Gratitude for Water: What Thanksgiving Teaches Us About Stewardship

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us pause, gather with family, and reflect on what we’re grateful for. At the Oka’ Institute, the holiday season also reminds us of the simple, essential things that sustain our communities year-round — and water is always at the top of that list.

From the clean water that fills our homes to the rivers, springs, and aquifers that support Oklahoma’s ecosystems and economies, our water resources make daily life possible. Thanksgiving offers a natural moment to step back and appreciate both the value of water and the people who work every day to protect it.

1. Water Brings Communities Together

Just as Thanksgiving meals bring people around a table, water brings towns, tribal nations, landowners, and partners together in shared purpose. Every community conversation we have — whether it’s about long-term planning, watershed restoration, or infrastructure needs — begins with the same understanding: water connects us.

This year, we are grateful for the 40+ communities, agencies, and organizations that have worked with us to strengthen local water systems and plan for future generations.

2. Thanksgiving Reminds Us to Appreciate the Sources We Depend On

As we prepare holiday meals, fill pots, wash dishes, and gather with family, it’s easy to overlook the systems that make everyday water use safe and reliable.

Behind the scenes are:

• rural operators who keep systems running,

• tribal leaders investing in sustainable infrastructure,

• landowners practicing good stewardship, and

• local officials planning for community resilience.

  
  

This season is a meaningful time to acknowledge their work and the vital role they play in protecting our water future.

3. Small Acts of Stewardship Matter — Even During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is full of cooking, cleaning, and hosting, which often means increased household water use. A few small steps can make a difference:

• Run full dishwasher loads instead of handwashing

• Collect vegetable rinse water for plants

• Scrape plates instead of rinsing under running water

• Check sinks or faucets for small leaks before guests arrive

  
  

These simple habits help conserve water and reduce stress on local systems — especially important in small or rural communities.

4. Gratitude Extends to Our Natural Landscapes

Oklahoma’s springs, streams, prairies, and aquifers are part of what makes this region unique. Places like the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, Byrds Mill Springs, the Blue River watershed, and countless unnamed creeks support everything from wildlife habitat to tourism to local economies.

Thanksgiving gives us space to appreciate these natural resources and the responsibility we share to care for them.

5. Looking Ahead With Thanks and Commitment

As we enter the winter planning season, we’re grateful for the trust communities continue to place in our team. The work of protecting water is ongoing and collaborative, and it requires steady partnership across sectors and regions.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate:

• the progress made in watershed restoration,

• the communities advancing long-term water planning,

• the educators and students learning the science of water, and

• the partners who continue to champion resilience and stewardship.

  
  

Wishing You a Safe and Restful Thanksgiving

From all of us at the Oka’ Institute, we wish you and your families a meaningful, restful holiday season. Thank you for being part of the work that keeps Oklahoma’s water resources healthy, resilient, and valued.