Blog

Managing Floodplains to Improve Community Vitality, Build Resilience, and Mitigate Risk

by Brian Murphy
This blog is based on information delivered during a River Rally 2026 session presented by Lacey Davis (American Rivers), Eileen Shader (American Rivers), Justin Kozac (American Rivers), and Brian Murphy (River Network.)  Across the western United States, more communities are struggling to manage their watersheds and river corridors due to reduced river flows, elevated risk of floods due to increased development, more frequent forest fires, and climate uncertainty. The decisions that local governments and... Read More ›

Funding the Water Movement: Land, Water, and the Network We Need

by Stacy Cachules

I came to River Network from the land conservation movement. For over two decades, my work at land trusts centered on protecting open spaces, partnering with landowners, and building a strong philanthropic foundation for this work.  Most environmental professionals know that you cannot separate land from water. It’s obvious, right? Everything we do on the… Read More ›

Restoration and Healing on the San Lorenzo River

by Eliza King
Two River Stewards pose next to an invasive tree.
2026 Emerging Leader | Kaiya Giuliano-Monroy Early in her career at Coastal Watershed Council, Kaiya Giuliano-Monroy was told that creating a sustainable program for local unhoused folks and restoring the river wouldn’t be possible. Today, she is proud to have created a successful and replicable structure.   Kaiya, a 32-year-old river ecologist, was named the Emerging Leader at River Rally 2026. This award recognizes... Read More ›

Change and Challenge Across the West

by Brenna Goggin
The American West is gearing up for a challenging water year, with devastating fires already burning across the drought-stricken region. Snowpack, the West's largest natural water source, hit a new benchmark low for Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Among the water bodies feeling the stress of this crisis is the Great Salt Lake. Known by... Read More ›

Effective Partnerships for Urban Waters Development

by Carly Schmidt
Urban waters development aims to improve water bodies in urban environments and can include development of greenways along rivers, coastal restoration, green infrastructure installations, and more. These investments provide access to green spaces and protect communities from flooding. Many urban waterways in the United States are in need of such restoration and access after years... Read More ›

River Rally 2026 Recap

by Carly Schmidt
Last month, 390 members of this nationwide network gathered in San Antonio, Texas—or yanaguana, “Land of the Spirit Waters,” to use the language we were gifted by Coahuiltecan community members. It was a week full of learning, inspiration, and renewal as we considered the water challenges heading our way and how we might address them as a connected and empowered movement.  Members... Read More ›

River Network Welcomes Stacy Cachules as Next Executive Director

by Carly Schmidt

May 11, 2026 [Boulder, Colorado] – River Network is thrilled to enter its next chapter with new Executive Director, Stacy Cachules, at the helm. Her first day will be Monday, June 8, 2026, and she will be working primarily from her home office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cachules is a passionate advocate for creating strong and well-resourced conservation organizations. Throughout her… Read More ›

We Want Everyone to Access Affordable Water. How Do We Get There?

by Erin Kanzig
Introducing the Water Access and Affordability Act of 2026 Whether talking about gas prices, electricity bills, food prices, or water, “affordability” is a centerpiece of kitchen table conversations today. One in seven people in the U.S. are struggling to afford their water bills, and the ramifications of not keeping up with your payments are profound. At River Network, we’ve been identifying and uplifting solutions at all levels of... Read More ›

Introducing Your 2026 River Heroes, Legacy Awardees, & Emerging Leader

by Eliza King
Awardees will be celebrated at River Rally 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
Celebrate our 2026 awardees with us at River Rally. Hurry, less than 100 spots left! Register for River Rally As the network continues to address compounding challenges surrounding water access, public health, and community resilience, River Network is thrilled to recognize seven exemplary advocates whose dedication and persistence are paving the way toward an equitable... Read More ›

River Network’s Next Chapter Is Here… and We’re Looking for Our Next Executive Director

by Dina Abdulhadi
A message from John Weiss, Chair, River Network Board of Directors In January, River Network's Board of Directors formally initiated the search for the organization's next Executive Director. We’re seeking a mission-driven, collaborative leader with a growth mindset who will guide the organization through a period of continued renewal, as described in the job posting... Read More ›

River Rally: Preview of Program & Scholarships Opening Soon!

by Hannah Mico
Network members gather during the Leaders of Color networking event at River Rally 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Credit: River Rally participant.
You’ve saved the date, now it’s time to get excited! Planning for River Rally 2026 is in full swing amongst the River Network team, and we could not be more excited to welcome you to San Antonio, Texas this May 11-14. As our staff and partners work to build an intentional program, we’ve concluded there’s... Read More ›

Rooted in Community: Tree Planting for Resilience

by Dina Abdulhadi
The Rooting Resilience Program provides funding and assistance for communities to improve their urban and community forests  As we wind down the first full year of work for our Rooting Resilience Program, we’re reflecting on its impact. The program got much-needed funding and support to groups working to increase their community’s tree coverage. These trees... Read More ›

New Definition of Waters of the US Proposed

by Dina Abdulhadi
On Nov. 17, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released their proposal for new rules governing the Waters of the US or WOTUS. The Waters of the US defines which rivers, wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and other water bodies are protected from pollution and destruction under the Clean Water Act... Read More ›

New Online Training Series: Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement

by Dina Abdulhadi
River Network is excited to announce the publication of a new, free, self-paced, online training series based on Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement, a toolkit we published in September 2024. This new resource is now available through River Network’s Online Learning Platform. The training series is designed to help community leaders work closely... Read More ›