Russian River Confluence August Newsletter

Hi Tamara,

The Russian River Confluence has been on the move, not only emerging in clearer form and function but also by traveling across Sonoma and Mendocino Counties to sit down, in-person, with watershed leaders and doers.

From the upper watershed near the lands of the Potter Valley Tribe to the lower Russian River in Monte Rio, the Confluence has been gathering perspectives on what truly makes a watershed healthy and resilient, the collaboration and information gaps that, if filled, could speed up action, challenges that are starting to feel insurmountable, and the work organizations are most proud of.

Agriculture groups, Tribes, landowners, restoration and conservation organizations, tourism leaders, local governments, and agencies of every scale have taken part, along with many others doing the day-to-day work that sustains the region. In just the last two weeks, we’ve had engaging conversations with Mendocino County Supervisors, Sonoma County Tourism, the City of Ukiah, the Sonoma Resource Conservation District, the Potter Valley Tribe, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and the Russian River Property Association, and we appreciate every unique perspective they bring.

This listening tour has also reaffirmed that this work, at its heart, is about the people. It is about being able to call a friend when a project needs support, knowing that one day you’ll be returning the favor. It is about the trust that builds when stories are shared and when challenges are named and tackled together. And it is about stitching together relationships strong enough to hold in the face of climate pressures, policy changes, and the uncertainties we are all facing. A message we hear again and again is that we must row in the same direction. Across counties, sectors, and organizations, people are calling for coordinated action, shared information, and stronger relationships so that efforts to protect and restore the watershed are aligned and effective.

Now, after many hours of listening across county lines, it is time to bring everyone together in the same room. Later this month, the Confluence is convening in Geyserville to move from conversations to connection, to build relationships and set the stage for collective action. This will be the first Confluence convening since we gathered at Shone Farm in 2017.

We are deeply grateful to the funders and community partners who have made this convening possible: the Network for Landscape Conservation, California State Water Resources Control Board, Sonoma Water, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors District 4 Office, Calpine, Russian River Brewing Company, Henhouse Brewing Company, Iron Horse Vineyards, and Korbel. Your generosity sustains and strengthens the entire Russian River Confluence network.

Last year, the Russian River Confluence found an organizational home with the North Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit also known as Conservation Works. As our past fiscal sponsor and now backbone organization, they provide the support that allows the Confluence to function smoothly and maintain dedicated staff. Who exactly is that staff? Meet the people working behind the scenes to keep the collaborative moving.

Give back to the river at these events from around the watershed:

September 20th — 39th Annual Russian River Cleanup is happening throughout the whole watershed ‘from Creek to Coast! Click the link above to find a location near you, courtesy of Russian Riverkeeper. It’s a wonderful opportunity to practice reciprocity with the river that gives so much to us, showing care and stewardship for a shared home that sustains communities, wildlife, and the ecosystem we rely on.

September 15th-21st — Creek Week! Learn about all the activities here and register before spots fill up!

September 20th — Ukiah Valley Russian River Cleanup at Low Gap Park from 8:30 - noon. Register here!