Blog
From Mississippi River inspired reflections to in-depth analysis of River-related policy, the 1 Mississippi blog roll is a must-read. Primarily authored by 1 Mississippi staff, we also offer this space for guest blogs. Please contact info@1mississippi.org with submissions and questions!
Note: Our website will be under construction in the Fall of 2024. If you find links that are not working, please contact us and we’ll be happy to send more information.
Pere Marquette State Park: a place to reconnect with nature and work on a great local project!
How do we reconnect with where we live? How do we stop and “smell the roses” in a place we have seen over and over again? How do we learn to appreciate our surroundings we likely take for granted each day? Searching for the answer, I began to...
Still is Still Movin’ to Me – Series Episode 4
Note: This is the fourth installment of my six-part blog series “River Gator: Exploring the River, Expanding Ourselves,” a recollection of my adventure on the Lower Mississippi River. Out on the River, as you paddle, it’s nice to catch a rhythm...
The Green Machine-Promoting Food Security one stop at a time!
In May’s River Citizen newsletter you got a chance to explore the benefits of local foods for you and the River.Well, I would like to share a success story about my neighborhood’s journey to fresh foods with their mobile food bus: The Green...
July Newsletter: Show the Courage of your Convictions
On the 4th of July, as fireworks twinkled in the sky above and “The Star-Spangled Banner” played, I lost myself in a moment of time travel, peeking in on others in their moments of bravery. First, gazing through the smoky field, I saw a soldier in...
Why to/How to: Vote
In the 2012 election, only 57% of Americans voted. That means about 93 million people basically shrugged their shoulders and sat on the sideline. This apathy ranks us 26th in voter turnout, behind countries like Ireland, Israel and Slovenia. What’s...
Southern Louisiana, Part II – Nutria: A Tail of Invasives and Invention
Look at our dwellings on this river delta. We've adapted with style, painted wooden cottages pink and yellow, bent wrought iron into the shapes of spindly vines, followed the cadence of the water with a drumbeat. Spaniards from the Canary Islands...
Exploring the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
“All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas Layin' In The Sun, Talkin' 'Bout The Things They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done... But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas All Ran Away And Hid From One Little Did.”- Shel Silverstien I was fortunate enough to have a...
June Newsletter – Neighborhood Water Watch
From the sparkly water and cool pockets of shade to the animals of all shapes and sizes, there is something magical about our local creeks, streams, wetlands and rivers — big and small. There are mysteries below the surface that capture our...
Field Notes: Healing with the Eagles
In 1975, when I was 7 years old, my family bought a house in North County, St. Louis on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. My grandfather, already living in St. Louis, gave my parents the idea we would have more opportunities there, and it...
Southern Louisiana, Part I: A Dark, Mississippi River Love Affair
At 1 Mississippi, we like to harp on loving our River – the fish we eat, the water we drink, the psycho-spiritual calm it provides to a hectic, hurried life, etc. The late Lyle Link was a good example. He grew up on a family dairy farm in...
Top Six Things You Can Do This Summer to Help the Mississippi (Assuming You’re Already a River Citizen)
The 1 Mississippi website is a treasure trove of resources for you to learn more and get involved. Among them is a list of actions we recommend. You might not know where to start, so I’ve taken the liberty of breaking them down a few of the actions...
May Newsletter – Local Food is good for you AND the River
All around us we see plants acting on their biological instincts - reaching for the sky and sprouting itty bitty leaves that grow bigger every day. The sight of life inspires many of us to plant gardens and grow some of our own food. In fact, 1 in...
Good and Dirty – Series Episode 3
Note: This is the third installment of my six-part blog series “River Gator: Exploring the River, Expanding Ourselves,” a recollection of my adventure on the Lower Mississippi River. Returning home to Chicago after my trip on our Mighty Miss, I...
Bright Future for the Mississippi, Our Nation’s Oldest Infrastructure
“The Mississippi River supports jobs, provides food and water and gives our culture and traditions a sense of permanence. Yet, so many times, it is taken for granted but we, as mayors, certainly do not.” - Roy Buol, Mayor of Dubuque and River...
“Take Me to the River!” – Geo-tourism Along the Mississippi
An authentic experience is the cornerstone of why Americans travel. Many families have advanced from those days when we adhered to a rigid vacation plan and instead explore an area and seek fishing, hunting, paddling, historical/cultural...
April Newsletter – Extra! Extra! Get your experts here!
As our country celebrates Earth Day next week, we celebrate the people who make Earth Day every day. The Mississippi River Network members’ staff dedicate their time to create a cleaner Mississippi River for all of us. The Network is strong...
Field Notes: Quapaninsula
We rise from our tents well rested from the evening of storms and high winds and in good spirits for our last day on the Arkansas River. The day is pristine as everything looks as if its been washed clean by the storm. Our campsite is full of...
Economic Impacts of Habitat Restoration
In 1986 Congress authorized the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (also known as the Environmental Management Program) to restore and enhance river habitat and mitigate the environmental impacts of the lock and dam system on the Mississippi and...
Wellspring – Finding Your Inexhaustible Energy
What Caring Looks Like Well, Spring officially sprung, full of new life, new hope and new energy. Reading the words of wisdom from one of our country’s premier poets reminds me of other qualities that, when exercised, create a wellspring that never...
Fresh, simple, spicy, saucy – Food on the Mighty Miss, Series Episode 2
Note: This is the second installment of my 6 part blog series “River Gator: Exploring the River, Expanding Ourselves,” a recollection of my adventure on the Lower Mississippi River. Crispy charred edges of willow-smoked catfish melted over...
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.