H2O Outdoors
November 1-3, 2023
Applications are now open!
H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy which surrounds how Colorado's water is managed. Throughout the program students will be learning about careers within water management, conducting field-based research, and visiting several key locations in Summit County, Colorado as they learn about the various stakeholders who work to manage our water.
The program is open on an application basis to any high school student currently living in Colorado. Once students are accepted there is a $28 registration fee that covers all lodging, meals, and transportation.
Application Procedures
| Application Deadline | Applications for the Fall 2023 session are due by September 29th, 2023. |
| Notification of Acceptance | Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by email by October 4th, 2023. |
| Completion of Paperwork | Participants complete their registration by submitting the medical and liability form and paying the $28 registration fee (scholarships are available) no later than October 13th, 2023. |
If signed paperwork and administrative deposit are not returned by Oct. 13 we will begin accepting applicants from the application waiting list.
Packing List
Make sure to bring snow pants, snow jacket, snow boots, warm hats and water proof gloves.
(items can be borrowed from KSS if needed)
Program Schedule
Wednesday, November 1
9:30 Student Pick up in Morrison
11:00 Students arrive at KSS
11:30 Intro to H2O Outdoors
12:00 Break into field groups receive stakeholder assignments, begin field day
4:00 Expert panel
5:30 Dorm orientation
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Evening program
10:00 Lights out
Thursday, November 2
8:00 Breakfast
9:15 Plumbing the Colorado
10:00 Field Day in individual groups
Management Strategies
Stream Survey
Loveland Pass
3:30 Prepare research posters
4:00 Present research
4:45 Pulse Flow video
5:00 Flex Time
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening program
10:00 Lights out
Friday, November 3
8:00 Breakfast
9:15 Town hall meeting
11:15 Lunch, post-survey
12:00 Departure
Below are the 2022 panelists, stay tuned for 2023!
Expert Panel
A key component of the H2O Outdoor program is our expert panel which provides students the opportunity to meet professionals currently working in the field of water management. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about water and careers within water management.
Past Panelists
Erik Anglund, P.E - Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Patrick Rutty - Alcova Resources
Martha Moore - Colorado River District
Mike Wilde - Colorado River District
Matt Bond - Denver Water
Travis Thompson - Denver Water
Mike McHugh - Aurora Water
Dan Gallen - Aurora Water
Megan Vasser - Friends of the Lower Blue
John Longhill - Middle Park Conservation District
Kendra Fuller - Executive Director, Blue River Watershed Group
Kendra earned a degree in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly and soon after joined a field research and trail building crew in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. During her time with the trail building crew, Kendra learned just how heavily managed these remote and wild places actually are - this sparked her desire to share her passion for the environment with others. Following this spark, Kendra became a director and facilitator of outdoor environmental education. After a decade of teaching and directing programming regarding water management, she is beyond excited to become a steward of her local watershed.
Troy Wineland - Water Commissioner
Troy is a Colorado native with a deep-rooted passion for our state’s most precious resource. He is Water Commissioner for the Blue River Basin, and earned both his BA and MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado where he focused on water science and policy. Troy worked as a hydrologist for the US Forest Service for nine years, primarily on the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. He is an incorrigible volunteer, a habitual board member, and a self-professed, serial water wonk! When not administering the surface and ground waters of Summit County, Troy enjoys time: with his children, in the company of family / friends, out in the forest, cooking, reading...and reveling in the countless beneficial uses of water !
H2O Outdoors Travel Options
Eastern Slope Shuttle
T-Rex Parking Lot
I-70 and Morrison Road (Hwy 40)
Golden, CO
(North East corner of Intersection)
Pick-up: 9:30am, Wednesday, November 1
Drop-off: 1:15pm, Friday, November 3
Self Transportation
Keystone Science School
1053 Soda Ridge Rd.
Keystone, CO, 80435
Arrive: 10:45am, Wednesday, November 1
Depart: 12pm, Friday, November 3
Program Partners
We are so thankful for our program partners who provide funding and curriculum support for the H2O Outdoors Program.
