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As our country’s dam infrastructure continues to age, more extreme rain events become commonplace, and the plight of wild salmon worsens, the restoration of rivers is more important than ever. More than 76 percent of all dam removals have happened in the last 20 years, yet this figure represents less than two percent of dams in the US. Join American Rivers’ Director of River Restoration Serena McClain for a discussion on the growth of the dam removal movement and how communities around the country are taking back their rivers.

This webinar will take place on June 5, 2019 at 2 pm ET and is open to members of Rachel’s Network, American Rivers, and the Washington Women’s Foundation. RSVP to Jamie (Jamie@rachelsnetwork.org) with your affiliation to let us know you’ll be joining this webinar.

Women’s Environmental Leadership in Santa Barbara, CA
July 29-30, 2019

Situated between the Los Padres National Forest, a fertile valley of centuries-old farmland and vineyards, and a sparkling stretch of Pacific coastline, Santa Barbara has become a hub of environmental innovation, and women are leading the way. Join your fellow funders to meet the local women philanthropists, scientists, and community leaders who are pursuing groundbreaking climate solutions, especially in the fields of ocean and forest conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Registration for members and invited guests is now open. Email Jamie for more information.

Save The Date

Join Rachel’s Network Member Kim Milligan and American Rivers to celebrate the 20th anniversary and great success of the modern dam removal movement as well as discuss a future of restored rivers.

The Nooksack River is the lifeblood Whatcom County, Washington, providing drinking water to the city of Bellingham and fueling the region’s outdoor recreation and agricultural industries. It’s one of the few river systems in region that provides freshwater habitat for all five species of Pacific salmon, including endangered Chinook salmon, as well as endangered steelhead and bull trout. A dam in the Middle Fork of the Nooksack has blocked passage of salmon and steelhead for nearly 70 years. After extensive joint efforts between the city of Bellingham, local indigenous communities, American Rivers, and key philanthropic partners like Paul G. Allen Philanthropies, this dam will finally be removed in 2020. Stretches of the Nooksack River are targeted for Wild and Scenic River designation to ensure the river is permanently protected and free flowing for generations to come.

The site visit will include hiking and salmon run observation (weather dependent) and will be followed by a reception in Bellingham. Throughout the day, guests will hear from project partners, conservation funders, and community leaders, including remarkable women, who have been instrumental in this effort and the dam removal movement.

A boxed lunch and optional round-trip ground transportation will be provided from Seattle, WA, and a small hotel block will be reserved in Seattle for September 13-15.

SAVE THE DATES – REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN APRIL

At our 2019 Fall Retreat, we’ll learn about environmental issues facing the South, enjoy the natural beauty of the Piedmont region, and take part in honest and invigorating conversations about environmental justice and climate change in a rapidly-growing city rich with culture and history.

We’ll explore how the city has re-purposed its industrial past into a vibrant incubator of ideas and innovation. We’ll also have opportunities to visit historic civil rights landmarks, small breweries, and Durham’s critically-acclaimed foodie scene.

Durham is the ideal urban retreat location to engage in essential dialogue, indulge in self-renewal, and continue to elevate women leaders to tackle hard-hitting environmental issues.