Join Us for the
2026 River Restoration Symposium:
February 2nd – 6th
Short Courses on Monday, February 2
3-Day Plenary Sessions on Tuesday–Thursday, February 3-5
Field Trip on Friday, February 6
Excited About River Restoration?
Get ready for the 2026 River Restoration Northwest (RRNW) Symposium—an essential gathering for professionals dedicated to the science and practice of river restoration. Following the successful 2025 event, the 2026 symposium will take place in early February at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. This annual event brings together engineers, scientists, planners, policymakers, and community leaders to share knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in river restoration efforts.
Why Attend the Symposium?
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Engage with Experts:
Connect with leading professionals in river restoration, including engineers, biologists, and policymakers.
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Interdisciplinary Learning:
Participate in sessions that emphasize a holistic approach to river restoration, integrating science, policy, and community engagement.
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Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers and leaders in the field through structured and informal networking events.
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Scenic Venue: Experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest at Skamania Lodge, providing an inspiring backdrop for discussions and learning.
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📢 Stay Informed
While specific registration details for the 2026 symposium have not been announced yet, they are expected to follow a similar timeline as previous years. For instance, registration for the 2025 symposium opened in November 2024. Keep an eye on the RRNW website or sign up for our Newsletter for the latest updates on the symposium schedule, registration, and scholarship opportunities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic community committed to advancing river restoration practices. Mark your calendar for February 2026 and prepare to contribute to meaningful conversations and collaborations at the RRNW Symposium.
The call for Sessions and Abstracts is now open!
SHORT COURSES
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Learn, share, and grow with full and half day courses.
PROGRAM
Invited speakers and colleagues present in 12 different session areas (including a Poster Session) throughout the week.
INVITED SPEAKERS
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The 2025 Invited Speakers include Emily Washines, Amy Bowers Cordalis, Laurie Olin, and Jessica Henson.
FIELD TRIP
Visit a recently restored site with the project sponsors and designers to discuss project goals, challenges and outcomes.
LOCATION
2026 LOCATION - SKAMANIA LODGE
"Skamania" is the Chinook Indian word for "swift water". The Columbia River Gorge hotel is aptly named, as it overlooks the majestic Columbia River that divides Oregon and Washington. There are also over 70 waterfalls nearby, including the famous Multnomah Falls, which at 620 feet, is the fifth highest waterfall in the United States. 45 minutes from Portland, the lodge offers 258 guest rooms, a 22,000 square foot conference and event center, an 18-hole, par 70 golf course, spa and fitness center. The fitness center includes two Peloton bikes, top of the line Precor fitness equipment, an indoor heated swimming pool, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor whirlpools. Adjacent to the lodge is a fitness course, volleyball and hiking trails.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Back by popular demand, the RRNW Mentorship Program is returning for its third year, continuing to build connections that inspire, support, and elevate the river restoration community.
Designed for early-career professionals, this program offers the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders in the field. Whether you're looking to gain career insights, expand your network, or build confidence in your path forward, this is a powerful chance to grow both personally and professionally.
Mentorship plays a vital role in:
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Transferring real-world knowledge and experience
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Supporting professional development
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Creating meaningful connections and lasting impact
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Fostering engagement and retention in the field
Whether you're a mentor or mentee, this program is about building bridges, sharing stories, and shaping the future of river restoration—together.
📢 Stay tuned for more details and program launch info!
2026 RRNW Mentorship Program sign-ups will take place during Symposium Registration.
KLINGEMAN SCHOLARSHIP
The call for 2026 Symposium Klingeman Scholarship applications opens on July 14th!
Are you a river restoration professional hoping to attend the River Restoration Northwest Annual Symposium at Skamania Lodge, Washington, in February 2026? Do you work with a nonprofit organization, tribal or First Nations government, or resource conservation district? Are you part of an underrepresented community in the river restoration field?
If so, you may be eligible for the Peter Klingeman Scholarship Program.
This scholarship provides full support to attend the 2026 RRNW Symposium (February 2–6, 2026). It covers:
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Full registration to the symposium
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All meals during the event
The Peter Klingeman Scholarship is designed to increase accessibility and ensure diverse voices are represented in river restoration. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and help shape the future of our rivers.
STUDENT INTERNS
The call for 2026 Symposium Student Internships applications opens on July 14th!
Calling All Students: Want to Attend the Premier River Restoration Symposium for Free?
Are you a student passionate about rivers, restoration, and making a real impact? Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2026 River Restoration Northwest Symposium, happening February 2–6, 2026 at Skamania Lodge in Washington!
Apply for the Student Internship Program—a hands-on opportunity to help host the West Coast’s leading river restoration event while building your resume, growing your network, and jumpstarting your career in natural resources.
💥 What’s Included?
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FREE symposium registration
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Lodging and meals—100% covered
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Unmatched professional development and networking opportunities
🛠️ All we ask is that you help behind the scenes and be on-site from Sunday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. We’ll handle the rest. All you need to do is get yourself there!
📣 Spots are limited—Be part of something powerful!
