Hey, friend!

Are you noticing the warm embrace of Spring and eagerly anticipating the long, sun-drenched days of Summer ahead? Now is the perfect time to reconnect with nature, explore new places and opportunities, and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Mississippi River. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the wonders that await along its storied banks? I hope to see you there!

In this month's newsletter, we're excited to share reports from our recent Mississippi River Network D.C. fly-in, upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, and the latest River news. Dive in, explore, and don't hesitate to reach out—your thoughts, questions, and stories are what keep our community thriving!

-Michael Anderson, Director of Outreach and Education, Mississippi River Network

 

From Riverbanks to Capitol Hill: We Spoke Up for the River in Washington D.C.

Last month, the Mississippi River Network held its annual Washington D.C. "fly-in." The Network and representatives from 11 member organizations met with elected officials and advocated for policies that advance our mission of restoring and protecting the Mississippi River. The Lens NOLA covered the story here: Climate-weary Mississippi River delegation lobbies for help in D.C.

Two Network members shared their inspiring insights and highlights from the fly-in.

Maddie Miller (Friends of the Mississippi River), Angela Yuan (National Caucus of Environmental Legislators), and Alex Keilty (Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance) met with Senator Tina Smith in Washington D.C. during the 2024 Mississippi River Network Fly-In. (Photo by Angela Yuan)

 

Register Now for April 25th Event: Soloing the Mississippi

In partnership with Great River Passage Conservancy, please join us online and in-person on the evening of April 25th for an epic conversation featuring four long-distance Mississippi River 'source-to-sea' paddlers.

Prepare for insights and inspiration as our star-studded panel guests meander on what it is like to paddle for months on our mighty Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota down to its mouth in Louisiana.

The event is held in St. Paul, MN, from 5 - 7 p.m. CT, and the panel discussion portion will be streamed online. The ticket and registration pages below provide more event information and background on our panelists, Eddy Harris, Devin Brown, Cory Maria Dack, and Michael Anderson.

 


You are Part of our Team, friend. Can We Count on You?

We hope you are as excited as we are about our event, "Soloing the Mississippi," on April 25. Headwaters to Gulf paddlers experience the people, land, water, and wildlife of the Mississippi River as few others do. The stories they share showcase the river's majesty and splendor as well as some of its threats.  

One common thread in all the stories: nobody achieves their goal alone. From a warm bed to food or an encouraging word from a bystander, even solo paddlers need support.

Like these paddlers, 1 Mississippi counts on supporters like you to sustain our work -- you are part of the team! We count on our great team of supporters to make a difference for the River, and YOU are part of our team! This month, a generous group of supporters will match each dollar you give, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,500. Can the River count on you, friend?

 

More Events and Happenings

Plant a Tree Tennessee
Saturday, April 20th, 9 am - 12 pm

In honor of Earth Day, Green Interchange (GI), a Nashville-based non-profit whose mission is to plant trees to create healthy communities and thriving economies across the state of Tennessee, is hosting its annual tree event! Help reach the goal of planting 7,500 trees this year by reserving bare-root native trees for your yard or donating to the cause! This year, GI is offering the TN state tree, the Tulip Poplar, and the timeless Eastern Redbud.

 

River Days of Action
June 1 - 15, 2024

The Mississippi River Network's River Days of Action unites communities across the Mississippi River basin for events and collective impact. From restoration to recreation opportunities and inspirational webinars to cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone at 'River Days'.

As we continue to add new and exciting events to the River Days calendar, be sure to check it out and plan which events you will attend!

 

Video: Navigating the Mississippi
Washington University in St. Louis

Derek Hoeferlin, a landscape architecture chair at Washington University in St. Louis, notes that the Mississippi River has historically defined the city's culture. However, many locals now feel this connection has weakened due to a century of management decisions and public perception. Backdropped by eye-catching Mississippi River scenery, Hoeferlin discusses a transformative future and highlights a rare ten-mile stretch north of downtown St. Louis, untouched by commercial traffic.

 

River in the News

1 Mississippi is the national public program of the Mississippi River Network. Since 2009, 1 Mississippi has built a community of 20,000 River Citizens and inspired thousands of actions. From armchairs to wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a difference.

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