Does Your Chapter Want to Get Involved with Year Of Water?​

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The Year of Water team is developing a new model: Year of Water Activity Fairs. Unlike traditional environmental expos, these events are designed with one purpose in mind—connecting people with real conservation work in their own communities.

Imagine a community event where the Minnesota DNR, MPCA, park districts, watershed organizations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Pheasants Forever, River Watch, Salt Watch, Nitrate Watch, iNaturalist, Rotary, local Izaak Walton League chapters, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Friends groups, and other community partners all gather in one place. Together, they answer two simple questions: "What is the state of our local waters?" and "How can I help?"

Every participating organization leaves with new volunteers, new members, stronger partnerships, and a higher community profile. Every attendee leaves with a tangible opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

To make hosting easy, the Year of Water team will provide a complete host package, including planning guides, branding, promotional materials, marketing support, coaching, connections to statewide exhibitors, and state and national speakers. Chapters provide the local venue and relationships—we provide the playbook.

We are seeking 2–3 beta host chapters for late 2026 as we refine the model, followed by eight host communities in 2027.

The Year of Water isn't about celebrating water. It's about activating a new generation of committed volunteers to protect the waters that sustain our lives—from the Boundary Waters to private wells, from community drinking water supplies to the rivers, lakes, and wetlands that define Minnesota.

If your chapter is ready to help build this next chapter of the Year of Water, we'd love to work with you.

Contact Joseph at jbarisonzi@iwlamnvalley.org