Raise the Deschutes

Help Us Raise the Deschutes

Next Event:

February
25
 -  

How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets

Where does Central Oregon’s water come from—and how does it move through our landscape?

This Raise the Deschutes seminar will explore the basics of how water flows through Central Oregon, from precipitation and winter snowpack to rivers, groundwater, farms, and municipal systems. We’ll break down the differences between surface water and groundwater, why timing matters as much as volume, and how seasonal conditions shape water availability across the basin.

Designed as an accessible, big-picture overview, this conversation will provide shared context for understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon—now and into the future.

Speakers:

Lisa Seales, PhD., Senior Program Manager, Deschutes River Conservancy
Zach Freed, Director, Sustainable Water Program, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

Thank you to current 2024 sponsors!

A group of logos that are on top of each other.

Raise the Deschutes Seminar Recordings

Our Raise the Deschutes Seminar Series is an accessible way to learn about water in the Deschutes River Basin. Each seminar is about 90 minutes and features experts in their respective fields. You can watch the recordings below or check out our upcoming seminars by clicking the button on the right.

WATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets
Videos
February 25, 2026

WATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets

This seminar helps viewers to understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon.

Read more
Tribal Sovereignty and Water in the Deschutes River Basin: Seminar Resources
Raise the Deschutes
January 15, 2026

Tribal Sovereignty and Water in the Deschutes River Basin: Seminar Resources

A collection of resources and recordings featuring Tribal perspectives on sovereignty, water, and stewardship in the Deschutes Basin.

Read more
WATCH | Tribal Sovereignty and Water: Tribal Perspectives in the Deschutes Basin
Videos
December 15, 2025

WATCH | Tribal Sovereignty and Water: Tribal Perspectives in the Deschutes Basin

Tribal representatives share perspectives on sovereignty, water, restoration, and resilience in the Deschutes Basin.

Read more
Crooked River background image