Water Activities and Programs at FLC
Water is integrated into many programs, activities, centers and departments across FLC's campus and community...we are growing food at the Old Fort, inspiring teachers in the Forest to Faucets program, and committed to campus water sustainability. FLC's faculty provide water expertise across disciplines.
FLOW (Fort Lewis On the Water)
FLOW is a college-wide river program launched in 2021, and made possible by the purchase of a raft company in 2020. FLOW offers river-based programming and educational opportunities for a range of academic departments, co-curricular programs, FLC alumni, and community partners. The acquisition includes not only gear and permits for the San Juan and Chama rivers but also opens the door to next-level experiential learning opportunities, leadership development, recreation and wellness outlets, service-learning components, and programs that serve to advance partnerships with regional schools.
Learn more about FLOW.
The Old Fort
Water is integral to growing vegetables, fruit, and grass-fed beef at the educational farm at the Old Fort at Hesperus, which specializes in high-altitude desert farming. You can find veggies and meat at the onsite Country Store, on campus at the Farm Stand, on the menu at San Juan Dining, and at the Durango Farmers Market in early summer. The Old Fort also offers CSA shares with pickup locations in Durango and at the Old Fort.
Learn more about The Old Fort.
Center of Southwest Studies
As a gateway where people can learn the unique nature of the Southwest through an understanding of its people and their dynamic relationship to the landscape, the Center of Southwest Studies (CSWS) at Fort Lewis College has an extensive archive that includes many important water-related documents.
Learn more about the Center of Southwest Studies
Forest to Faucets
Every June, the Mountain Studies Institute, Water Information Program, Fort Lewis College, and San Juan Mountains Association offer a two-day exploration of our local watersheds. Investigations are based on the My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains book and curriculum guide which includes place-based activities aligned with Colorado State Standards for science. The workshop, entitled “Forests to Faucets” is free to area teachers and features field visits to rivers, reservoirs, and water treatment plants. Participants connect with federal and local experts and receive both a teaching guide and materials. The workshop is made possible in part by grants from Southwestern Water Conservation District, Colorado Water Conservation Board Southwest Basin Roundtable, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, and Trout Unlimited 5 Rivers Chapter.
For more information, visit www.mountainstudies.org/foreststofaucets or call 970.387.5161
FLC contact: Dr. Kay Phelps
Campus Sustainability Committee
Fort Lewis College is committed to sustainability across campus, from physical facilities to academic courses. Water is a critical piece of our sustainability focus and is embedded across our sustainability efforts...efficient irrigation in the gardens, innovative water conservation in the buildings, and low-water landscaping. In pursuit of a landscape that fits with our semi-arid bioregion, about a third of FLC’s 237-acre campus is natural landscaping and another 4.5 acres is comprised of low or no-irrigation xeriscaped gardens.
Learn more about the Campus Sustainability Committee.
Environmental Center
The student-driven Environmental Center offers FLC students opportunities to tackle environmental and social problems, all of which have a connection to water. Student-led teams work in the areas of food, lands & ecology, climate action and zero waste to create positive change on campus and in our community.
Learn more about the Environmental Center.
Outdoor Pursuits
From skiing to kayaking, outdoor adventures often rely on water! Outdoor Pursuits provides outdoor and social experiences emphasizing environmental awareness, outdoor education, challenge, personal development, managed risk, a sense of community, and fun.
Learn more about Outdoor Pursuits.
Village Aid Project
The Village Aid Project is a group of dedicated students, faculty, and community partners at Fort Lewis College who volunteer their time to design and construct water, sanitation, and hygiene systems in developing communities. Village Aid Project is a non-profit, student based organization.
Learn more about the Village Aid Project.