The Eighth Annual Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium will be held on the Adams State University campus from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026. This year’s theme, “Where Water Connects Us: Past Meets Present in the San Luis Valley,” invites participants to reflect on the post-2002 drought and how water management has developed in response to dwindling water supplies.
The program includes an exciting group of presenters who will address this year’s river and reservoir outlook, the history and current operations of the Closed Basin Project and the valley’s irrigation subdistricts, collaborative river restoration projects, and the growth of the region’s recreation and tourism economy. The lunch hour will provide symposium attendees an opportunity to address a number of water management scenarios through a fun and interactive drought resiliency game developed by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation.
Colorado-based journalist, Ben Goldfarb, will be the keynote speaker. Goldfarb’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Smithsonian Magazine, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Orion Magazine, and National Geographic. His books include Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter (2018) and Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping Our Planet (2023).
“For many river restoration practitioners, beavers are the missing link in improving riparian systems,” said Director of the Adams State Salazar Center Paul Formisano, Ph.D. “Goldfarb’s book on the eradication and reintroduction of North American beaver is a fascinating read about one of nature’s most controversial species. I’m thrilled to have him speak at the Symposium and share his insights about these incredible river engineers and the other wildlife that inspire his writing and travels across the continent.”
The symposium is free of charge, and Spanish translation and online streaming will be available. To register for the event and to see the conference schedule, visit these English and español registration links. Please direct Symposium questions to salazarriograndecenter@adams.edu.