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When Dr. Sherri Mason walks into a room, people pay attention. As one of the world’s leading researchers on microplastics in drinking water, she has spent years documenting something most of us would rather not think about – the tiny plastic particles that have made their way into our taps, our rivers, and our bodies. On May 29, she is coming to Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA to deliver the keynote address at H2O Water Network’s Spring Confluence 2026. And if you have not registered yet, this is your reason. Why Microplastics Matter Here The Upper Ohio River Basin is not immune to plastic…
If abandoned mine reclamation is part of your work, here is a meeting worth adding to your calendar. The Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation – WPCAMR – is holding its quarterly board meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10 AM at the Clearfield Conservation District in Clearfield, PA. What Is on the Agenda? The meeting will cover programs and policies around abandoned mine reclamation, advocacy efforts, and updates on funding. Topics include: The latest news on infrastructure funding and other funding sources for AMD remediation An update from PA DEP on BAMR – the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation – programs This…
Mark your calendar. On May 29, 2026, H2O Water Network is bringing together water advocates, watershed groups, municipal water authorities, conservation districts, and community partners from across the Upper Ohio River Basin for one day at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. It is called Spring Confluence 2026 – and it might be the most important water conversation happening in western Pennsylvania this year. What Is Spring Confluence? Confluence is the annual gathering of H2O Water Network’s 60+ partner organizations. It is where the people doing the work – the watershed coordinators, the municipal water operators, the conservation district staff, the researchers, the advocates –…
If your community is navigating the cost of Clean Water Act compliance – and in the Upper Ohio River Basin, many are – the EPA wants to hear from you. Two public stakeholder webinars are coming up fast, and they are worth your time. What Is the Financial Capability Assessment Guidance? The EPA’s Clean Water Act (CWA) Financial Capability Assessment (FCA) Guidance is a framework that helps determine what communities can reasonably afford when it comes to meeting Clean Water Act requirements – things like upgrading wastewater systems, reducing combined sewer overflows, or implementing stormwater programs. For smaller municipalities and lower-income communities across our region,…
Dr. Seuss’ Lorax said it plainly: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” The Oil City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America has been proving that quote right for exactly 100 years. The H2O Water Network is proud to join in congratulating the Oil City Chapter on their centennial – 100 years of fighting for clean water, healthy habitat, and a thriving outdoor tradition in western Pennsylvania and beyond. A Century Rooted in Clean Water The Izaak Walton League was born in Chicago in 1922, when 54 hunters, anglers, and conservationists gathered out…
Nitrate pollution doesn’t get the headlines it deserves – but it’s one of the most widespread water quality problems affecting communities across the country, including right here in the Upper Ohio River Basin. The Izaak Walton League of America is working to change that, and they’re inviting organizations like H2O to help spread the word. Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week runs July 26 through August 1, and planning is already well underway. The week is designed to highlight where nitrate pollution comes from, what it does to our water and our health, and – most importantly – what people can do about it. What’s Happening During…
Safecast has mapped over 250 million radiation data points worldwide — including parts of our region. H2O partner Jon Detisch is encouraging watershed organizations to explore the map and take a short survey helping shape the next generation of open environmental monitoring tools.
Join the conversation on U.S. environmental health at NatureRecord.org. Share your insights for a greener future!
Mountain Watershed Association’s Direct Support Fund offers small grants — typically under $5,000 — to grassroots groups and advocates tackling environmental justice issues across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. If your work touches shale gas, coal, petrochemicals, or related community harms, this one’s worth a look. Who it’s built for: What it covers: What it doesn’t cover: household relief, operating expenses, attorney fees, political campaigns, or matching grant funds. Deadlines: Applications are reviewed the third Friday of every month. Submit at least one week before that date. Apply via PDF or Google Doc at MWA’s website. Questions? Reach MWA at DSF@mtwatershed.com or 724-455-4200, ext. 10.
Mountain Watershed Association is taking a closer look at the health of local waterways — and what they’re finding matters for all of us in the Upper Ohio River Basin.
Explore Pennsylvania’s water quality trends, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for stream health and aquatic life restoration.
A Partner Highlight from the H2O Water Network Introduction by John Detisch, H2O Water Network One of the things I love most about the H2O Water Network is the chance to spotlight the incredible work happening across our partner organizations. Today I’m excited to share a story from John Wenzel and the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy — a story that connects river restoration, science, and those magical summer evenings we all remember. John Wenzel joined the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy (CVC) in 2022 as Executive Director. Based in Johnstown, PA, CVC oversees a strong water monitoring program spanning hundreds of sites across five counties, along with river-related…
it’s Salt Week—And Tonight You Can Learn How to Make a Difference Quick reminder: Salt Week is happening right now, and tonight we’re hosting a free webinar to help you get involved. Road salt keeps us safe in winter. But all that salt has to go somewhere—and most of it ends up in our streams, lakes, and groundwater. Over time, it adds up. And when salt levels get too high, it’s bad news for fish, wildlife, infrastructure, and even our drinking water. The good news? You can help track what’s happening in your community—and push for smarter salting practices. Join Us Tonight Salt Watch Webinar:…
Looking to learn something new about the natural world this year? The Clarion Conservation District has you covered. Thanks to a DEP Environmental Education Grant, they’re hosting a series of free programs running from January through June—covering everything from nature journaling to soil health to invasive species identification. And yes, participants get free stuff at every event. Here’s what’s on the calendar: January 22 | Noticing Nature: Winter Nature Journaling 5–6:30 PM at CCD Office, Clarion, PA Participants receive free journaling supplies. February 25 | Noticing Changes: Phenology Webinar 5–6:30 PM | Online Participants receive a free book on phenology. March 28 | Soil Health…
ZOOM LINK HERE: Salt Watch Webinar: Protecting Our Water From Winter Runoff 📅 Wednesday, January 28th | 7:00 PM💻 Free Online Event Join H2O Water Network, Izaak Walton League of America, and the Ohio Water Network to learn how you can monitor salt pollution in your community and advocate for smarter winter road practices. Winter arrived early this year. Before the calendar even flipped to December, snow was already piling up—and so was the salt. By mid-January, many municipalities across our region had already burned through a significant chunk of their road salt supplies just trying to keep up with the weather. It’s the kind of thing…
If you’ve been sitting on an idea for a trail, a park improvement, a river conservation effort, or an environmental education program—now’s the time to act. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has officially opened its annual Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant round. And this year, they’re giving applicants a little extra breathing room: the deadline has been extended by a full month. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 30. What Kind of Projects Get Funded? The Community Conservation Partnerships Program supports a wide range of recreation and conservation work across Pennsylvania, including: Whether you’re a municipality, a nonprofit,…
Assessment Results & What’s Next You took time to share your experiences. Your challenges. Your questions about water in your community. We’ve been listening. The H2O Headwaters to the Ohio Water Network’s Watershed Assessment gave us something invaluable: a clearer picture of what communities across the region are actually facing. Not assumptions. Not guesses. Real input from people doing this work on the ground. Now we’re turning that input into action. What We Learned The Assessment revealed patterns we suspected and some we didn’t. Communities across the watershed are dealing with overlapping challenges—infrastructure concerns, affordability pressures, climate uncertainties, and questions about where to find resources…
Across the H2O Water Network, many partner groups are doing important work to protect water resources, educate communities, and advance local solutions. Some partners are established nonprofits. Others are grassroots efforts, informal coalitions, or early-stage projects still building capacity. One question comes up again and again: “How do we raise funds or apply for grants if we’re not a nonprofit yet?” The answer is reassuring. Becoming a nonprofit is not the only path, and for many groups, it’s not the right first step. The challenge many groups face Starting and maintaining a nonprofit takes time, money, and ongoing administrative effort. Legal filings, financial reporting, compliance,…
If you’re doing great work, you deserve more than a quiet calendar invite and a few polite likes. We’re putting real support behind partner visibility this winter, and we’re also collecting the best moments from across our network for a year-end roundup that actually reflects the breadth of what you all accomplished. This post is about two things. Both are simple. Both are meant to help. We have an advertising budget that we want to share with H2O Water Network partners who could benefit from a boost in visibility over the next few months. If your group has something you want more people to find,…
We’re excited to share big news: More than a dozen leading organizations have come together to launch the Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition (AFRC) — a powerful new alliance focused on preparing Appalachia for a future of stronger, more frequent floods. The AFRC was formed to drive regional collaboration and bold advocacy in support of policies and investments that will help Appalachian communities adapt, respond, and thrive in the face of climate challenges. At the heart of the Coalition’s efforts is the Flood Resilience in Appalachia policy platform, released in May 2024, which outlines specific federal policy priorities and actions needed to safeguard the region. We’re…
U Penn’s Water Center just published a briefing paper” Informing the Discussion Around Water Systems Restructuring.” This briefing paper offers a high-level overview of the challenges facing water and wastewater systems in the United States, how those challenges can drive system restructuring and examples of restructuring options. It is intended to serve as an initial resource that stimulates discussion among water system managers, regulators, decision makers, and the communities they serve as they consider how to best position their water systems for today and the future. The paper is informed by a limited literature review, the Water Center’s experiences providing technical assistance, and a set…
While many of us marked World Water Day with reflection, education, or time spent beside a beloved stream, the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy (CVC) reminded us what real, long-haul stewardship looks like. With boots on the ground and data in hand, their team is literally transforming poisoned rivers into thriving community assets—one site, one test, and one celebration at a time. For over 100 years, acid mine drainage polluted the rivers of western Pennsylvania. The Stonycreek, Conemaugh, and Kiskiminetas were once ecological dead zones, their waters stained orange and stripped of life. But in recent decades, hope has returned—thanks to collaborative efforts by groups like CVC…
You’ll learn how to use iNaturalist, a free app that turns your phone into a biodiversity logbook. We’ll walk the trails at the beautiful Laurelville Retreat Center and show you how to capture and identify local species—from trees and insects to amphibians and invasive plants. Each entry becomes part of a global database that helps scientists and communities track ecological trends. Don’t worry if you’ve never used it before—this workshop is beginner-friendly, and we’ll help get you up and running. After that, we’ll head to the stream to get our feet wet—literally. Using boots, nets, and buckets, participants will explore stream macroinvertebrates, the tiny aquatic…
by the H2O Water Network Team Have you heard the exciting news? Parts of the Monongahela River have officially joined the National Water Trails Program! This milestone underscores the incredible work our friends and partners have been doing all along the Upper Ohio Basin—and it’s only the beginning. A Three-Part Story: Upper, Middle & Lower The Mon River actually breaks into three segments: Upper Mon (West Virginia to Fredericktown): Already designated. Middle Mon (Fredericktown to Elizabeth): Still in progress—our Project Team’s 2023 Management Plan Update recommended it, and we’re optimistic funding will follow. Lower Mon (Elizabeth to Pittsburgh’s Point): Now designated and administered by Friends…
Looking for a way to recharge your spirit, connect with like-minded people, and enjoy the great outdoors? You’re invited to join PA Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL) on Thursday, May 22nd from 5–7 PM at Frick Park in Pittsburgh for a Bike & Hike Community Gathering. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or just learning about PA IPL, this laid-back, open-air event is the perfect way to meet new faces and deepen your connection to faith-rooted environmental justice work. This monthly gathering is all about building community, enjoying nature, and sharing the work we’re doing to confront climate change through the lens of faith and…
At H2O Water Network, we believe that effective collaboration is the cornerstone of impactful environmental advocacy. That’s why we’ve created the Basecamp 101 course—a user-friendly guide designed to help our members navigate Basecamp, our central hub for organizing projects, sharing resources, and fostering community engagement. Whether you’re new to Basecamp or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a step-by-step walkthrough of its features. From setting up to-do lists and scheduling events to sharing documents and participating in discussions, Basecamp is tailored to keep our team connected and efficient. By mastering these tools, you’ll be better equipped to contribute to our shared mission of…
The Ohio River Basin Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, one that we hope will provide our membership with greater benefits and greater access to the latest happenings around the Basin. Highlights include: an interactive membership map, ORB Congressional Caucus members, latest news from around the Basin, portals for event registration, updates from the working groups and resources, including a groundbreaking economic study that values the ecosystem services within the Basin at $50 billion annually! Earlier this month Earth Economics, with funding from The Kresge Foundation, completed their report regarding a high-level valuation of co-benefits created by natural ecosystems in…
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accepting applications year-round through June 2027 for its Riparian Restoration Tree Planting Initiative, which provides native trees to landowners planted at no cost as part of Pennsylvania’s statewide water quality improvement goals. Funding is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) to plant riparian, or streamside, buffers along waterways such as streams, springs, small runs or headwater tributaries, throughout western and central Pennsylvania. Funding covers the costs of: a variety of trees and shrubs native to Pennsylvania tree protection materials labor to plant the trees The Conservancy plans to plant 75 acres…
In a world facing the growing challenges of climate change, understanding the climate system has never been more crucial. Whether you are an educator, a decision-maker, or simply someone interested in learning more, climate literacy is the key to empowering individuals and communities to take informed actions that can help mitigate and adapt to climate change. The U.S. Global Change Research Program’s (USGCRP) Climate Literacy Guide provides an invaluable framework for understanding Earth’s climate, its impacts, and the solutions necessary for a more sustainable future. Published in its third edition in 2024, this guide is aimed at broadening climate knowledge and fostering more effective engagement…
