July 30-31, 2008 1 night, 2 days Begin, end Moab, UT
$250/person or $230 if CFI member, payment in full for deposit. Includes BLM special use fees. For adults and youth 12 and older. Group is kept small (12 maximum)

This special trip features well known landscape artist, Chad Niehaus and Founding Director and Naturalist Karla VanderZanden. This trip is for CFI members, guests and ANYONE interested in a unique art and nature river trip. Chad Niehaus is a professional artist who specializes in painting en plein air (a French expression which means "in the open air") on the Colorado Plateau. Chad was the Bureau of Land Management river manager for Westwater Canyon for four years. He now devotes his full attention to capturing the emotional essence of the American Southwest with his artwork.

This is a river trip that offers an insiders perspective on Westwater Wilderness Study Area, a slower pace for side hikes and art if you choose and exciting Class I- III rapids. This trip helps raise awareness about unique qualities and protection for this special canyon and helps CFI's work with schools in Watershed education.

Niehaus' watercolors and oil paintings are shown at a number of galleries in the southwest and is featured in cards and covers. Watch Chad do art "on the river" and learn from his artist eye and sly sense of humor.You might try your own hand at watercolor if you choose. More on Chad Niehaus.

Karla worked as a Ranger at Westwater in the early 1980's then went onto co-found CFI in 1984. Karla highlights lesser known Westwater tales and natural history. Camp beneath the stunning red cliffs and black rock inner gorge of the "mini Grand Canyon" proposed as a Wild and Scenic River and Wilderness Study Area and enjoy delicious meals, featuring locally grown and organic foods.