|  | Friend, Our Mississippi River contains multitudes. People have viewed the River as a connector, a divider, a cultural muse, a delineation of enslavement and freedom, a spiritual beacon, a barge highway, a refuge. As a community of over 20,000 River Citizens, our experiences and perspectives differ, and that is what makes us great! With a '1 Mississippi' mindset, we learn to embrace what makes each of us unique while working together on our shared values. Too often, a person's race or ethnicity has determined their opportunity to build a safe, nurturing, and positive relationship with the Mississippi River. February is Black History Month and we are uplifting many books, videos, articles, and podcasts that honor and celebrate the central role that African Americans, and all people who identify as Black, have had - and continue to have in the United States. Black history is the Mississippi River's history. Find the resources here: Mississippi River Network's Anti-Racism Resources Hub. Flow into the rest of your February 2022 River Citizen Newsletter with poet Amanda Gorman's encouragement: “There is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it, If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -Michael Anderson, Outreach & Engagement Manager, Mississippi River Network |
|
|
|
Which Upcoming River Events and Opportunities Will You Choose? |
|
|
|  | A River Connected: stories about river, race, home, and climate
February 17th at 12 - 1 pm CT
Join A House Unbuilt for their second online storytelling event featuring Terry Larson, "first man of the river", Paul Dressen with the Prairie Island Indian Community, Iowan farmer Roger Kreiger, and Richie Blink down in Plaquemines Parish. Come connect and share your stories! |
| |
|
 | Iowa Environmental Council's Virtual Environmental Advocacy Day
February 16th at 8:30- 11:00am CT
Each legislative session presents opportunities to advocate for Iowa’s water, land, and climate. In 2022, IEC staff, advocates, and volunteers will call for improvements in clean energy policy, water quality, energy efficiency, and more. |
| |
|
 | Down by the River Bike Rides with Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Looking for an antidote to the plantation tours that dominate the lower Mississippi? Welcome to Down by the River, a group bike ride along River Road in St. Charles Parish that brings you face to face with two powerful forces in Louisiana: the environmental justice movement and local African American history. |
| |
|
| |  | Plant a Tree for Tennessee!
Sign up by March 1st
Looking for a fun event that is a great team-building and community relations opportunity for groups like Scout Troops, Church Green Teams, Book Clubs, and local businesses? You will be helping us distribute up to 20,000 trees across Tennessee, and participating groups will receive 50 free trees to plant! |
| |
|
| |  | RESCHEDULE: Mississippi Meanderings
February 26th, 1-5 pm CT at National Great Rivers Museum or via Zoom
Join the Mississippi River Water Trail Association for a gathering and presentations on Invasive Carp vs. Paddlers, Stories and Storytelling in the Creation of Cahokia, and the 2021 Mississippi River Speed Record Attempt! |
| |
|
 | National Levee Safety Program Workshop Series
Many Online Events in February
FEMA and the Corps need to more proactively incorporate planning and communications around floodplain reconnection and levee removal and alterations into the levee safety program. Take this opportunity to learn more and let your voice be heard! |
| | |
|
 | Soil Health Week 2022
March 7th - 11th
Join Illinois Stewardship Alliance for a week-long celebration bringing together farmers and eaters, organizations, state leaders, legislators, and other partners for a variety of lunch and learn opportunities and resources. Each day of the week features different voices in the food and farm system. |
| | |
|
| | We Love Our MRN Member Organizations - We Bet You Do Too! |
|
|
| Did you know Mississippi River Network (MRN) has over 60 member organizations? We love MRN members because they are on-the-ground working with River Citizens like you to help the River. Find an MRN member organization near you, then show them some love by signing up for their actions and activities this month. Can we count on your support to help us help local member organizations in your community? |
| |
|
| |
Three Takeaways From Gulf Hypoxia Task Force Meeting |
|
|
| Have you heard of harmful algal blooms closing beaches or lakes in your state? Or maybe you’ve read about Gulf of Mexico fisheries impacted by the Dead Zone. These are all examples of nutrient pollution – pollution caused by excess Nitrogen and Phosphorus in our Mississippi River system. Thankfully, solutions exist.
Our policy director, Maisah Khan, along with a record number of Mississippi River Network members and River Citizens, attended the December 2021 Gulf Hypoxia Task Force virtual public meeting. Find out what Maisah's three meeting takeaways are in her blog post. |
| |
|
| | |
|
| 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. |
| |
|
| | |
|
|
