Here’s why Dean thinks the natural world of the Mississippi River is in trouble…and what he’s doing about it
When I was a college student in La Crosse, Wisconsin, I used to ride my bike down to the Mississippi and sit and think. Sometimes I sat and brooded. I was young, so I had a lot of brooding to get out of my system. The River was a calming presence for me. As I watched ducks swim by or observed the change of seasons, the River helped me feel connected to something bigger than myself. I’ve spent a lot of time along the Mississippi River since those years in college. The River still helps me feel connected to a larger world. But I’ve also seen changes in the River that worry me.
The changes we’ve made to the Mississippi for barges and flood protection have hurt the River’s world. The forests next to the River are in decline. While it’s great to see bald eagles repopulating along the River, many other species of birds are slipping away from us. The natural world of the Mississippi is in trouble.
That’s why I joined the Mississippi River Network (MRN). The Network is working to bring together people who care about the Mississippi to change the policies that have hurt the big River. Our voices matter. If we say nothing, the River will continue to decline. MRN helps amplify our voices so the people who make decisions about the River hear us more clearly.
Will You Help?
When you give to the Mississippi River Network you are helping us implement solutions that help communities from New Orleans up to the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. We work with River Citizens and member organizations, like Dean and Mississippi Valley Traveler, to help protect and restore vital River ecosystems that are home to people and wildlife. Will you make a gift today to help the wellbeing of the people, land, water, and wildlife of the River?
Step 1
Become a River Citizen
Yes! The River can count on me!
I am committed to protecting the Mississippi River. Please keep me informed about actions I can take to protect the Mississippi River as a River Citizen, and send me my free e-book!, Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi!
Step 2
LEARN ABOUT THE RIVER
We protect what we know and love. As a River Citizen, you’ll receive our email newsletter and updates, which offer countless ways to engage with and learn more about the River. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) , and YouTube, where we share about urgent issues facing the River, such as nutrient pollution, the importance of floodplains and wetlands, and bedrock legislation such as Farm Bill Conservation Programs.
Step 3
Take Action
There are many ways you can jump in and take action for a healthy Mississippi River. Our 10 actions list includes simple steps you can take at any time and wherever you are. Check out our action center for current action alerts, bigger projects we are working on, and ways to get involved.