| Greetings, friend, Did you know that an acre of wetland can store up to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater? That's about 20,000 bathtubs full! It's clear that wetlands are natural lines of defense against flooding. Additionally, wetlands are: - natural guardians against climate change, as wetlands store more carbon than any other ecosystem,
- a cherished part of cultural and spiritual life,
- provide more than 1 billion livelihoods worldwide,
- biodiversity hotspots, with ~40% of the world's plants and animal species depending on wetlands,
- the 'kidneys of the River' because they filter pollutants and clean the water that flows through them.
Wetlands aren't just a part of our mighty Mississippi - they are essential for a healthy functioning river system and imperative to protect people, property, and wildlife. How are you celebrating this World Wetlands Day (February 2nd), friend? For inspiration, check out our Ten Actions, or read on for some online and local wetland-related events! -Michael Anderson, Director of Outreach and Education, Mississippi River Network |
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| Featured February Webinar! |
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| Do you want to better understand the history of conservation and the environmental movement? Are you ready to help create a more equitable future? Aligned with Black History Month, please join us for a special screening of a webinar presented to the Mississippi River Network by leading equity practitioners, The Avarna Group. Read the full webinar description here and forward it to three people today. While the webinar covers the environmental movement broadly at times, emphasis and focus are placed on the geographies of the Mississippi River watershed. We'll see you at this important webinar screening on Tuesday, February 27th, from 1 – 2 pm CT via Zoom. Email info@1mississippi.org with questions. Find more Black History Month events and resources here. |
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| |  | Wetlands Celebration Paddle with Quapaw Canoe Company
Saturday, February 3rd, 12 - 5 pm CT
Clarksdale, Mississippi In celebration and honor of our world's wetlands, join Quapaw Canoe Company for an exploration of a unique wetlands ecosystem - the seasonally flooded bottomland hardwood forests of the Lower Mississippi. Free for age 18 and under, $25 for educators, and $50 for adults. Confirm your spot by calling John Ruskey at 662-902-7841 or Mark River at 662 - 902 - 6479. |
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 | Wonderful Wetlands Webinar
Tuesday, Feb. 6th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm CT
Online via Zoom Join Mississippi River Network member Harpeth Conservancy, for their Wonderful Wetlands webinar! Harpeth staff will teach us more about the importance of protecting wetlands in Tennessee and ways you can help. The webinar is open to all, including people who don't reside in Tennessee! |
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 | World Water Day Photo Contest
Photos due February 14th The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center photo contest accepts submissions until February 14th! There are five categories, and the central theme for the contest is "Mississippi River Connections," which highlights the intricate relationship between the River and its surrounding life. The contest includes cash prizes! |
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| |  | Live Shows of A Visit from Will Dilg
February 22 and 23rd
La Crosse, Wisconsin A Visit from Will Dilg celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge with song, storytelling, and visual imagery. Steven Marking – an acclaimed baritone, Resident Entertainer for American Cruise Lines, and an inspiring champion for the Mississippi River – stars in this special in-person presentation at The Pump House. |
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 | WRDA 101 Webinar Recording
Watch on YouTube From locks and dams to restoration projects, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) impacts our Mississippi River. At our featured webinar last month, our all-star presenters (Olivia Dorothy, American Rivers, and Melissa Samet, National Wildlife Federation) provided engaging and accessible information whether you are brand new to WRDA or have been working on related opportunities for decades. Enjoy! |
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 | Podcast Episode: Steering Through the Currents: Lee Hendrix's Life Working on the Mississippi River What’s it like to work on a riverboat? Lee Hendrix entered riverboat work in 1972 as a deckhand and worked his way into the pilothouse. He has spent most of his adult life as a pilot of riverboats big and small, from tows pushing barges to elegant overnight cruise ships. Hear more in the Mississippi Valley Traveler's latest podcast episode here or wherever you stream your podcasts. |
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Can the River Count on You? |
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|  | Thanks for being part of our River Citizen community. Whether in armchairs or wading boots, River Citizens are people like you who care about the River and take action to protect it. We hope this newsletter gives you many ideas on how to jump in and make a difference. Donating is another simple way you can take action to protect the people, land, water, and wildlife of the Mississippi River. Can the River count on you? |
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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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