July 2025 Newsletter
the power of PLACE
Director's Letter
Dear RMBL Community,
The energy in Gothic this summer has been incredible. June and July were brimming with activity—field research is thriving, visitors are returning in record numbers, and excitement about RMBL’s future continues to grow.
We have hosted nearly double the number of events this summer, from community dinners, expert talks, and science tours to focused donor gatherings that are fueling momentum for our next chapter. Our Visitor’s Center and docents are servicing a thirty percent increase in science and historical tours. Behind the scenes, our team has been working hard to support researchers, strengthen communications, and build meaningful partnerships across the Gunnison Valley and beyond…
Ian Billick | PhD
Executive Director, RMBL
sciencestories
Thirsting for Answers
It’s a conundrum. According to the Desert Research Institute, the Colorado River (to which the Gunnison River is one of the largest tributaries) delivers water to 40 million people in seven states, not only for drinking but also to grow food for the entire country. The problem is that the river is not keeping pace with the region’s thirsty demands…
Voices of RMBL – July 2025
Floodplain Research at RMBL
Sam Pierce, a Standford University PhD student, shares about his research project on floodplain hydrology and biogeochemistry in beaver-impacted systems. Understanding the chemical processes that occur in beaver-impacted wetlands is crucial to grasp what was lost when beavers were removed on such a large scale. This knowledge also helps predict how watersheds will respond as restoration efforts and beaver populations grow.