Define, Discover, & Dream
Every five years the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) creates a State of Our Estuaries Report that analyzes the trends of indicators of environmental, watershed, and estuarine health. To accompany the 2023 report, PREP hosted the State of Our Estuaries Conference on June 2nd. The goal of the day was to encourage collaboration and creativity amongst those who live, work, and play in the Piscataqua Region Watershed. The day progressed through three collaborative sections: Define, Discover, and Dream. This approach is called “Appreciative Inquiry” and focuses on learning from each other and positive mindsets. Throughout the day PREP asked the conference participants to define their concerns regarding the health of the region, discover examples of successes within the surrounding community, and dream big!
Following 4 scientific presentations (including the latest science findings and following the journey of the river herring from fresh to salt water), 3 poetry readings, 6 stories of triumphs and pitfalls from municipal representatives, 1 talk on the connection between the watershed and the foodshed, 3 interactive activities, 1 musical performance, and much more, we ended the day with over 240 dreams. Some of those 240 dreams included increasing organizational collaboration within the watershed, communicating more between those doing the science and those implementing the regulations, and taking the momentum and awareness of the day into the rest of the community. With dreams like these, our watershed is in great hands.
Gathering so many individuals from varying backgrounds, interests, and expertise was inspiring. We at PREP hope that those who participated will incorporate the lessons learned, perspectives, and energy into their daily lives. For those who weren’t able to attend, we hope to connect elsewhere. Please read the 2023 State of Our Estuaries Report and companion documents and reach out with any questions. We, collectively, can protect and preserve the health of our watershed, and we thank you for joining us in making a difference!
