The 5th Annual Moab River Rendezvous is coming to town this Thursday, November 7th through Sunday, November 10th. Presented by local conservation non-profit organization, Plateau Restoration, the event has gained a reputation of being a terrific opportunity to learn more about the rivers that run through our communities and shape our landscapes. The River Rendezvous is a must for anyone who is inspired to understand the natural and cultural history of the river corridor in a friendly, informal atmosphere, through field trips and indoor presentations. “This is a celebration of river running, river community and a memorable experience for anyone that places high value in learning more from regional experts”, says event founder Michael Dean Smith.
The event features field trips in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and surroundings, social events and formal evening presentations at Star Hall, downtown Moab. The Rendezvous kicks off with a variety of fun and rich outdoor and indoor activities on Thursday, before an evening presentation by renowned author, Kevin Fedarko, on “The Emerald Mile”, the 1983 run of the Colorado River at extreme flows below Glen Canyon Dam. On Friday, the day will be spent at Plateau Restoration’s long-term riparian restoration site at Jackson Bottom, engaging in a volunteer planting project. Friday evening sees a return of the popular “Historic River Film Festival”, featuring river historian and author, Roy Webb of University of Utah.
During the day on Saturday and Sunday, participants will have quality time in the field with regional experts, including geologists Prof. Andres Aslan and Dr. Tamsin McCormick, historian Roy Webb and others. Topics of discussion will include the role of salt, faults, the river and humans in shaping the landscapes of the Moab area.
Current affairs will be the focus of evening presentations at Star Hall on Saturday evening by University of Utah Professors of Political Science and Law, Dan McCool and Bob Keiter. Prof. McCool will share insights relating to economic changes associated with the use of the Colorado River and river restoration. Prof Keiter’s presentation will address the “Past and Future of the National Parks”, a particularly timely discussion in view of the recent government shutdown.
Space is limited and pre-registration needed for daytime activities, which include lunch and transportation, with an option of single-day field trips for $40 per person, or full registration for the four days at $80.
Evening presentations at Star Hall start at 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are open to all, with a $5 donation at the door. Participation in the Friday service project day is free and will include a lunch and field presentations by restoration experts; RSVP requested in advance.
For more information on the presentation topics and speakers’ biographical sketches or to register, please call 435-259-7733 or 866-202-1847, email info@plateaurestoration.org, or visit the website www.moabriverrendezvous.com. Plateau Restoration, host of the Moab River Rendezvous, uses event proceeds to help underwrite service-learning projects and ecological restoration at the heart of the Colorado Plateau.
