Something special happens when a group of water-minded people come together on a forest trail. Ideas flow like streams, connections deepen, and the living systems we fight to protect suddenly feel more personal. That’s the spirit of Fall Confluence 2025, and we’re thrilled to invite you to be part of it.
📍 Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕙 10 AM to 4 PM
📍 Laurelville Retreat Center, Westmoreland County
This isn’t your standard conference—it’s a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground biodiversity field day. Hosted by the H2O Water Network, the Fall Confluence offers a unique opportunity to explore the forests, streams, and ecosystems that directly impact the health of our watersheds.
Why Biodiversity Matters
A single tree, a native insect, or a songbird might not seem like much—but together, they form the living backbone of a clean, functioning watershed. When biodiversity suffers, water quality suffers. And when we pay attention to the rhythms of nature, we begin to see how protecting wildlife is protecting water.
At this Confluence, we’re taking that lesson to the trail.
What to Expect
You’ll join guided hikes led by expert naturalists, ecologists, and community educators. Each trail will offer a focused look into the relationships between species and water—from the tiniest stream macroinvertebrates to the largest tree canopies.
Some highlights include:
- 🌿 Invasive Species ID: Learn to spot and report non-native threats.
- 🪲 Stream Macroinvertebrates: What these tiny critters can tell us about water health.
- 🌳 Native Tree Identification: Discover the role of tree cover in erosion control and stream temperature.
- 🐸 Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring: Uncover the silent indicators of ecosystem balance.
- 📱 iNaturalist in Action: Practice using this powerful citizen science tool in real time.
Boatload of Knowledge Returns
We’re bringing back the Boatload of Knowledge, a dynamic tabling area where local organizations, working groups, watershed alliances, and partners can showcase their projects, share resources, and build relationships. Want to table? Let us know here →
Who Should Come?
- Environmental educators and students
- Watershed group members and conservationists
- Faith-based and justice-centered groups
- Curious citizens who love learning outside
Whether you’ve attended every Confluence or this will be your first, this gathering is about reconnecting with the land and each other. The insights you gain won’t stay on the trail—they’ll walk back into your communities and projects.
