MEEKER | Yampatika, a nonprofit environmental education organization, recently partnered with RiversEdge West to bring a meaningful, hands-on learning experience to Meeker High School students. Led by restoration specialist John Leary, alongside Sarah Storm and Ann Franklin with Yampatika, students in Denee Dinwiddie’s 10th to 12th grade agriculture classes spent the day with ranch owner Deirdre McNab on the 4M Ranch, working on a riparian restoration project along Yellow Creek.
Throughout the day, students engaged directly in stewardship by planting native riparian species suited to the area’s dry, saline soils, including sage, Apache plume, three-leaf sumac, rabbitbrush, and Wood’s rose. They also conducted a habitat assessment, observing existing vegetation and discussing land management challenges such as soil alkalinity, erosion, and the presence of invasive species like tamarisk.
A key component of the program focused on understanding riparian ecosystems, what they are, why they matter, and how they support both wildlife and water systems in northwest Colorado. Students explored the critical role of beavers in these systems and learned about Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs), which have been installed on the property with support from the White River Alliance and The Nature Conservancy to help restore natural water flow and habitat function, with additional projects planned along Yellow Creek.
The group also discussed ongoing efforts to manage tamarisk, including tamarisk beetle biological controls and active removal using chainsaws and targeted herbicide treatments. Students considered how they would approach restoration and land stewardship if managing the property themselves.
This collaborative project highlights the power of place-based education by connecting students to real-world environmental challenges and empowering them to be part of the solution. Yampatika hopes to continue and grow this partnership in the future, providing students with ongoing opportunities to engage in meaningful, hands-on conservation work.
Having both grown up in Meeker, Storm and Franklin agree, “it is extremely meaningful to help provide opportunities for students to connect with their local landscape and give back to the community that helped shape us both. We extend our sincere thanks to all partners, educators, and students who made this day a success.”
By SARAH STORM
Sarah Storm is the school programs manager for Yampatika.
Meeker High School students Trent Sanders, Cade Mills and Wesley Thompson planting riparian plants at Yellow Creek during a riparian restoration project. RiversEdge West, Yampatika, and Denee Dinwiddie’s AG classes coordinated the project with the 4M ranch.