Executive Director Update Fall 2025
A Reason to Believe…
We live in challenging times, when much of what we hold dear as environmentalists, naturalists, and humanists is under attack. Protections created more than 50 years ago to safeguard wildlife, ecosystems, and human health are being dismantled. At the same time, widening inequities deny millions of people the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope. These realities can leave us dismayed and discouraged.
Umpqua Watersheds was founded on the belief that hope is an active verb—and that community can meet even the darkest challenges with love, strategy, and resolve.
Why We Still Believe
Despite today’s shadows, we have reason to believe. Over the first nine months of 2025, Umpqua Watersheds has achieved milestones that strengthen both the natural and social fabric of the Umpqua Basin:
- New Director of Operations, Melanie MacKinnon. After 7 years of service, we promoted Melanie to Director of Operations, recognizing her experience, passion, strategic, and organizational abilities.
- New Director of Environmental Education and Outreach, Julie Lowe. After serving as UW’s AmeriCorps member for the past two years, Julie brings her extensive experience in teaching environmental education and networking to her new role.
- Environmental Education: The Eastwood Nature Initiative connected hundreds of children with hands-on discovery. At the same time, our new partnership with Oregon State University brings the Oregon Naturalist Program to Douglas County.
- Umpqua Outback Community Space: More than a venue, it has become a hub for connection, creativity, and collective action.
- Conservation Committee: From writing agency comments to community engagement, we continue to hold decision-makers accountable. On September 13, we will co-host a climate rally with the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition in conjunction with Indivisible Douglas County. In 2026, we will launch “Green Days” to celebrate sustainability.
- KQUA Community Radio: Our soft launch at the Umpqua Brew Fest on September 20 marks a new era for local storytelling, music, and advocacy.
- Umpqua Brew Fest & Community Festival: More than beer and music, these gatherings celebrate resilience and community.
- Crater Lake Wilderness Campaign: Our Wilderness Committee has dedicated hundreds of hours to protecting the wild heart of the Umpqua permanently.
The Power of Partnership
Another reason for hope—and a cornerstone of our effectiveness—is the strength of our partnerships. Our collaborations now include the Umpqua Valley BIPOC Community, the Umpqua Natural Leadership Science Hub (UNLSH), the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, the Umpqua Valley Rainbow Collective, Umpqua Community College, the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition, the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, Oregon State University, Thrive Umpqua, and numerous other organizations.
These relationships expand our reach, deepen our understanding, and ensure our work is more equitable. Every new partnership reminds us: we are stronger together. When we look around and see so many organizations and individuals united in purpose, we find yet another reason to believe.
Rooted in Legacy, Rising to the Challenge
As I reflected in my recent “Now More Than Ever” banquet address, Umpqua Watersheds’ story is one of resilience and hope. For 30 years, we have stood in defense of rivers, forests, and wild places, walking in the footsteps of Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for millennia. We have weathered storms, setbacks, and losses, but we have never given up.
Our strength lies in our community, comprising volunteers, donors, dreamers, and doers. Together, we are driven not by profit, but by purpose, not by fear, but by passionate dedication to protect what matters most: our natural places and our community.
Together, We Shine
This is your legacy, your celebration. Despite all odds, we have every reason to believe that together, we can and will overcome the challenges ahead. Let us move forward, undaunted, rooted in hope, guided by love, and united in our belief that the Umpqua, and all who call it home, are worth fighting for.