Zach Weiss

Heather Cooley, Director of the Pacific Institute’s Water Program, Zach Weiss, founder of Elemental Ecosystems, and Mike Joy, Senior researcher at Victoria University, dive deep into the intricate relationship between water and our planet. They discuss the growing water crisis influenced by climate change and pollution, exploring innovative water management strategies. From the environmental costs of livestock farming to the importance of localized governance, the conversation sheds light on how understanding the water cycle could foster healthier ecosystems and communities.

Nicole Masters, an educator in regenerative agriculture, joins Zach Weiss, a protégé of Sepp Holzer specializing in ecosystem restoration, and Mark Shepard, an expert in landscape hydrology. They delve into the critical role of restoring hydrological functions to combat climate change. Highlights include assessing drought impacts in various regions, innovative strategies for reviving healthy water cycles, and sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of soil health and community engagement in managing landscapes effectively.

Zach Weiss, founder of Water Stories and watershed restoration practitioner, discusses how water shapes landscapes and communities. He explains the watershed death spiral, decentralized water retention, making landscapes spongy with agroforestry, and practical local actions like rain gardens and community-built recharge. The conversation highlights rapid restoration wins and community sovereignty through water work.