New York Times bestselling author Kevin Fedarko is the keynote speaker for the 7th annual Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium, scheduled from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, on the Adams State University campus.
The Adams State Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center organizes the annual event to bring together professionals and community members to discuss and learn about important natural and cultural resource issues impacting the Upper Rio Grande Basin and the San Luis Valley.
Fedarko, a former staff writer covering foreign affairs for Time and senior editor for Outside, has traveled the globe writing about wilderness and adventure for venues including National Geographic, Esquire, and The New York Times. He is best known for his writing about the Grand Canyon captured in The Emerald Mile (2013) and A Walk in the Park (2024). The latter book chronicles the disasters and triumphs of his 750-mile hike through the Grand Canyon with friend and National Geographic photographer Peter McBride. Fedarko’s books will be available for purchase and signing following his presentation.
“Fedarko’s passion for the rivers, landscapes, and communities of the American Southwest is inspiring,” said Director of the Adams State Salazar Center Paul Formisano, Ph.D. “He’s an incredible storyteller with a very unique perspective on the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. We are very fortunate to have him come to Alamosa.”
This year’s program, “Seeking Tomorrow’s Wisdom,” includes reports on the current water year and climate from members of the Division of Water Resources and Colorado’s Climate Center. Experts on forest and soil health will join others to discuss the economic impacts the Rio Grande and Valley ecosystems provide to the region. A future producers panel will highlight Adams State students sharing their thoughts about embarking on careers in the agricultural industry. For those interested in new technologies, representatives from the Colorado Water Conservation Board will discuss emerging tools in measuring snowpack. Attendees will also learn about the important role the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable will play in addressing future water challenges.
Register for this free, public event. The Symposium will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please direct Symposium questions to salazarriograndecenter@adams.edu.
