The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its striking landscapes and the mighty Gunnison River, serves as a testament to the delicate balance of nature. My decision to choose this location is based on its role as a microcosm of the broader dynamic between the interconnected ecosystems and residents of the Southwest's region. The results of the 2023 Conservation in the West Poll indicated that water supplies in the west are in a serious crisis, with rivers such as the Colorado and Gunnison viewed more at risk than ever before. The motto "Flow Forward: Conserve, Cultivate, and Cherish Water Supplies" encapsulates the urgency to address the environmental challenges highlighted by the poll results, while also promoting a positive call to action metaphorically tied back to the park.
