The webinar is titled Reckoning with the Past for a More Equitable Future: Histories of Systemic Oppression in the Environmental Movement and was presented to the Mississippi River Network and our members by leading equity practitioners, The Avarna Group, who describes the webinar as: "Conservation and environmental organizations have recently begun contending with the racial exclusion and injustice that defined their creation and much of their existence. This session explores environmental history and how it fits into the larger context of social history in the U.S.. Through a timeline of events through the early 20th century, the session will reveal that despite their intent, conservation was not a categorically benevolent force, and in fact harmed Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color across Turtle Island." More information and registration here.

It's a Farm Bill year! The Farm Bill is passed every five years and is an important piece of legislation that determines what we eat, what farmers grow, who can access land and capital, and how all of that impacts our waterways and environment. Our Policy Director was in Washington D.C. last week as part of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s winter meeting and Hill days, where folks met with decision makers like Congressman Tiffany (pictured) and Congressman Pocan, as well as Congressional staff from many Mississippi River offices. They talked about advancing land stewardship through conservation program funding and supporting beginning farmers’ access to land and capital!

There are countless ways to show your love for the River and its tributaries, which give us drinking water, habitat for people and wildlife, recreational opportunities, beautiful vistas, and so much more! Each month we share events, actions, and ideas you can implement year round, including the 10 Actions. Another great way to show your love is to donate. Your support helps the people, land, water, and wildlife of the River. Can the River count on you?