| Greetings, friend, If you've been a part of our River Citizen community over the last four years, you've heard me talk a lot about how we are our strongest when we 'unite as 1 Mississippi'. I return to this time again because it is fundamental to protecting and restoring something as vast and complex as our Mississippi River; we must work together. A case study is the annual Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone,' which exemplifies how upstream actions have downstream consequences (read more below about the Gulf Dead Zone and two more examples of working together, including our Next Gen Ag and Conservation Leaders Mentorship program and River Days of Action). Whether it's exciting initiatives like River Days of Action or decades-long problems like the Gulf Dead Zone, working together pushes our comfort zone and invites us to keep an open mind and try new things. |
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| In terms of caring for the people, land, water, and wildlife of our Mississippi River, what new things are you trying? You may have attended a new-to-you event, action, or other way of connecting with the River. I'd love to hear what you've been up to. I respond to nearly every email from community members like you, friend, so please drop me a line at manderson@1mississippi.org! I look forward to hearing from you soon! -Michael Anderson, Director of Outreach and Education, Mississippi River Network P.S. If you are looking for inspiration on connecting with the River, check out My Mississippi River, a recent guest blog post from the Mississippi Valley Traveler that features ten unique stories! |
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| Gulf "Dead Zone" Measured at 3,000+ Square Miles, Size of Yellowstone National Park |
| The 2023 annual Gulf Hypoxia Dead Zone measurement cruise concluded last week and found the hypoxic zone — meaning an area with so little oxygen that fish and other marine life cannot survive — to be over 3,000 square miles large, about the size of Yellowstone National Park. The Gulf Dead Zone is only measured once per year, although its size may fluctuate throughout the summer, just as fertilizer pollution and harmful algal blooms may fluctuate in lakes and beaches near you. |
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| What happens in one part of the River impacts the rest. And what we do on land, like our agricultural practices, impacts our water quality. The 5-year average size of the Gulf Dead Zone is 4,347 square miles -- over two times larger than the management goals set by the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force over 20 years ago. Although the 2023 measurement is smaller than forecasted, this observation can be attributed to widespread drought in the Mississippi River basin. The drought means the volume of polluted River water (laden with nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen) that feeds the Gulf Dead Zone was less than expected. Big picture, the scientists confirmed that long-term fertilizer pollution entering the Gulf remains unchanged for 22 years. What can you do to make a difference? You can learn more about this year's Dead Zone measurement. Additionally, our 10 Actions include tips for reducing fertilizer pollution and supporting farmers who use sustainable farming practices. And be on the lookout this Fall for an opportunity to speak up on this issue. |
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Get Inspired by the Voices of the Future of Agriculture & Conservation! |
| Do you sometimes feel discouraged about how mainstream agricultural systems pollute our Mississippi River? Are you seeking inspiring stories about on-the-ground changes from our future leaders? You don't have to be a farmer to draw inspiration from these stories! Twelve incredible mentees just completed the Mississippi River Network and Green Lands Blue Waters 2022-2023 "Equipping Next Generation Ag and Conservation Leaders" Mentorship program, and we could not be more excited! Each of the twelve program participants were responsible for completing a unique communications project on a topic of their choice. Our latest blog is a collection of these projects, including infographics, podcasts, policy experiences, blogs, and much more. You can read more about the entire program here. Be sure to check out the projects and then consider how you can amplify this work, including sharing one of the stories with a farmer in your community, a student who cares about conservation issues, or a decision-maker involved in agricultural policy like the Farm Bill. |
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| | | River Days of Action 2023 Recap! |
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| The Mississippi River Network's (MRN) River Days of Action brings together thousands of people across the Mississippi River watershed (and beyond!) for events and collective action. The third-annual 'River Days' was held June 8 - 18th and was our most impactful yet. While the report is more organization-focused, you are welcome to check out the report! In it, you will hear stories of what we achieved together, including an impact rundown and testimonials from MRN members and partners. Have you taken the River Days Action yet? Even if you have, the issue is still timely, and we encourage you to take action again -- our elected officials need to hear from us! Speak up for the River by taking one minute and sending an email to Congress advocating for vital conservation programs now! Also, it's worth noting that with River Days of Action 2023, MRN launched the River Giver fundraising opportunity, which provided another way to participate. We brought in over $9,500 from 103 donors to support the work of the Mississippi River Network and participating member organizations, including Friends of the Mississippi River, Green Interchange, Harpeth Conservancy, A House Unbuilt, Iowa Environmental Council, Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Mississippi Park Connection, Mississippi Water Trail Association, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation, and The Wetlands Initiative. This opportunity is complete, but you can still donate to the Mississippi River Network or find a Network member to donate to them directly. |
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| More River Happenings from our Network Members and Friends |
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| - Job Alert: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is seeking a Grassroots Co-Director. Learn more and apply here.
- Job Alert: The Wetlands Initiative is hiring an Engineer to implement their Smart Wetlands program. Learn more and apply here.
- Job Alert: Friends of the Mississippi River is hiring a Stewardship & Education Program Director. Learn more and apply here.
- The Flotsam River Circus is floating down the Upper Mississippi River, offering 33 free performances. Dates and tour stops are here.
- How would you reduce plastic litter in the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities? Residents are invited to complete this survey from the Mississippi River Cities and Town Initiative and local partners
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| | 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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