains and the mining history that helped shape the American West. From thrilling tales of the silver rush to current economic and environmental challenges, the earth beneath us impacts all other aspects of the ecosystem.
Fire
Wildfire plays a complex role in shaping ecosystems in the American West, and with the intensification of climate change, wildfires in Colorado are becoming an increasingly frequent fact of life. The Arkansas Valley is the perfect case study for understanding the many nuances of living with fire, including impacts on habitat, water resources, soil erosion, and human communities. Work alongside fire ecologists to gain important insight into the necessity and tragedy of wildfire all while exploring contemporary and historic burn scars.
Water, Earth, Fire is run in partnership with the Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC). ARWC champions watershed health initiatives for economic, ecological, and societal benefit throughout Colorado’s Arkansas River Basin. They work to create resilient and healthy watersheds, build networks of informed and active Community members, and provide expertise and support in the wake of wildfires. The course is designed and implemented by experienced field instructors from HMI in collaboration with scientists and experts from ARWC.
Session Options
Note: two age group sessions will be offered during these dates.
- Rising high school freshmen and sophomores
- Rising high school juniors, seniors, & college freshmen
Session One: Saturday, June 21 – Sunday, June 29
Session Two: Saturday, July 19 – Sunday, July 27
Program Tuition: $3,500
Application Process
Earth, Water, Fire is accepting applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested in this program, please start your application through our online portal.
There is no essay requirement for Water, Earth, Fire. Students will schedule a 30-minute conversation with our team. The conversation is intended to get to know you better and ensure that the program is consistent with your interests.