Events

Michael Weeks will be presenting his research on Ralph Parshall’s life history, professional work, and his impact on the history of water in the American West. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the Poudre River’s national significance! The Pub Talk will take place on Wednesday June 27 @6pm at Gilded Goat Brewing (3500 S College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80526). RSVP via Facebook here.

Here is a brief summary of the Weeks’ project:

“As an irrigation engineer for Colorado Agricultural College and the USDA in the early 1920s, Ralph Parshall argued that effective measurement of water would result in the availability of at least 25% more water in the system, resulting in a more economic use of water, thus, facilitating a more productive and efficient agriculture.  Parshall’s resulting invention, the Parshall Flume, effectively enabled water managers to measure water within a margin of error of less than 3%.  The Flume soon became the standard for water measurement for irrigation ditches in Northern Colorado, the West and far beyond the borders of the United States.  With minor improvements, the Parshall Flume is still widely used wherever there is irrigation.

Weeks’ work extends beyond the Parshall Flume though, for Parshall did not rest on that one invention and then retreat to the halls of the university. From his outdoor research lab on the banks of the Poudre River, he developed other valuable water management devices, all while constantly engaging the public, farmers, and irrigation companies on the importance of efficiency in irrigated agriculture. Week’s work will be an attempt to educate the public on the value of Ralph Parshall’s work, and the larger importance of engineering for an understanding of Water in the West.”

About the speaker/author: Michael Weeks is a Lecturer in the History Department at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah where he teaches courses in Environmental History, Modern America, and the History of the American West. Michael completed a Ph.D. in History at the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2016.

Are you a fan of the Poudre Pub Talk series? If so, you can learn more about the Poudre Heritage Alliance’s Documenting History program and consider donating here. Thanks for your support!

On Wednesday July 11th 11am – 10pm HuHot Mongolian Grill in Old Town Fort Collins will be donating 20% of the day’s profits to the Play It Safe On The Poudre Initiative, specifically benefiting the Larimer County Dive Rescue Team. Come out to eat at any point through the day and bring all of your friends to help support the Poudre Heritage Alliance and Play It Safe On The Poudre! You can also donate to this program at poudreheritage.org/donate.

On Wednesday August 1st 11am – 10pm HuHot Mongolian Grill in Old Town Fort Collins will be donating 20% of the day’s profits to the Poudre Heritage Alliance. Come out to eat at any point through the day and bring all of your friends to help support the Poudre Heritage Alliance! You can also donate to this program at poudreheritage.org/donate.

Print this poster and bring it with you to BeauJos on August 23rd to donate to the Poudre Heritage Alliance! 20% of proceeds will go to benefit all of our wonderful programs and projects!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS

The Poudre Heritage Alliance and Blue Federal Credit Union invite you to put on your beach duds & join us at Horsetooth Reservoir for an evening of fun, learning and saving lives on Fri, August 24.

We are proud to be hosting the First Annual “Splash-In” water safety festival and fundraiser to support “Play it Safe on the Poudre.” With your help we can expand opportunities for safer and more sustainable recreational usage of the Poudre River, and raise awareness about river heritage.

The event starts at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 24, 2018 at the south swim beach and pavilion on Horsetooth Reservoir.

Festival activities such as water rescue demonstrations, cornhole, henna tattoos and face painting, education stations, beverage and food vendors, and a band will enliven and entertain. Then, as the sun goes down, grab your beach towel or raft and head down to the water for the summer’s biggest and bite-iest movie – “JAWS.”

Water rescue is one of the most dangerous of all technical rescue operations. Too little training or outdated equipment can have devastating consequences.

The Poudre River is a source of local pride that draws thousands to its waters each year. But, its power is easy to underestimate, and river-related tragedy can befall anyone at any time. The multi-partner Play it Safe on the Poudre initiative is designed to empower folks to enjoy our rivers and lakes as safely as possible.

By working together we can support the swift-water rescue teams within the Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County who save lives year-round! 

Blue Federal Credit Union has generously offered to match all Splash-In donations up to $10,000 … greatly increasing the impact of your giving!

Learn more about Play it Safe on the Poudre:

https://poudreheritage.org/engage

or call the Poudre Heritage Alliance, 970-295-4851.