As the 2014 runoff season comes in with a bang here in Colorado, record april flows on the Colorado River are a powerful reminder that even with above average snowfall, summers are starting early, snow is melting faster and fresh water is an ever increasingly valuable resource.

On the heels of American Rivers 2014 Most Endangered Rivers list and a little over a year ago, contributor Pete McBride put together this video poem highlighting the beauty and challenges of this national icon. Educate yourself and help keep the Colorado River flowing.