In an era where environmental challenges are at the forefront of global concerns, innovative partnerships stand as beacons of hope and progress. One such inspiring collaboration is the Rivers are Life partnership with Louisiana State University (LSU). This unique alliance is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of river conservationists, ensuring that our precious waterways continue to thrive for generations to come. This partnership focuses on education, research, and proactive restoration efforts, making it an exemplary model of how academia and environmental advocacy can work hand in hand.  

Imagine a world where the rivers flow silently, their secrets hidden beneath the rippling surface. Among these secrets are the mighty sturgeons, ancient fish that have lived in our waters since the age of dinosaurs. Today, these extraordinary creatures face numerous challenges, calling for the collective action of environmentalists, anglers, marine biologists, and conservationists. In this blog post, we will explore what makes sturgeon unique, why the Chippewa Nature Center has developed a sturgeon program, and how Rivers are Life is playing a role in supporting these efforts. By learning about the critical importance of sturgeons, we can better appreciate their role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and join the fight for their conservation. 

Magnet fishing is rapidly gaining popularity as a unique and adventurous hobby that combines environmental efforts with the thrill of treasure hunting. Participants use powerful, neodymium magnets, attached to sturdy ropes, to search rivers and waterways for metallic objects of all kinds. This activity, which can be as accessible as any local riverbank or waterfront, offers both excitement and the gratification of cleaning our natural water bodies. 

Here at Rivers are Life, we are passionate about education, inspiration, and the protection of the world's rivers. One of the distinctive ways we do so is by encouraging individuals to connect with waterways in their everyday lives. We believe that everyone, regardless of age, can play a role in safeguarding these vital waterways. Incorporating enjoyable activities and simple steps can be an excellent way to achieve river conservation. By participating in these efforts as a family, positive impacts can be made on our waterways while also nurturing the next generation of river stewards! 

We've been inspired by River Heroes in Peru to learn more about the sustainable and innovative methods of organic potato farming along the fertile banks of the Amazon River.

The Amazon River Basin is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Its rich soils and abundant water supply make it an ideal environment for a variety of crops, including potatoes. The ecosystem's complexity, with its numerous microclimates and vast array of flora and fauna, creates a unique setting for organic farming.

What happens when you blend rugged, dependable outdoor gear with a passion for protecting our rivers? You get an exceptional partnership between Grizzly and Rivers are Life! 

That’s right! We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Grizzly, a company that embodies more than just a brand name and the products it offers. As they state on their website, "At Grizzly, we are more than just a brand – we are a community dedicated to crafting high-quality gear for those who live and breathe adventure." This statement resonates deeply with us at Rivers are Life, where we aim to inspire action to protect, preserve, and explore the world’s rivers. Together, our brands are forging a dynamic partnership that embraces adventure and champions conservation, making a significant impact within the outdoor community. 

“Ehhh, I actually don’t think it’s safe to float or wade in that section of the river…” my friend replied when I suggested a Saturday activity with the kids. We live 30 minutes upstream along the South Platte River, and frequently see people fishing while we’re cooling our feet in the beautiful section near our home. She can’t be right! But sure enough, a quick google search confirmed that this section was too polluted to enjoy with our kids. 

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.