LAKE HURON FOREVER
ONE WATER GATHERING
October 1-2, 2026
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Alpena, Michigan
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The One Water Gathering is an international event bringing people from both sides of Lake Huron together to explore solutions, share best practices and celebrate a sustainable future for our shared Great Lake. This year's gathering takes place October 1-2, 2026 in Alpena, Michigan, and centers on the theme of resilience, built on three pillars: planning, action and philanthropy.
Through programming, networking and outdoor field trips, attendees will dig into these three elements, exploring how each plays a role in protecting water quality and building healthy, sustainable communities. Youth voices, projects and actions will be featured throughout the gathering, reflecting that resilience depends on new hands and new voices joining the work now, for long-term watershed protection.
All are invited: attendees will include Canadian, United States, First Nations and Tribal partners, municipal leaders, watershed groups, regulatory agencies, engineers, landscape architects, school administrators, educators, artists, writers, musicians and volunteers who all share a common goal of supporting a healthy Lake Huron, forever.
OCTOBER 1
OCTOBER 2
THE CONFERENCE
AGENDA SNAPSHOT
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Mobilizing Local Knowledge for Resilience Planning: A Community Roundtable
Facilitator: Hannah Mico (she/her), Resilient Communities Manager at River Network.
Location: Alpena Community College
Whether we’re tackling climate, coastal or general community resilience, the best solutions are often already in our communities. Local leaders, lived experience and place-based knowledge are the keys to understanding and solving resilience challenges. Join Hannah Mico of River Network for a learning session and discussion on strategies to enable meaningful community-led planning and actions, featuring our Tools for Equitable Climate Resilience. Participants will be led through activities helping them adapt tools and frameworks to work for their specific communities.
Participants can expect to leave with an in-progress action plan that includes: (1) a resilience research guide specific to your community, (2) a resource & power map, and (3) a workplanning outline with immediate, near-term and long-term goals for resilience planning. These activities are meant to complement existing municipal/strategic planning efforts or jump-start new planning efforts. All are welcome to attend this session, no prior experience is necessary. This session will be fairly discussion-oriented and include group and individual activities. A laptop or internet-enabled device may be helpful, but isn’t required.
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Location: Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Join fellow watershed champions at a relaxed evening of networking, conversation and refreshments. It's the perfect opportunity to make new connections and build relationships before diving into Friday's full day of programming.
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Location: Alpena Community College
A full day of learning, connection and inspiration awaits — from a morning welcome and breakout sessions to afternoon field trips showcasing real projects in Alpena and beyond. See what's possible firsthand and leave with a clear sense of your own next step in protecting Lake Huron.
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Wrap up the conference the fun way: with Great Lakes trivia, happy hour drinks and one last chance to connect before you head home. How well do you really know your Great Lakes?
DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES
Beach Clean-Up
Join the Lake Huron Coastal Centre and Great Lakes Great Responsibility for a hands-on shoreline clean-up along Lake Huron. Together, this Ontario and Michigan partnership offers the full Lake Huron perspective — learn how each organization is tackling plastic pollution while connecting with fellow volunteers who share your commitment to a healthier Great Lake.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Tour
Tour green stormwater infrastructure projects around Alpena and see firsthand how thoughtful design can protect water quality. Learn how these nature-based solutions are helping communities manage stormwater and build resilience.
Local Nature Preserve Visit
Explore one of Huron Pines' local nature preserves and experience the natural landscapes that make this region worth protecting. A guided walk through the preserve offers a firsthand look at conservation in action.
Art-Focused Experience
Details still coming together, but expect a creative, hands-on experience connecting art and the natural beauty of Lake Huron. Stay tuned for more information on this developing opportunity!
WHERE TO STAY
We partnered with Holiday Inn Express and Suites - Alpena Downtown to secure a block of standard rooms at a discounted rate.
225 River Street, Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 340-1800
King Standard: $139/night
Double Queen Standard: $149/night
Make reservations by Sept. 7th
ABOUT ALPENA
“Sanctuary of the Great Lakes”, Alpena is nestled in the northeast corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Home to the first federally designated freshwater marine sanctuary, the Alpena area has over 1,000 miles of shoreline and over 300,000 acres of open water. This historic port city is also centrally located to 3 Dark Sky Preserve parks, 7 lighthouses, over 2 dozen parks, 100+ miles of trails and at least 200 shipwrecks.
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring the One Water Gathering? Explore our sponsorship packages HERE to see how your organization can support the conference and the future of Lake Huron. To learn more, contact Brenda Herman, Huron Pines Development Director, at brenda@huronpines.org.