The Water Stories Core Course - training the next generation of water cycle restoration practitioners

Take action. Learn through experience. Build together. Get dirty.

In-person Workshops

The Water Stories team and students group shot in front of an excavator at a project site during a workshop

Join us for an in-person event!

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A movement based in action

Learn to trust your intuition

Our goal is to hold space for people to practice creating positive interventions on the land. Water Stories Workshops offer a deep dive into the practical aspects of reshaping landscapes to benefit local communities.

> Experience the transition from design to implementation

> Assess soil composition and learn how it continually influences the installation process

> Work as a team and practice communicating effectively on a job site

Zach explains an important part of landscape restoration to a group of students in front of an excavator at a project site

Zach watches the movement of water in a test slice

Gain practical experience

Every workshop is a unique opportunity

Our objective with each workshop is to offer participants a diverse range of hands-on, educational experiences. Installing substantial earthworks projects, like ponds, requires a significant amount of time. However, thanks to the generosity of our workshop hosts, we are able to provide a wide array of workshop styles, durations, and locations. Each workshop presents distinctive opportunities for learning, tackling challenges, and forging connections.

Workshop Testimonials

Grab a shovel, make connections, regenerate landscapes

What participants have to say about our workshops:

Oja Robinson

"The entire weekend was a stellar experience that far exceeded all expectations! Thank you so much for your hard work to make it all happen so beautifully"

Janell Howard

“I was so surprised at how much more I learned even after taking the course, it’s helped me to see that I have a lot more to learn!! I’m so unbelievably grateful we came, the content was incredibly helpful and networking with others around the world was an unforeseen benefit!!”

Kate Kauffman

“It really was a remarkable and essential event. If it can be made a part of your WS training for more folks, I think it would be profoundly helpful…Otherwise, I am a completely different person because of this training … Zach and Megan's energy, commitment, and patience...wow. Thank you for investing so much time and effort in our learning!!!!!!”

Jonny Allen

I am so happy to have attended this hands-on training that included actual contract work for the site. I loved the way the process moved …The keystone activity that we returned to several times throughout the four days was building the full scale sediment trap. This project applied the skills of understanding the problem, the site selection, the laser leveling, the spillway design, rock armoring and looking both upstream and downstream for unintended impacts. I witnessed the value of good communications and a good operator. Zach, Megan and Nick created the conditions for good vibes and intensive learning. I am so grateful for all their wisdom and knowledge.

Peter Ye

Whether you intend to build it yourself or network with someone who can, if you've ever been curious about what it takes to make a man made pond, take this workshop. Not only will you learn how to build a pond, but where and when to save yourself additional expenses in materials and time. What equipment and what size do you need to get the job done quickly and effectively. Important considerations, like where is that water coming from? And where will the overflow go? So many questions I didn't consider asked and answered. A great way to meet like minded folks who you may work with in the future.

Zach Mermel

This two-day immersive course covered an array of topics related to water retention earthworks -- from pond siting, to calculating catchment area, to the specifics of implementation. It was truly a world class event; highly recommended to all aquatic aficionados!

Taylor B Duryee

The Water Stories Intensive Workshop is one of the best experiences I have had in my lifetime. The amazing Water Stories Staff and the unique, and fullhearted community they attract. The knowledge and friendships that I gained, I will be forever grateful.

Sam Bowman

The intensive event that I attended in Oregon, July 2024 was an experience that I would recommend to anyone that wants to be able to see and experience the skills needed to be a water cycle restoration practitioner. All the skills were taught, demonstrated, participated in with the idea of becoming moderately proficient of the skills. From the exposure I feel that I am so more confident in my ability to carry on a project for myself or other people. For me things were so more clearly understood by hands-on participation in each step of the process. Thanks Zach, Megan and all the crew that made the intensive possible. I greatly benefited by having participated.

Preview

The Core Course

Want to get a better feel for the course? Watch the introduction videos to the course to get a better feel for the content and format, what to expect, and what we expect of you.