Every year we send out a survey to River Citizens to learn more about your connection to the River, what your knowledge of the trouble it faces and what actions you are taking to act as the “guardians and caretakers of the River.”
When asked “Why do you love the River?” here is a smattering of what you said:
• It connects my heart to the heart of this country.
• The River is mesmerizing!!! I love to watch it!
• Because it’s so full of history and enjoyable as a source of recreation!
• Water is life. What we do to it matters.
• I love the River because of its natural beauty. The open green spaces along the River provide my family and friends with many places to just hang out, relax, to enjoy each other and rejuvenate our minds, bodies and souls.
• It’s a beautiful natural resource that connects us to many other communities up and down stream. It teaches us the history of this place and is a spectacular reminder of the power of nature!
The beauty of the River is so prominent in your answers. The beauty of the River is the flow of the falls of St. Anthony, the eagles and the cottonwoods. The River’s beauty seeps into people and brings their beauty forward. Its beauty is in its power, the power to make history, towns and communities.
Your knowledge of River issues was also beautiful – 72% of respondents correctly identified fertilizer runoff from farms as the primary cause of the dead zone. 60% of people correctly identified fertilizer runoff from farms or the loss of wetlands as the most pressing issues facing the River.
Even better, so many people are making a difference in their communities and collectively for the River. Of the 10 Actions 1 Mississippi encourages, 84% of respondents are spending time on the River, 81% are shopping for produce at local farmers markets and 75% are picking up litter in their neighborhoods to keep the trash out of the River.
Great work Team 1 Mississippi!
This year more than 3,000 people signed up as River Citizens. If you missed the chance to take the survey this year, you can still share with your fellow River Citizens why you love the River on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Until next year,
Annette Anderson, 1 Mississippi Campaign Manager
Trivia Question:
What was the best 1 Mississippi Facebook post this year? (vote by liking them!)
a. Adorable little boy catches his first fish
b. Cool take on Mississippi River History, eagles, identity and explorers