Protecting a habitat takes collaboration among the people who study it, the organizations that work to restore it, the public agencies that manage it and the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. That shared commitment was at the heart of the 2026 Upper Delaware River Rendezvous, held October 21-22 at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon.

The event was hosted by the Upper Delaware River Network in collaboration with Friends of the Upper Delaware River. The annual gathering brought together people from across the region to share knowledge, discuss challenges facing local waterways and connect with others working to preserve the river and its surrounding landscape.

Throughout the conference, attendees had opportunities to hear from experts, take part in educational sessions and exchange ideas about the issues affecting the watershed and surrounding habitats. By bringing these groups into the same room, the conference helps participants learn about one another’s projects, share information and identify opportunities to work together.

The rendezvous also included keynote speakers, networking opportunities, meals and an evening reception, providing time for participants to continue conversations beyond the formal sessions. Optional field trips were also part of the conference program, offering attendees opportunities to explore new skills and aspects of the region beyond the meeting rooms.

This year’s event also included an award ceremony where individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding impact on the region. Recognized for their excellence in Conservation Stewardship were the organizers behind Get Trashed in the Catskills, an annual river clean up event hosted by the Delaware River Club and Pigfarm Ink. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3 Fisheries Manager, Ryan Coulter was awarded the Community Partnership Award.

For the Upper Delaware River Network, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, and their many partners, the Rendezvous provided a place to build important connections and encourage continued collaboration.

Learn more about the Upper Delaware River Rendezvous at www.udrwatershed.org.