Precious rivers across the country face the relentless forces of runoff, pollution and depletion, requiring the sustained effort of 4,000 – 5,000 river and watershed groups. River Network brings these organizations together, most of them small and volunteer-led, to increase their effectiveness at addressing the myriad issues that face our waterways.

“When River Network was first formed, we focused almost exclusively on the organizational development needs of these groups,” says Todd Ambs, President. “We continue to provide that assistance, and now we have branched out to provide more policy-related assistance to our partner groups.”

River Network provides leadership in three main areas: habitat protection, which includes work on implementation of the federal Clean Water Act; storm water reduction strategies; and control of agricultural runoff. In addition, the organization also works with groups in communities facing public health issues from polluted water and trains groups on water conservation and efficiency strategies and promote climate smart water resource planning.

Todd Ambs got to know ICL even before he joined River Network. Todd participated in ICL's Individual Leadership Program back in the 1990s within a month of becoming executive director of a state-wide river organization in Ohio.

“It was a Godsend,” remembers Todd. “The course included the very nuts and bolts and understanding what it takes to run an organization, and the realization that it is like running a small business.”

Todd went on to become executive director of the River Alliance of Wisconsin and in that capacity participated in ICL’s benchmarking program. They were able to develop parameters to measure the impact of organizational development, an area that is sometimes difficult to measure.

“Benchmarks were very helpful for us, and are continuing to be helpful as we are looking to do more with our partners in providing them with greater measuring sticks for their work,” says Todd.

Todd is also a graduate of The Complete Fundraiser, which emphasized the importance of investing a regular block of time to cultivate individual donors.

“I make a minimum of 3 calls every day to funders and hold a 2 hour time block for fundraising every day” says Todd. He applies this discipline to overcome what he calls the “excuse du jour” for procrastinating about reaching out to individual donors.

“Donors almost never say no because you didn’t have whatever you thought you would need before making the call,” says Todd.

Todd is confident that this disciplined approach will sustainRiver Network through difficult financial times. River Network has been able to expand its work in the last year. Its new “Saving Water, Saving Energy” program emphasizes the relationship between water conservation and climate change. 

Todd points out a lesson that is important for all of us to remember about water conservation. “Every 8-pound gallon of water we don’t have to move makes a difference for the rivers, streams and watersheds, but also reduces carbon footprint.”