Amazing things are happening
Executive Director
Kasey Hovik
It has been a great year for Umpqua Watersheds. I am continually amazed about the dedication and persistence in the face of much opposition, and the hearfelt love for our community from the Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers of Umpqua Watersheds. Given the current state of policies in our country and county, it is easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed by the task of protecting the Umpqua Watersheds and beyond but we carry on and UW continues to make a difference. As I look back on the year, the faces of these people, the smiles and the energetic discussions we have had about how to move forward with limited resources and greater challenges to our mission than we have ever faced flash through my mind. In July we accepted a wonderful donation of the building from long-me supporter, John Stadter. It was the biggest donation Umpqua Watersheds has ever received and his contribution continues to inspire and enable us to accomplish great things for our beloved UW and the community. We have much to look forward to as we move together to ensure that the best is yet ahead for Umpqua Watersheds. We hosted Umpqua Brew Fest VIII on Saturday, October 14th. Close to 1,000 people attended the event. The Brew Fest not only serves as one of the major fundraisers for UW it also provides an opportunity to connect with people and organizations in our community. Once again FCR (John Stadter’s company) supported the Brew Fest as our Title Sponsor. In addition to FCR, we had more event sponsors than ever before which helped us ensure a profitable event. We also had tremendous support from our local and regional breweries and distributors. For the first me, the Iron Chef competition sold out. The Brew Fest could not have happened without nearly 100 volunteers. Many thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and vendors who helped make UBF VIII a great success! The challenges UW faces in 2018 to protect our watersheds is daunting but with your support we can achieve our lofty goals to protect and restore the Umpqua Watershed and beyond through education, training, advocacy and ecologically sound stewardship. We need your help! Our membership is half of what it was ten years ago. Please become a member or renew your membership today! The Staff and Board of Directors wish you Happy Holidays and a very prosperous New Year.
