Russian River Watershed Convening 2026
Thursday, October 29th, 9:15am - 4pm
A lot is moving in the watershed right now.
New funding is on the horizon, new coordination efforts are taking shape, and promising projects are underway, along with a mix of old and new challenges. It's a lot to keep track of. This day is a chance to take a step back, see how it all connects, and leave with next steps and commitments to the watershed and each other.
What to expect
You'll hear where the watershed's regional efforts stand and where they connect, including from the Russian River Confluence, Russian River Regional Monitoring Program, Russian River Watershed Association, Russian River Watershed Resilience Network, and more.
You'll hear where local leaders see things headed and about Prop 4 project concepts. Most of the day is spent in conversation in smaller groups. Bring what you know and what you're stuck on, and bring the harder questions too, like how we share limited funding and what we could pursue together so that all boats rise. Listen for who might be able to help. You'll leave having met new people and inspired by why we do this work.
Who it's for
People who work on or care about the watershed in Sonoma and Mendocino counties: Tribes, agencies, landowners and farmers, nonprofits, water providers, academic institutions, community groups, and more. We're gathering in Hopland this year, in Mendocino County, and partners from across the watershed, upper to lower, are welcome. Space is limited, so we're asking for one or two people per organization. Whether you've been at this for decades or are just getting involved, you're welcome here.
Good to know
Free. Light refreshments and lunch provided.
Registration is required. Walk-ins unfortunately cannot be accommodated at this venue, so please join the waitlist if we fill up. If a spot opens, you'll be notified!
This event is co-hosted by the Russian River Confluence (RRC) and the Russian River Regional Monitoring Program (R3MP), and shaped by input from partners across the watershed.
With gratitude to the County of Sonoma for funding this gathering.
Agenda:
8:30am — Arrival, coffee and connection
9:15am — Welcome session
9:45am — Regional Coordination: Where we’ve arrived and where we’re headed
10:45am — Break
11:00am — Prop 4: Project Concepts and Lightning Presentations
11:45am — Watershed Roundtables: Round 1
12:30pm — Lunch
1:15pm — Watershed Roundtables: Round 2
2pm — Break
2:10pm — Watershed Roundtables: Round 3
2:55pm — Break
3:10pm — Reflections, Commitments, and Closing
Location:
Password: RIPPLE
Hopland Research and Extension Center, 4070 University Rd, Hopland, CA 95449
From US-101 S, turn left onto Hwy 175 (Old River Rd), go straight through the roundabout and right onto University Rd. Travel University Rd, through the gate, until Rod Shippey Hall at HREC. There is a large parking lot on the left. Once parked, follow the footpath to Rod Shippey Hall.
From US-101 N, turn right on Old River Rd (just before the bridge). Turn right on Hwy 175, go straight through the roundabout and right onto University Rd. Travel University Rd, through the gate, until Rod Shippey Hall at HREC. There is a large parking lot on the left. Once parked, follow the footpath to Rod Shippey Hall.
When reaching the fork in the road, head to the left to park.
Follow the footpath to Rod Shippey Hall.
FAQ:
What time does it start and end?
Doors open at 8:30 with light morning refreshments and coffee. The welcome starts at 9:15am and we'll wrap it up by 4pm. There will be plenty of breaks and time to connect.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No homework. We hope you'll come with a few intentions: meet someone new, bring your whole self (your organization matters, and so does what brings you to this work), and come curious about one next step you could take with someone you meet.
Can I send a colleague instead?
Yes. We're asking for one or two people per organization, and your spot can go to someone else on your team. Just let us know so we can update the name.
What if I’m on the waitlist?
Space is limited to about 80 participants. We'll email you as spots open.
How was this agenda created?
A design team of partners from Tribes, agencies, nonprofits, the county, and monitoring and water programs shaped it with a facilitator from Ag Innovations. It builds on a pre-convening survey, where people asked for small groups, less lecturing, and clear next steps.
What is the Russian River Confluence?
A voluntary network of organizations, Tribes, agencies, landowners, and community members working across the Russian River watershed in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. It connects people and coordinates action. It has no regulatory authority, and participation is by choice.
Can I come for part of the day?
We hope you can stay all day, because the table conversations build on each other. If you can only come for part, that's okay. Just let us know ahead of time by replying to your confirmation email.
