Building a Grassroots Movement ...

Today’s River Network has roots on both Coasts, and a long list of accomplishments for virtually every place in the U.S. that falls between.

In the late 1980s, Phil Wallin founded River Network in Portland, OR, creating an organization dedicated to empowering local groups and citizens working to protect and restore rivers. At about the same time, River Watch Network formed in Vermont to engage citizens and students in monitoring water quality and galvanizing community support.

Both organizations flourished through the 1990s. As the new millennium neared, it became clear there was great synergy between the missions and programs of the two organizations. In 1999, the trustees of both groups voted to merge.

Since 2000, River Network’s programs and reach have expanded and evolved. We are leading one of the fastest growing conservation movements in the U.S. -- more than 2,000 state, local and regional non-profits have freshwater protection as their primary mission. Nearly 80% of those groups didn't exist when we began our work in 1989.

We have now organized and hosted 12 National River Rallies, provided hundreds of regional and local trainings, and distributed more than $2 million in regrants. Learn more about how our staff is training and mobilizing our network by clicking here.