The River Program at Bears Ears Partnership advances culturally responsive stewardship, education, and Tribal access through conservation work and immersive river experiences on the San Juan River. In partnership with Tribal Nations and local communities, we support conservation projects, expand opportunities for local and Indigenous youth and families to access the landscape, and cultivate informed advocates committed to protecting the ecological and cultural integrity of the Bears Ears cultural landscape.
This program is equipped to conduct community science, monitor cultural sites and watershed health, and execute the multi-year vision for watershed restoration, as outlined by the Bears Ears National Monument Management Plan. Stay tuned to watch this portion of our programming develop.
Each year, we offer multi-day trips down the San Juan River for local youth, including Spring Break educational adventures, Summer Camps, and future Fall experiences on the river. We also offer intergenerational trips with Tribal Elders, providing the opportunity to connect with an ancestral landscape and share in the multi-generational exchange of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. Many of our trips are offered free-of-cost to ensure these valuable experiences are accessible to those who call the Bears Ears region home.
Learn more about our San Juan River education program in the 2026 Partnership Magazine.