Dear friend,

I was recently asked, 'What is the most important thing we can do for the Mississippi River?' I replied by sharing our "10 Actions to Create a Healthier Mississippi River," which includes simple, impactful actions that anyone can do wherever they may be. One of these actions, "Connect with the River," really hit home for me during the conversation. Connecting may include attending events, volunteering with Mississippi River Network members, learning online, or many other ways to develop a relationship with the River. And then, keep connecting! Your continuous engagement is crucial in turning the tide on pollution, injustices, and other issues facing the River's people, land, water, and wildlife.

Thankfully, friend, you are not alone. Over 20,000 people have joined our River Citizen community, and together, we are creating a healthier Mississippi River now and for future generations. Keep reading your June 2024 newsletter for multiple ways to connect with our cherished Mississippi River!

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

P.S. Many of you are already connecting with the River and taking one or more of our 10 Actions. Let us know what you are doing: check out the 10 Actions here and take one minute to pledge to do one of them during River Days of Action June 1 - 15!

 

Celebrating 100 Years of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge

 

A century ago, citizens urged Congress to create the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to protect its backwaters from farmland conversion. Since 1924, spanning 261 river miles from Minnesota to Illinois, it safeguards 240,000 acres of floodplain. With over 3.7 million yearly visits for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation, it's a national treasure, hosting 306 bird species, 300+ bald eagle nests, 51 mammal species, and 119 fish species. Learn more and connect with Refuge opportunities:

  • Centennial Website: www.uppermiss100.com
  • Featured Article: Upper Mississippi national wildlife refuge, which saved the floodplain from being turned into farmland, turns 100 (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
  • Featured Event: June 7 - 15th, Pure Iowa Water - Save Mississippi River Pop Art Exhibition at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Center in Thomson, Illinois
  • Featured Film: “A Visit from Will Dilg” by Steven Marking explores the Refuge's origin and how to protect it today
 

River Days of Action: Signup Now for June 1 - 15 Events!

 

The Mississippi River Network's River Days of Action, June 1 - 15th, is a fantastic way to connect with the River through various in-person and online events. Find volunteer opportunities, community gatherings, webinars, and advocacy actions to make an impact! Explore the calendar and map for all events, and sign up today for events! Here are a few:

 

The Farm Bill Offers Big Opportunities to Help the River

Agriculture and the health of the River are deeply linked. Soil, fertilizers, and other chemicals that wash away from farm fields end up in our streams and rivers, including our mighty Mississippi. Every five years or so since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, our federal government has debated, passed, and signed an increasingly complex bill that dictates food and farm policy. The Farm Bill contains conservation programs that provide some of the most cost-effective solutions to supporting America's farmers and ranchers while providing vital environmental protection. 

The Farm Bill is up for reauthorization and is currently in committee. The Mississippi River Network is closely monitoring it, and we anticipate opportunities soon when we will need to call on you, our River Citizen community, to speak up. In the meantime, learn more from our recent 2023 webinar.

 

More River Opportunities!

Restoring Our River: Exploring 30 Years of Upper Mississippi River Science and Restoration
June 13th, 12 - 1 pm CT
Online Webinar via Zoom

How is the Upper Mississippi River? Is it healthy? How do we know? Join us for an overview of 30 years of Upper Mississippi River restoration and ecological monitoring featuring U.S. Geological Survey Research Ecologist Jeff Houser and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge Manager Ed Britton. 

 

'Source-to-Sea' Mississippi River Paddler Devin Brown has Launched!

This past April, we co-hosted a panel discussion with four Mississippi River 'source-to-sea through-paddlers', including Devin Brown, who recently launched from Lake Itasca and is embarking on her quest to be the first Black woman on record to solo paddle the entire Mississippi. Media outlet KAXE shares an update with Devin from Lake Winnibigoshish in Northern Minnesota.

 

Can the River Count on You?

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.

 

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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