October Water Cooler newsletter: Here’s how our retreat at Mt. Hood renewed us

This month, under the wide skies of Oregon, with Mt. Hood towering in the distance, the Water Hub team gathered for a retreat that reconnected us to both nature and our shared mission. We’ve grown since our last retreat, welcoming three new members who have already brought fresh perspectives and energy to our work — including myself! 

In our time together, I had the honor of reading the stars for each of us and for our organization as a whole. In my decade of study, astrology has always shown me how everything is interconnected: our individual paths, our collective purpose, and the cyclic nature of our lives. Our retreat embodied that natural cycling; rest and movement, work and play, and revisiting the past to envision our future.

Just as the stars move in their own cycles, we too move through different phases of life and work. During the retreat, we explored these cycles — how moments of rest, like our time spent together, allow us to return to our work with renewed clarity and purpose. My colleague, José led a thoughtful discussion on the seasonality of people and movements, reminding us that both are constantly evolving, much like the natural world around us. These ebbs and flows guide us through challenges and opportunities, allowing us to grow both individually and as a collective.

We witnessed this firsthand as we hiked through forests, observing the salmon returning upstream — a journey that mirrors the cycles of renewal in our work. Their persistence reflects the endurance of the water movement itself, reminding us that while progress may not always be swift, it is steady when aligned with the natural flow. By recognizing and honoring these cycles — both in nature and within ourselves — we are better equipped to continue our work of protecting water, knowing that we are all interconnected and part of something much larger.

Celebrate the Klamath River’s Restoration!

After nearly a century, the Klamath River is finally free. Thanks to the leadership of Tribes and allies, this is a monumental step in restoring the river’s natural flow, supporting salmon runs, and revitalizing Indigenous stewardship.

Want to help spread the word? Use this toolkit to share on social media and amplify this historic moment!

Water we reading

Looking for ways to conserve water and embrace sustainable living? Check out the Guerrilla Graywater Girls Guide to Water, a DIY guide packed with practical tips on rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and building eco-friendly systems at home. Learn how to turn waste into resources and reduce your water footprint. This guide is a must-read for anyone looking to take action on water sustainability!

Now streaming

The good vibes from our Oregon retreat are still flowing! We’re excited to share a mashup of our favorite sounds that kept us inspired and connected during our time together. From energizing beats to mellow tunes, this playlist captures the spirit of the retreat—where work, play, and reflection blended seamlessly. Tune in and feel the energy we brought back with us!

Current-ly

How do you translate technical terms like “green stormwater infrastructure” into everyday language?

We recently hosted a roundtable exploring just that! From edible shade tunnels to room-for-rivers strategies, we covered how to communicate nature-based solutions in ways that resonate with communities, journalists, and decision-makers. Check out our key takeaways and messaging resources below to help you frame your next conversation.

Making waves

NOLA folks! This summer, The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans tested nearly 150 homes across Orleans Parish for lead and copper in drinking water. On October 12th, they released their findings to be shared with local residents, utility providers, and state agencies to advocate for equitable solutions, including lead service line replacements. Learn more here!


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