For more than a century, the Colorado River has sustained the American West—shaping landscapes, communities, and countless lives. Today, after decades of drought and growing demand, the river stands at a crossroads. This course invites you to explore its story from every angle: the science behind its flow, the history that defined its use, the literature that captured its spirit, and the policies that will determine its future. Together, we’ll trace the river from its snow-fed headwaters to the desert delta, asking vital questions about climate change, groundwater, and competing priorities—tribal rights, urban growth, agriculture, and ecosystems. Expanded for 2026, this six-session course features new material on Arizona’s groundwater, the future of Lake Powell, the water-energy nexus, and the innovative technologies shaping water reuse. Join us for a journey through the past and future of the river that connects us all.
Meet Your Instructor
Karl Flessa is Professor Emeritus of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. He has been studying the conservation biology of the Colorado River’s delta since 1992, and is a founding member of the Colorado River Research Group. Since the delta “pulse flow” of 2014, he has been managing the binational science team that monitors the biological and hydrologic effects of restoration flows.
Location
POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States
Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.
