Explore critical issues through hands-on engagement with community leaders, scholars, and sustainability experts.
Each fall, Western’s Headwaters Conference brings together writers, researchers, public officials, local farmers, and engaged citizens for a weekend of conversation, exploration, and action. Through panels, regional field tours, and collaborative sessions, students gain real-world insight into the issues shaping the Headwaters Region, such as climate change, food systems, and sustainable agriculture.
At Headwaters, students don’t just attend a conference—they help shape it. You’ll have the chance to dive into pressing environmental, cultural, and political topics alongside leading thinkers and community members. Whether you’re interested in sustainable food systems, environmental policy, or the role of storytelling in advocacy, this is where your voice can make a difference.
In recent years, the conference has focused on local agriculture and the future of food in the Gunnison Valley and beyond. Students participate in sessions with local farmers, researchers, and policy makers to examine how regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and food justice intersect in our mountain region.
Part of what makes Headwaters so unique is its immersive approach through unconventional classrooms. Students join local farm tours, engage in workshops on food security and environmental justice, and contribute to discussions that connect classroom learning to community needs. It’s education deeply rooted in place, people, and purpose.
As a Headwaters participant, you’ll connect with a diverse network of professionals and advocates who lead efforts in sustainable agriculture, climate policy, community health, and environmental journalism. These relationships often lead to internships, mentorships, and future collaborations in the field.
The conference bridges disciplines—from environmental science to creative writing to sociology—demonstrating how complex issues require multiple perspectives. Students come away with a deeper understanding of systems thinking and how to apply it to real-world challenges.
Interested in making food systems your focus? Western’s Center for Cold Climate Food Security builds on conversations from the Headwaters Conference by offering academic and research opportunities tied to agriculture, ecology and sustainability in mountain environments. It’s a natural next step for students looking to take action.
The Headwaters Conference isn’t just about listening—it’s about putting ideas into action. Students have contributed in meaningful ways through:
Co-designing and moderating panel discussions
Working with the Center for Cold Climate Food Security on related research projects
Assisting with field logistics and conference storytelling
Engaging with local farms and food producers on site visits
Publishing reflection pieces in local and regional media
The best way to experience the Headwaters Conference is to be part of it. Come to Western for a campus visit in the fall and ask to sit in on a panel, meet with conference organizers, or tour the Center for Cold Climate Food Security. See how your passion for sustainability and social impact can grow here.
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