
BLOGS
Rivers are Life Returns to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour
Rivers are Life is thrilled to participate in the Wild & Scenic Film Festival for the second year in a row. This festival is renowned for showcasing some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking environmental films, and its On Tour program extends its reach far beyond its flagship event in Nevada City, CA.
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour program partners with a diverse array of organizations, including environmental groups, nature centers, museums, schools, and more. These partnerships help to create unique film festivals in local communities across the U.S. and beyond, using the festival to raise awareness of local environmental issues, engage new audiences, and support fundraising efforts. By lending four films to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and, by extension, more than 155 organizations and events nationwide1, Rivers are Life is advancing its mission of inspiration, preservation, and exploration.
River-Inspired Prints to Benefit Student Artists
Rivers are Life is thrilled to announce an ongoing project featuring two unique works of art by the acclaimed artist John Sabraw. The prints, "Dynamic River" and "Rivers are Life," are available for purchase, with proceeds directly benefiting environmental art students at Ohio State University.
350 Paddlers See Baltimore’s Beauty Firsthand at Baltimore Floatilla, Sponsored by Rivers are Life
The Baltimore Floatilla, held annually, is a vibrant event that combines fun on the water with a strong message of environmental stewardship. This year's sold-out Floatilla on June 8 saw 350 participants kayaking and paddleboarding five miles through Baltimore's inner harbor to enjoy a celebration and concert aboard Mr. Trash Wheel.
Rivers are Life proudly served as the premier sponsor for this year's Baltimore Floatilla. In 2023, Rivers are Life debuted the award-winning film, Mr. Trash Wheel, which explores the titular trash-collecting device and the community that’s rallied around it.
From Clams to Clean Water | Indian River Lagoon
Amidst the tides on the Indian River Lagoon of Florida, a simple creature plays a crucial role: the clam. These unassuming mollusks are vital in sculpting the ecosystem's intricate balance, their quiet efforts echoing through the depths. Let's dive deeper into the captivating world of clams and unravel their significance.
Ultimate Guide to Amazon River Kayaking Expeditions
The Amazon River, the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world, offers an unparalleled kayaking experience. With its vast network of tributaries, dense rainforests, and abundant wildlife, the Amazon provides a unique setting for any adventurer.
Kayaking the Amazon allows you to explore remote areas that are inaccessible by larger boats. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this incredible region. Whether you are seeking thrilling rapids or serene, glass-like water, the Amazon River has something for everyone.
Nurturing Nature in the Indian River Lagoon
Stretching over 150 miles along Florida's coast, the Indian River Lagoon of Florida is home to over 4,300 species of plants and animals, including manatees, dolphins, and countless fish and bird species. Its mangrove forests and seagrass beds act as nurseries for juvenile marine life, while its waters provide a vital feeding ground for migratory birds. Like many natural wonders, this estuary faces its share of challenges. Fortunately, passionate individuals, organizations, and government agencies are working tirelessly to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon.
Dommel Dinner Offers Opportunity to Share Nourishment and Nature
A Dommel Dinner is an opportunity to gather with those around you in celebration and curiosity of the environment we share. Every individual has a different impression of the natural scenes surrounding them. By sharing those perspectives over a meal or experience, we can collectively shape our value of nature, and therefore its future.
Fun River Activities for Kids and Mom: Learn, Play, and Protect Nature
“The secret with kids is to ‘just add water’, and everything resets”, my mother in law once told me, when I was lamenting about how rowdy my kids get when we’re all home. It sounded a little too simple… but over the years I’ve found this to be true. There’s just something about running water that resets the entire dynamic in our home. In fact, researchers have found that the sound of running water can trigger our parasympathetic nervous system; helping our bodies relax by lowering our heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and moderating our cortisol secretion.
The Dommel River: 9 Ways It Shapes the Agricultural Landscape
From providing essential water resources to shaping farming practices, the Dommel River plays a pivotal role in the lives of farmers. In this blog post, we explore 9 ways the Dommel River impacts farmers and the agricultural landscape.
Irrigation:
The Dommel River serves as a vital source of irrigation for farmers, providing the water necessary to nourish crops during dry periods and ensure their healthy growth.
Unraveling the History of the Dommel River
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands lies a waterway full of history and life – the Dommel River. It winds its way through lush green valleys, historic towns, and bustling cities, leaving its mark on the region’s landscape and culture. Keep reading to uncover the fascinating history of the Dommel.
River Restoration Success Stories: Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Rivers are the lifelines of our planet, coursing through landscapes, shaping ecosystems, and providing sustenance to both wildlife and humanity. However, the health of many rivers has been compromised by human activity, from pollution to damming. The good news is that restoration efforts around the globe are proving that it's possible to heal these vital waterways. Let's dive into some inspiring success stories, along with the valuable lessons learned and best practices that have emerged from these endeavors.
Rivers and Trees: Nature's Dynamic Duo
Today, we're diving into a super cool topic: the magical partnership between rivers and trees. These two natural wonders team up in the most awesome ways to keep our planet thriving.
First things first, let's talk trees. Not only do they provide us with oxygen to breathe (thanks, trees!), but they also serve as nature's air purifiers, soaking up harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees are also masters of water conservation. Through a process called transpiration, they release water vapor into the air, helping to create rainfall and maintain the delicate balance of our planet's water cycle.
How Solar Eclipses Make Waves in Waterways
Have you ever wondered what happens beneath the surface when the moon photobombs the sun during a solar eclipse? Well, grab your snorkel and let's dive into the fascinating world of how eclipses affect our watery playgrounds.
First off, let's talk about temperature. Imagine you're lounging by the lake on a sunny day, enjoying the warmth on your skin. Suddenly, the sky darkens as the moon casts its shadow, and you're plunged into an unexpected chill. Yep, that's the solar eclipse effect at work! As the sun's rays are blocked, the temperature drops not only in the air but also in the water.
Pattrn Interview with Kate Richter Green and Cash Daniels on "The Conservation Kid"
On Friday, March 8th, Kate Richter Green, Vice President of Current Programming at BeAlive Studios, and Director Cash Daniels joined the Pattrn Show for a brief interview about Rivers are Life and their organizations missions.
Pattrn Interview with Zach Green and Jenni Kempf on "Watershed Warriors"
ZACH GREEN, PRESIDENT OF BEALIVE STUDIOS, AND JENNI KEMPF, FRIENDS OF THE FOX RIVER, SHARES ABOUT THEIR MISSIONS ON PATTRN
On Friday, March 1st, Zach Green, President of BeAlive Studios and Jenni Kempf, Friends of the Fox River, joined the Pattrn Show for a brief interview about Rivers are Life and both of their organizations missions.
Celebrating International Women’s Day: Four Films Highlighting Female Environmentalists
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s an opportune moment to recognize the remarkable contributions of women in environmental conservation. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale advocacy, women around the world are leading the charge in protecting our planet and inspiring change within their communities. In honor of this day, let’s shine a spotlight on four inspiring women featured in Rivers are Life films that showcase their dedication to environmental stewardship.
Pattrn Interview with Kate Richter Green and Neal Barenblat on "El Río Es Familia"
On Friday, February 23rd, Kate Richter Green, Vice President of Current Programming at BeAlive Studios, and Director Neal Barenblat joined the Pattrn Show for a brief interview about Rivers are Life and our mission to amplify the voices of River Heroes across the globe.
Pattrn Interview with Zach Green on "Chasing the Bono"
On Friday, February 16th, Zach Green, President of BeAlive Studios, joined the Pattrn Show for a brief interview about Rivers are Life and our mission to amplify the voices of River Heroes across the globe.
Guardians of the River: The Wildlife Heroes Protecting Our Waterways
Hey there eco-warriors, river defenders, and nature enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of animals that play a crucial role in protecting our precious rivers. These unsung heroes may not wear capes, but their contributions are nothing short of heroic. So, grab your binoculars and let’s embark on a journey to discover our aquatic allies!