How you can help the Mississippi River for World Rivers Day

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways on September 26. “It highlights the many values of our rivers…and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.” World Rivers Day

To honor this important day and draw attention to the river we love and treasure, we’ll be celebrating the Mississippi River – the world’s fourth longest – all month long. 1 Mississippi will feature some of your stories and highlight the important work you have helped us accomplish on behalf of the River. We’re also asking for you to support our work with a donation. We are thrilled to announce a generous supporter will match your donations dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $3,000 from September 1-26, 2021!

We ALL count on the Mississippi River  

The Mississippi River (the River) is the longest river in North America, and the fourth-longest in the world. It runs 2,320 miles from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, and it is profoundly important to our country, and truly to the world. It is a river that we all count on in so many ways. Just a few of the River’s gifts to our communities include:

  • Drinking water for 20 million people
  • A river road or “flyway” for 325+ bird species
  • An economic engine that creates $400 billion of the U.S. gross domestic product
  • Outdoor enjoyment and recreation opportunities for over 1.5 million people.

 

Tragically, the River is severely degraded and is getting worse. Here are some of the threats to the River and communities surrounding it:

  • River flooding caused $20 billion in damage in 2019.
  • 90% of the natural floodplain or wetland area – which offers natural protection from floods – is cut off from the River by levees, dikes, dams, and dredging.
  • Nutrients primarily from farming contribute to algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, costing U.S. seafood and tourism industries $82 million per year.
  • Development on adjacent lands is fragmenting important habitats, endangering certain species, and adding to River degradation.
  • Racially and economically segregated areas along the River are especially vulnerable to flooding and other environmental injustices.

 

Your support helps the Mississippi River – here’s how…

1 Mississippi is the only public outreach grassroots effort focused on the entire Mississippi River, and it was created to organize people like you, who are dedicated to protecting the Mississippi River, into a national constituency of River Citizens. You and other River Citizens and supporters help protect our River by participating in education, inspiration, and opportunities to embrace and advocate for the Mississippi River including recreation, restoration, and engagement activities throughout the year and during events like .

1 Mississippi is a program of the Mississippi River Network (MRN). MRN is a coalition of 58 coalition member organizations that work together in your communities to advance shared priorities. When you support us, you are helping 1 Mississippi nationally, and MRN coalition members locally.

At the Mississippi River Network, we know that when we join together we can make a difference. You understand what’s at stake, you care deeply for the River and for all who count on it, and that’s why we are asking for your help. Because if we don’t come together for the River, who will?

The Mississippi River Network (MRN) is fiscally sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs. MRN is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Don’t want to give online? You’re also welcome to send a check to:

Mississippi River Network, P.O. Box 1463 La Grange Park, IL 60526

Email us at info@1mississippi.org with any questions!

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.