Field Workshop is the Wright-Ingraham Institute’s signature educational program, built on the belief that addressing complex challenges requires leaders from all backgrounds who can work across divides. Fellows learn in the field, where ecological, cultural, and political forces converge, and where different perspectives must inform any lasting response.

Our pedagogy educates “integrators,” practitioners who can bridge disciplines and build shared understanding across knowledge systems and perspectives. We combine methods from science, design, and the arts with practices of listening, systems mapping, and storytelling. Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate directly with local partners, grounding their inquiry in the experiences and priorities of people who live and work in the region.

By the end of the program, fellows leave with experience in integrative research, a collaborative project they can include in their portfolios, and habits of practice they can carry into their

Field Workshop 2027 is the second year of a three-year commitment to the Upper Rio Grande, where prolonged drought and declining groundwater reserves are forcing difficult decisions about the future of land, water, and livelihoods, with implications across the American West.

The 2026 Field Workshop explored how people and institutions across the San Luis Valley and Taos Plateau are responding to these pressures. Working with regional partners, fellows developed questions grounded in local conditions and explored them through collaborative field research.

In 2027, fellows will build on this foundation by exploring how people work across the boundaries that shape land and water management. What appears to be a continuous forest, stretch of farmland, or working rangeland is often a patchwork of ownership and responsibility, with different priorities, rules, and access to funding. Responding to prolonged drought requires understanding this patchwork and finding ways to work across / through / above / around / within / beyond / […] it.

Through continued work with regional partners, fellows will examine where perspectives align, where tensions persist, and who needs to be involved for responses to be scientifically sound, locally supported, and economically viable. Learning alongside those who manage and depend on these landscapes, we will explore practical opportunities for shared action.

 

Field Workshop 2027 is rooted in the Upper Rio Grande corridor, connecting the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado with the Taos Plateau of northern New Mexico. The program moves through a landscape where land and water sustain livelihoods and cultural traditions, and where rapid environmental and social change is placing new pressures on ways of life established over generations.

San Luis Valley, CO

Located in the northern headwaters of the Rio Grande, the San Luis Valley is a high-altitude agricultural valley shaped by its aquifers, acequias, and working farms and ranches. Agriculture supports local livelihoods and supplies food well beyond the region, while drought and declining groundwater reserves raise urgent questions about its future. Fellows will engage with individuals and organizations working through these challenges, considering what is being conserved, what is changing, and what it takes to sustain livelihoods with less water.

Taos Plateau, NM

Part of the same broad geographic corridor as the San Luis Valley, the Taos Plateau has a distinct political and cultural context, shaped by Indigenous governance traditions and centuries-old acequia systems. Water scarcity and wildfire risk place new pressures on these enduring relationships between people and the land.

Working with local partners, fellows will explore how people sustain and adapt land and water practices under changing conditions. Connections and contrasts with the San Luis Valley will help illuminate how histories and institutions shape these responses, and where cooperation across boundaries can support shared goals.

Pre-Workshop | April–June

Fellows participate in three virtual meetings, one each in April, May, and June. These sessions introduce the region and the integrative methods fellows will use in the field. Fellows also become familiar with partner organizations and begin developing relationships with one another. Specific dates will be announced.

 

Field Workshop | July 12–August 1

The three-week field workshop brings the full cohort into the region for an immersive period of travel, fieldwork, conversation, and collaboration. It unfolds through three interconnected phases:

1. Transect

Fellows travel through the region together, learning through site visits, conversations, and hands-on field experiences. This phase introduces the relationships between land, water, and the institutions that shape their management, establishing a shared foundation through multiple perspectives and ways of knowing.

2. Synthesis

The cohort splits into three interdisciplinary teams, each focusing on a subregion and questions grounded in the realities their local partners are navigating. Through fieldwork and collaborative research, teams bring their own methods into dialogue with local knowledge and experience. Together with partners, they develop synthesis projects that connect these insights and contribute to local priorities.

3. Convergence

Teams reconvene to connect findings across subregions and refine their projects with feedback from partners, faculty, and one another. Fellows prepare their work for partners to use and build upon. The workshop culminates in a public symposium where fellows share their projects and discuss possible next steps.

 

Post-Workshop | September–November

In September, fellows and partners reconvene for a public webinar to share and discuss the work developed during the field workshop.

The program concludes with a virtual meeting in October to reflect on the experience and consider how fellows will carry their learning into future work.

Regional Systems

• Watershed and Aquifer Systems – hydrology, groundwater recharge, and water sharing across scales
• Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture – cover crops, rotational grazing, and farmer-led innovations
• Acequia Governance, Policy and Communal Water Systems – Indigenous and Hispano traditions of reciprocity, institutional frameworks, and water policy
• Climate Resilience – ecological restoration, adaptation strategies, land and forest management
• Renewable Energy and Rural Land-Use Change – tensions and opportunities in energy transitions shaping landscapes and economies
• Land Tenure, Cultural Memory and Identity – history, ownership, and cultural attachments to land

Environmental and Social Dynamics

• Geology and Environmental Foundations – deep-time processes and the formation of the valley and mountain systems that shape today’s landscapes and ecosystems
• Ecology and Natural Sciences – soil science, biology, and ecological processes in arid and high-altitude environments
• Governance, Law, and Policy – governance structures, regulations, property rights, water law, and policies that shape decisions about land and resources
• Economics and Livelihoods – agricultural economies, resource allocation, rural livelihoods, and the economic forces shaping land and water decisions
• Systems Thinking and Landscape Dynamics – interconnection, complexity, land-use history, and the relationships between ecological, social, and built systems
• Socio-Cultural Dynamics – political ecology, economics, and the intersections of identity, equity, and community in land and water systems

Methods and Practice

• Fieldwork Principles – ethics of engagement, observation, drawing, data collection, and stakeholder mapping
• Integration and Facilitation – working across knowledge systems, building shared understanding, and methods for collaborative inquiry
• Inquiry and Question Development – framing questions, identifying assumptions, following evidence, and developing lines of inquiry across disciplines and knowledge systems
• Futures Thinking and Scenario Planning – exploring possible futures, questioning assumptions, and decision-making under uncertainty
• Synthesis and Communication – narrative strategies, visualization, and tools for sharing findings across audiences

The Field Workshop provides:

• Skills in systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory research
• Experience in applied fieldwork that integrates scientific, cultural, and design methods
• Tools for effective communication across academic, professional, and community audiences
• A network of peers, mentors, and partners spanning the Southwest and beyond
• A tangible project demonstrating the ability to connect theory and practice to real-world challenges

 

Fellows are expected to:

• Document their observations and experiences through field notes, sketches, photographs, maps, diagrams, or other forms of documentation.
• Analyze and reflect on what they encounter, connecting field observations with broader ecological, cultural, social, and institutional systems.
• Contribute to an interdisciplinary team working with a regional partner on a synthesis project.
• Share their individual observations and work throughout the Field Workshop, contributing to collective learning and discussion.
• Present their work and team project at the public symposium at the end of the Field Workshop.
• Participate in the September webinar, sharing reflections and outcomes from the program.

Application Deadline:

December 17, 2026

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Notification:

January, 2027

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Pre Workshop Sessions:

April – June 2027 

(3 Virtual Sessions, dates TBD)

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Workshop:

July 12 – Aug 1, 2027 

(Start and End in San Luis Valley, CO)

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Post Workshop Sessions:

September 2027 – Webinar (Date TBD)

October 2027 – Closing Session (Date TBD)

 

Contingency: In the event of unforeseen disruptions such as wildfire or road closures, the program schedule may be adapted as needed.

Program Fee: $3,000

The program fee includes tuition, housing, and most meals. Participants are responsible for travel to and from the region. 

The full cost of the program is approximately $15,000 per participant. Through grants and charitable contributions, the Institute covers 80% of this cost.

Financial Support

Access is central to our mission. Applicants may request assistance from the Elizabeth Wright Ingraham Fund, and selected fellows may have their fee fully or partially covered. Application review is need-blind: reviewers do not know who has requested aid. We can offer extended payment plans and provide guidance or supporting materials for applicants seeking additional funding through their university, employer, grant funding, or other sources.

Those able to contribute more, personally or through their institutions, can help fund scholarships for other fellows.

Field Workshop 2027 welcomes graduate students and early-career practitioners from any field, including environmental sciences, agriculture, design, the arts, humanities, policy, and communications. We welcome expertise grounded in academic study, professional practice, Indigenous knowledge systems, and other place-based knowledge traditions.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong foundation in their field of study, practice, or knowledge tradition
• Curiosity about how their work relates to broader environmental and social challenges
• A willingness to learn across disciplines and lived experiences
• A commitment to collaborative work that supports healthy landscapes and the people who depend on them
• Clear reasons for participating, including what they hope to gain and how they will contribute to the cohort’s shared work

Applications are due December 17, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT

Please prepare a single PDF (max 10 MB) that includes:

• Statement of Interest (500–700 words):
  Describe your interest in the Field Workshop, what you hope to learn, and what you would bring to the cohort.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume (max 3 pages)
• Short Narrative Bio (100 words) in third person
• Work Samples or portfolio links highlighting relevant research, creative projects, or professional work.

For questions please contact Frida Foberg: frida@wright-ingraham.org

If you are interested to learning more, to meet program leaders and Field Workshop alumni, or asking questions about our application – join us for our information session on November 27th at 12:00 PM MT. Register here.

Field Workshop 2027 – Frequently Asked Questions

How many fellows are selected, and how many facilitators are involved?

Field Workshop 2027 will select up to 12 fellows. Throughout the program, fellows engage with a rotating group of faculty, facilitators, and local experts. While the exact number varies by location, fellows typically interact with multiple facilitators and partners each day, including Wright-Ingraham Institute staff and regional collaborators who may join for a day, several days, or longer portions of the program.

How important is prior experience in the San Luis Valley or the Southwest?

Prior regional experience is not required. What matters more is your willingness to learn from local knowledge, engage respectfully with place, and work collaboratively in unfamiliar contexts. Accepted fellows will receive a reading list ahead of the program to get familiarized with the region. 

What is the typical age range and makeup of fellows?

Fellows come from diverse racial, cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Past cohorts have had a median age range of 23–35, with flexibility depending on experience and career stage.

Can fellows work independently, or is everything group-based?

The program is centered around collaboration, especially during the Synthesis phase. However, fellows may pursue individual lines of inquiry within group projects, and independent work can be accommodated in conversation with facilitators.

Can I attend only part of the program?

No. Due to the immersive structure, shared travel, and small cohort size, fellows are expected to participate for the entire duration of the program.

What does a typical day look like, and how structured is the program?

There are no typical days. Each day is shaped by location, partners, and themes. Days are generally content-rich and include a mix of:

• Field visits and site-based learning
• Mapping, analysis, and collaborative inquiry
• Talks and facilitated discussions
• Reflection, dialogue, and community engagement

While the program has a clear structure and shared schedule, there is also time built in for reflection and informal exchange.

How physically demanding is the program?

The program involves regular fieldwork, walking on uneven terrain, time outdoors, travel between sites, and working at high elevation. Conditions vary by location and weather. Applicants should be prepared for active days, but the program team is attentive to pacing and safety.

Are there days off? Is attendance required?

There is one unprogrammed day per week. Attendance is required for all programmed days, and participants are expected to commit to the full duration of the workshop. Partial participation is not possible.

Can I work remotely or part-time while participating?

Due to the immersive nature of the program, outside work commitments are strongly discouraged. Internet access is intermittent, and fellows are expected to be fully engaged.

What kinds of questions do community partners bring, and what is expected of fellows?

Partners bring real, place-specific questions related to land use, water access, governance, drought adaptation, and community resilience. Fellows are expected to engage thoughtfully, listen carefully, and collaborate on projects that respond to partner-defined needs. There will be a virtual meeting ahead of the program start for fellows to learn more specifically about what questions and issues the partners are focusing on. 

What kinds of deliverables come out of the program?

Deliverables vary by site and team and may include:

• Spatial analysis or mapping
• Ecological or land-use case studies
• Oral histories or documentary media
• Design or planning concepts

The emphasis is on usefulness and integrity, not predetermined outputs.

How do you ensure the work is not extractive?

The program is built on long-term relationships and a commitment to reciprocity. Projects are co-developed with partners, expectations are discussed upfront, and ethical considerations—including data use and representation—are addressed throughout the program.

What happens if a project shifts or doesn’t go as planned?

Adaptation is part of the learning. Projects may shift in scope or direction, and fellows are supported in responding thoughtfully to changing conditions rather than forcing outcomes.

What do fellows leave with, and how does this support their future work?

Fellows leave with experience in integrative research and systems thinking, practice working across disciplines and sectors, a collaborative, place-based project, and strong professional relationships through an alumni network.

Past fellows have carried this experience into academia, policy, design practice, community work, and creative fields. Public presentations are part of the program, and fellows receive public credit for their work. The workshop also connects to Wright-Ingraham Institute’s longer-term engagement in the San Luis Valley.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly articulate why this program matters to you, how it fits into your current trajectory, and what perspectives or experiences you would bring to a collaborative cohort. We look for clarity of intent, openness to integrative and interdisciplinary work, and an ability to reflect on how your work connects to broader land, water, and community systems.

What are you most excited to see in personal statements?

We are most interested in thoughtful, honest reflections—not polished proposals. We want to understand what questions you are carrying, what draws you to this place and program, and how you hope to grow through field-based, collaborative work. We value authenticity, curiosity, and readiness to engage.

How competitive is the program, and how are fellows selected?

The program is competitive due to its small cohort size. Applications are reviewed by a selection panel that includes Wright-Ingraham Institute program leads, local community partners, and institutional or academic collaborators. Selection prioritizes cohort balance, disciplinary diversity, and readiness for collaborative, place-based learning.

Do I need a fully formed project idea to apply?

No. We are not looking for fully developed proposals. Many fellows arrive with ideas in formation, open questions, or areas of curiosity. Projects take shape during the program through engagement with partners, peers, and place.

Can I reapply if I’m not selected this year?

Yes. Applicants are welcome to reapply in future years if the program continues and aligns with their interests.

Where do fellows stay?

Accommodation varies by location and may include dorms, lodges, cabins, shared houses and camping. All accommodations are shared. Participants do not share rooms with visiting faculty, facilitators, or Wright-Ingraham Institute staff.

What do we eat during the program?

Meals are provided during programmed days. Fellows are asked in advance about dietary needs, allergies, and preferences, and the program team works to accommodate them. Meals may include communal cooking, catered meals, or food from local establishments. Lunches and snacks are provided during field days.

Are there opportunities to shop or do laundry?

Yes. Scheduled stops for grocery shopping and basic supplies are built into travel days. Time for laundry is also scheduled. Participants are responsible for covering personal laundry costs.

How much time is spent traveling?

Travel time varies by day. Some days involve several hours of driving between sites, while others are more stationary. Travel is considered part of the learning experience.

Is transportation provided during the program?

Yes. Once the program begins, transportation between program sites is provided. Participants are responsible for travel to and from the program’s starting location.

How are participants supported emotionally and physically?

WII facilitators are experienced educators and field practitioners trained in group facilitation, conflict mediation, and de-escalation. At least one facilitator present on any given day has current CPR and basic field medical training.

What are the expectations around conduct and safety?

The Wright-Ingraham Institute maintains a strict Code of Conduct. Racism, discrimination, harassment, or behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. Firearms, weapons, and controlled substances are strictly prohibited.

Is the program accessible to participants with disabilities or specific needs?

The program strives to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. However, travel in vans, remote locations, and certain terrains may present challenges. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program team directly to discuss accessibility needs or accommodations before applying.

What health or public safety policies are in place?

Health and safety policies follow current local regulations and Wright-Ingraham Institute guidelines. Participants are required to carry personal health insurance. Additional details are shared with accepted fellows prior to the program.

What happens after the program ends?

Following the workshop, fellows participate in a virtual follow-up gathering and are invited to remain connected through the Institute’s alumni network. Some projects continue beyond the three weeks, either independently or in coordination with partners and WII. Opportunities to stay involved in future Field Workshops may arise, though each year’s program is distinct.

Is the Field Workshop affiliated with other organizations?

The Field Workshop is a program of the Wright-Ingraham Institute and is delivered in collaboration with regional partners, institutions, and community organizations. Partnerships vary by year and location.

Does the Institute have an ethics statement and land acknowledgment?

Yes. The Institute maintains both a Code of Ethics and a Living Land Acknowledgment, available on the Wright-Ingraham Institute website.

How can I learn more?

Watch the info session video recording, here. If you still have questions, we encourage you to email Frida Foberg, Field Workshop Program Manager, at frida@wright-ingraham.org