All aboard! Highlights from the Mississippi River Network’s 2023 Annual Meeting

Did you ever wonder how all the organizations working on behalf of the Mississippi River coordinate efforts? 1 Mississippi is a program of the Mississippi River Network, and the Network consists of nearly 70 member organizations. All year long, the Network’s member organizations work together for the River’s people, land, water, and wildlife. And once a year, the Mississippi River Network unites in person for our annual meeting. We reflect on the past and plan for the future as we collaborate now to create a healthier River for people, land, water, and wildlife. 

This past October, the Mississippi River Network convened for three days in Memphis, Tennessee. Through various activities, we discussed what’s working and what’s not; we collaborated, laughed, cried, and waded into the uncomfortable at times, knowing growth happens on the edges; we imagine and dream together. We rejoiced in seeing long-time friends while making new ones by sharing meals and working together; we connected with place and the River. By the end of the meeting, we had clear ideas for our upcoming campaigns, opportunities, and priorities (details listed below).

The agenda included a deep dive into the year ahead. Including our grasstops and grassroots efforts, priorities, and collaborations. As a community of over 20,000 River Citizens and a nearly 70-member organization strong Mississippi River Network, we have a big footprint. This means we have a big responsibility to the people, land, water, and wildlife. It is up to all of us to create a healthier Mississippi River now and for future generations.

Some of the ongoing and upcoming priorities and opportunities that were discussed at the 2023 annual meeting include:

• Restoring floodplains and protecting wetlands (especially in light of the recent Sackett vs EPA decision)
• Near-annual record high water and flooding, as well as low water and drought
• Historic opportunities to direct federal investments in infrastructure, conservation, and climate mitigation toward outcomes that benefit our Mississippi River and the communities that depend on it (Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA))
• How diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work is woven through everything we do, as well as specific DEIJ efforts, issues, and opportunities
• Network initiatives like River Days of Action
• The climate crisis and its impacts on Mississippi River communities
• Advocating for increased protection and funding for Farm Bill conservation programs
• Communication and education priorities and how we are engaging targeted audiences
• ‘BHAGs’ or Big Hairy Audacious Goals
• Significant 2024 events like the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Centennial
• And so much more!

We are so excited about all the seeds that were planted at the 2023 Mississippi River Network Annual Meeting. Whether you are a River Citizen, part of a member organization, or a River-enthusiast, you’ll be hearing updates on these topics over the next year as we share ways to get involved. We need your passion, skills, and expertise, so please scroll down to find out how you can join us!

We celebrate the people who are making a difference for our mighty Mississippi. Scroll through the photos below!

Our staff is humbled by our Network members. They showed up ready to engage and collaborate. Together, we harness our change-making power and unite as a 1 Mississippi community. Find the entire list of Mississippi River Network members on our member map. And a huge shoutout to the member organizations that came together this year in Memphis:

National Wildlife Federation, A House Unbuilt, American Farmland Trust, Sierra Club Delta Chapter, Tulane Law School, Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law & Policy, Harpeth Conservancy, Mississippi Park Connection, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, Mississippi Valley Traveler, The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans, Tennesee Environmental Council, Green Interchange, National Audubon Society, Quapaw Canoe Company, League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region InterLeague Organization, Green Lands Blue Waters, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Friends of the Mississippi River, American Rivers, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Iowa Environmental Council, Illinois Environmental Council, Clean Wisconsin, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Sierra Club Piasa Palisades (Three Rivers Project), Third Space Studios, and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.