The Mississippi River has been an integral part of the lives of indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Native American tribes such as the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez relied on the river for transportation, food, and trade. They developed intricate networks of trails and canoes to navigate its waters and establish thriving communities along its banks.

These indigenous peoples had a deep spiritual connection to the river, viewing it as a sacred and powerful entity. They believed that the Mississippi River was a source of life and sustenance, and many of their cultural practices and traditions revolved around it.

Dams have a significant impact on ecosystems and can disrupt the natural balance of rivers and surrounding areas. They alter the flow of water, sediment, and nutrients, which affects the entire ecosystem.

The creation of dams often leads to the flooding of large areas of land, resulting in the loss of habitats for various species. This can lead to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of valuable ecosystems.

Dams can also change the temperature and chemistry of the water, which can negatively impact aquatic organisms and their habitats. For example, some fish species require specific water temperatures for spawning, and dams can disrupt this natural process.

Rivers around the world are facing the effects of climate change. With lower water levels, the communities that rely on these rivers are forced to look for different options for clean water. Karoi, Zimbabwe, is one of those communities. But a type of well called boreholes offers one solution for providing people with access to reliable potable water.

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.

As part of Rivers are Life’s commitment to voluntarily offset annual travel emissions, the initiative is proud to announce its support for the Fond Du Lac Forest Carbon Project. After calculating all carbon emitted during travel required for events, meetings, and film production in 2023, ACT Commoditiescissued 50 tC02e on behalf of Rivers are Life on June 17, 2024. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

“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. 

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.

1. 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Are you ready to dive into a conversation that flows with positivity and purpose? Today, let's talk about something close to our hearts: river conservation. As we gear up to celebrate Earth Day, what better time to shine a spotlight on the lifeblood of our planet – our rivers! 

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.  

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.

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.