My Nonprofit Reviews

Watershed Management Group (WMG) is exceptional in Top Notch Leadership, not just in Tucson, but on this planet Earth. As we know, Water Is Life (quote from Standing Rock). No one associated with WMG takes water for granted, ever! When you are working with WMG, you will see the full cycle of the rainwater landing on a roof, landing on the soil, the street, wherever it lands and how it will be channeled to either a rain barrel, cistern, a basin, however it can be captured and used again and again. WMG thinks long term. WMG thinks globally, acts locally. WMG's amazing, competent staff provides opportunities on an ongoing basis so that you and your family lives sustainably in your home, as they are there from start to finish with their many programs, such as: I Labor With My Neighbor. So many incentives to get you started, and Excited about each drop of rainwater being harvested! The talented Executive Director, Lisa Shipek, educates us with the newsletter, A Watershed Moment, that has become a collector's library series of the most advanced sustainable ideas, again thinking long term. As WMG was laying their foundation about 12 or more years ago, I had the opportunity to see first hand, the integrity and professionalism of the staff. Later in 2009, I participated in the 9 day certification program. WOW, what a hands-on experience that is! (An intense "digging your heels" in the soil boot camp, learning Rain Water Harvesting from A-Z, lots of fun too, especially with Brad Lancaster involved in the training. Catlow Shipek, highly knowledgeable, is always seeking how to be more efficient, with WMG's skills in high demand. And when you take a tour of WMG's Living Lab and Learning Center, it'll just knock your socks off. But that's OK, cuz then you're ready for a Yoga session, offered in the late afternoon. Did I mention just how FUN ~ WMG staff are?

Thanks to Watershed Management Group, Earth Day may breathe easier. Each year since this dedicated non-profit began, I have witnessed how its mission to encourage, assist, teach, and -labor with their neighbor- in Tucson and globally has put in to practice Earthworks to capture precious drops of rainwater. Some of the basic permaculture concepts are observation, always begin small, as then it is easier to correct any mistakes, and SEE the possibilities of what you have at hand (your home/yard) and how it can be transformed by following simple Earthworks. It truly is a beautiful ART in every sense to see a dry barren area transformed into a breathtaking oasis by simply digging a basin, placing chosen rocks around this basin, like a natural frame, adding compost, a few native plants, mulch, then rainwater...how exciting to witness this miracle come to bloom. Next comes the native birds, butterflies, bees, a shelter for small animals, and shade. Yes, the work is old-fashioned, roll up your sleeves hard work and with these co-op workshops with WMG comes yummy satisfying food and drinks. Yes, the certification is intense, I know from experience, and on a high bar, so those who become certified are fully trained to teach in this field. Yes, WMG has attracted staff that do not take these water issues lightly, but are constantly refining their skills to offer the best practices available they know. Recently I asked Executive Director, Lisa Shipek, when WMG will hold the next certification completely in Spanish,. She responded, when WMG gets the funding. Last fall, WMG offered their first certification completely in Spanish, quite a successful accomplishment! Yes, WMG is about outreach locally, globally, continually! Their staff in India are folks that are not asking the people there to learn what works in the United States, but encouraging the people in India to use practices that work there in their villages. Check out the award-winning Tippy Taps ! It takes tremendous commitment to stay focused on one issue - Water, which is a basic human right for all. Thank you to WMG for doing your part!

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