Wednesday, May 21st from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Join us to learn from a panel of innovative leaders, including our new WA Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, about how we will advance progressive policies at the state and local levels to achieve gains at home in spite of the current federal administration.
Thanks to our amazing event co-hosts: Jillian Froebe and Elizabeth Kerwin, Cathy Lehman, Jane and Nelson Bright, Grace Wang, and Nicole Oliver.
Can’t make it? You can still make an impact by giving a gift and helping us build a climate-resilient Northwest Washington.
Climate resilience and local collective action is our path forward—a path that starts with each of us investing in a healthy future. We hope you’ll join us for our biggest event of the year! By participating in this event, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re investing in a future where we build resilience against climate impacts, create solutions for a more sustainable way of life, and empower communities to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Panelists
Dave Upthegrove
WA Commissioner of Public Lands
Commissioner Upthegrove is focused on protecting clean air, clean water and habitat, continuing to improve wildfire prevention and response, and expanding recreational opportunities. He is dedicated to leading with a strong focus on equal rights and fair treatment, including honoring the sovereignty of Washington’s tribes.
Kaylee Galloway
Whatcom County Council Chair
Councilmember Galloway is the County Council Chair and Chair of the Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee. Kaylee has spent the last decade serving our community at all levels of government. She has worked for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Washington State House of Representatives.
Free Borsey
Setting Sun Institute, Children of the Setting Sun Productions
Free Borsey (Tsx’vilum) is a Native Environmental Science major at Northwest Indian College and serves as the Environmental Subject Matter Expert at the Setting Sun Institute, a facet of Children of the Setting Sun Productions. As a Cultural Survival Youth Fellow, he led the PLANTS podcast series on Young and Indigenous. Other titles include being a traditional Salish artist, canoe skipper, and community organizer. Free has led classroom lectures at Western Washington University and other public speaking engagements, focusing on Indigenous advocacy, environmental stewardship and contextual education on American Indians. He currently serves on the board of Paper Whale and is a former board member of the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. In 2024, he and his brother were co-selected for the Bullitt Prize, awarded by Washington Conservation Action.
Kaïa Hayes
RE Sources Land and Water Policy Manager
As Land & Water Policy lead for RE Sources, Kaïa supports community efforts to build climate resilience for the land, water, and people of NW Washington through multi-benefit solutions for our watersheds and resource lands. She worked in natural resource management at the federal and state level prior to finding her niche in local action.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors!
Interested in becoming a Rivers & Roots event sponsor? Review our event sponsor prospectus and reach out to Julia Spencer with questions: JuliaS@re-sources.org or (360) 510-9329.
Partner Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Community Food Co-op
Event Questions?
Contact Julia Spencer with questions: JuliaS@re-sources.org or (360) 510-9329.
(Cover photo: Buff Black)