New York and Northern Freshwater Eco-Region

Welcome, all – to the New York and Northern Freshwater Eco-Region! Whether you are deep in the weeds of Creation Care work or this is new to you – consider this an invitation to explore what God might be calling you to as we join in prayerful gathering and action across our beloved state and its waterways.

The Dioceses of Central New York, Rochester, Albany, and Western New York have come together to form the New York and Northern Freshwater Eco-Region! This EcoRegion is prioritizing climate justice, sustainability, and the right use of natural resources, with specific focus on the protection and care of Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson River, Lake George, and the St. Lawrence, which sustain and enrich the lives of the people of this region.

You are invited to learn more about the Eco-Region Networks across the Episcopal Church, developed with endorsement after General Convention 80 and a 2024 Resolution to encourage Episcopal institutions to live more sustainably on God’s land. How are we going to do this? By creating places to gather, reflect, pray, and act in ways that honor our waterways and its rich history. A humble ask is for two passionate individuals – clergy or lay – from each of our Eco-Region’s Dioceses to sit on the EcoAction Team for the 2026-2027 program year. This team will work with our Eco-Region Fellow to plan gatherings and build relationships across the Eco-Region.

For more information about this brand new Eco-Region, or to be part of the Eco-Action Team, please contact The Rev. Maria Hartz-Clineburg at mhartz@stmarksandstjohns.org.

As we form this Eco-Region, we pray:
Blessed God, fountain of life: Grant that we may see all water as holy, and so protect and preserve the waters of earth and the life they sustain. In the name of Christ, the living water, we pray. Amen.
Collect from Honoring God in Creation, Form 3