We All Live Downstream

Every one of us lives in a watershed. Everything we do can affect water, people and natural systems downslope and downstream. One simple, popular definition of the term "watershed" is "communities connected by water."

Because of the intricate connections between waters, lands and people, river conservation work encourages whole-system, long-term thinking, organizing and action. In fact, successful river conservation work requires it.

There is power and magic in this fact. Perhaps no other human endeavor forces us to apply so many disciplines; look at issues from so many perspectives; or connect so many economic, social and environmental concerns.

In an age when our society desperately needs something to counter the forces that tend to separate us daily, river conservation provides it. Watersheds are literally common ground.

River Network is mobilizing nearly 700 Partner organizations in every state to safeguard clean water and healthy watersheds. In doing so, we are also addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our country: curbing climate change, ensuring public health, and reconnecting people to nature.