Some of the inspirations for Groundwaters include:  

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, an early feminist and socialist who produced The Forerunner.

Interest in local writing groups initially, and as the project has progressed, by extension, artists.

A story in the local newspaper about a young boy producing his own newspaper in a small town.

Interest in community, creating a positive outlook, giving to our community and providing a voice for others to do the same.

Discovery of an old stash of newspapers, The Willamette Valley Enterprise, combined with a love of history and of old books and magazines.

The first issue of Groundwaters was published in October, 2004. Twenty-four pages with a majority of contributions coming from the writer's group.  Initial reaction was positive and quite a few local outlets allowed distribution.  The initial direction of a magazine based on rural living and self-sufficiency, gardening and rural skills gave way to a literary and poetic theme, yet snippets of local history, recipes and profiles of local businesses gave Groundwaters a community feel, as did the emphasis on family-based activities and content.

As demand for Groundwaters has grown, people volunteered to work on this project.  What started as the efforts of a single woman with a mission is now a project shared among a core group of five volunteers with others helping with distribution and expenses.  Local businesses also give support to Groundwaters and we continue to be humbled by the level of support and appreciation we receive.

In October of 2006 Groundwaters was gifted with it's own HP-5200 printer.  Previously the magazine had been produced by printing proof-sheets and copying them.  Now it can be produced quicker, more cost-effectively and at a much higher quality.

Groundwaters is mailed to many states across the US, and even to several European countries. With the introduction of this website, we expect it to find an even wider audience.  For a small, freely produced magazine focused on west Lane county and Oregon, Groundwaters... You never know all the places it flows.

The Groundwaters Team is