Science & Research

We envision collaborative research with landowner involvement and leadership, to build knowledge and data related to river health, and to launch stewardship projects informed by science.

The Pecos River plays an important role for ecosystems and communities throughout the Chihuahuan Desert region of West Texas. The river supports habitat for migratory birds; recreation, hunting and agriculture economies; provides landowner and community quality of life benefits and contributes to water supply for the Rio Grande Valley as it is a major tributary of the Rio Grande River basin.

Water quality and water flow are both in decline. Ongoing research is needed to guide strategies for improved river health. Very little attention is given to the Pecos River by agencies and research institutions. We aim to bring attention, funding and a focus on science and research projects, especially along the Forgotten reach.

Pecos River WaterSMART Project:
Studying the Chemistry and Flow of the Lower Pecos River

In 2023, Friends of the Pecos River initiated and supported a proposal to study the Chemistry and Flow of the Lower Pecos River. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) based in San Antonio, designed, wrote and was awarded a WaterSMART grant in 2025; A Characterization Study of the Lower Pecos River, funded by Horizon Foundation, The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

A brief handout about this study can be downloaded here.

Water Ambassadors Program

The Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Program is administered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas 4-H Youth Development. The program prepares young leaders to become informed advocates for responsible water management and sustainability in their communities and across the state.

Samuel Sparks, an ISISD student, and Pecos River 4-H Aquatic Science Project participant, was selected as a member of the 10th cohort of this program. He is the first student to be selected from Pecos County and the Forgotten Reach of the Pecos River. Friends of the Pecos River is sponsoring his year as an ambassador. His responsibilities will include delivering educational presentations, leading local outreach efforts, and helping raise awareness about the importance of protecting Texas’ water resources.

We hope Samuel is the first of many Ambassadors from the Pecos River region. Applications open in March of each year.

Click to learn more about Samuel’s opportunity in the Water Ambassador’s program here.

Texas Stream Team

The Texas Stream Team is a statewide program based at Texas State University focused on community science and water quality monitoring. The Iraan Pecos River Park is an official monitoring site, and Patina is a certified trainer. Students and community members regularly visit the Iraan Pecos River Park to take water samples and report monthly as part of the official State of Texas database on water quality. Friends of the Pecos River provides all water testing equipment, supplies and resources and training.

Outdoor Recreation and Kayaking!

One of the best ways fall in love with the river is to get out on the water for a paddle. At the 2026 Alley Oop Fest in Iraan, we set up a big pool and brought youth sized kayaks out to the park so that kids could get a feel for kayaking. It was so much fun! We also had a free drawing for a brand-new kayak, our third year to inspire a new kayaker. We aim to build outdoor recreation for youth programs as we progress.

High School Advanced Science Class

A unique science class for seniors focuses on the Pecos River. Under the direction of Mrs Stacey Shattuck, students focus on riparian health, native plants, water quality, aquatic habitats and river science. Sources such as the Remarkable Riparian Field Guide, and our 3D model are provided by FPR.

Gratefully Pecos County, under the leadership of Commissioner Mickey Jack Perry, has invested in the creation of the Iraan Pecos River Park. This park has beautiful river access and a pavilion for gatherings. It’s the perfect classroom!

At the end of the school year, before senior graduation, we host a Paddle and Picnic tradition. Often this is the first time for these students to kayak a river, and the experience proves to bring joy to their year-long learning experience.

Career and College Days

We participate as often as possible to bring awareness to opportunities for careers related to science and river health.

Caring for the River can be YOUR Career!

Contact Friends of the Pecos River for guidance. Here are a few areas to explore:

  • Ecological Restoration Specialist

  • Biologist/Aquatic Biologist Hydrologist/Hydrogeologist

  • Water Quality Technician

  • Rainwater Collection System Developer

  • Watershed Coordinator Conservation

  • Nonprofit Specialist

  • Water Utility Operator

  • Natural Resource Specialist

  • Wildlife Management Specialist

  • Conservation Delivery Resource Manager

  • Geographic Information Specialist

Internship Program

We aim to provide opportunities for college age students to experience nonprofit work first-hand.

Abbye Halata (Shattuck) served as our first intern while pursuing her natural resource management master’s degree at Sul Ross State University. Abbye grew up in the Iraan-Sheffield community and received her Bachelor of Science, Public Relations degree in 2023. She now works for the Texas Wildlife Association and continues her path connecting people to place, and protecting wildlife and natural resources in Texas.

Jodi Knight is our most recent communications intern, serving the spring/summer semester of 2026. Jodi completed her Environmental Science and Economics degree at Willamette University in May of 2026. With a background in field research, ranch work, and conservation outreach across Texas and South Africa, she is passionate about connecting people to the land through storytelling and creative communication.

If you are a college student who is interested in the Pecos River and conservation nonprofit work, please contact info@friendsofthepecosriver.org to express your interest in an internship opportunity. We welcome inquiries!

“I love that old Pecos River.
It taught me to swim.”

—Delmon Hodges, who learned to swim in the Reeves County reach in the 1930s, excerpted from Bitter Waters: The Struggles of the Pecos River