Our dreams for the river

Our program this year featured our hopes and dreams for the river and the work we’re spearheading in pursuit of these dreams. Friends of the Mississippi River’s own staff and program participants offered stories about how their work can bring a brighter future for our river and river communities.

Here's a recap, in case you missed it.

Water program

Our dream is as simple as it sounds: a cleaner, healthier Mississippi River. We envision acres of farmland across the Midwest planted with continuous living cover — crops and systems that significantly reduce the amount of nutrient pollution running into the river, as well as enhance farm prosperity.

Here's a short animation illustrating the barren farmland that makes up the Big Brown Spot for most of the year here in the Midwest and the Continuous Living Cover that can help us get to clean water! Learn more here.

"Together, with your help, we will continue to work with farmers to transform the agricultural landscape — and turn this big brown spot into a region that supports our local farmers — while restoring Mississippi River we all love."

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Land Use & Planning program

Our dream is that your dreams and perspectives will shape policy and decision-making on critical river issues. This summer, as we led tours and events for more than 700 people on the potential for dam removal in the Twin Cities, every conversation taught us something. Your responses and engagement make us hopeful and excited for the river's future.

Enjoy this slideshow of highlights from our summer engagement around the river's future and learn more here.

"Dam removal is a compelling idea for water quality, wildlife and recreational access. But with so many unanswered questions, we know we're in for a long process with a lot of work ahead. Our deep community relationships and long history have helped us to be ready for this moment: a moment to dream big, and then dig in our paddles and get to work."

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Stewardship & Education program

Our dream is that everyone has access to outdoor spaces, and everyone feels safe in them. We are working to deepen connections with BIPOC neighbors through our BIPOC River Stewards Program and to grow our career pathways program for youth, building relationships between our communities and our river.

Enjoy this slideshow of highlights from our volunteer program, education program, and Environmental Stewardship Institute for youth. Learn more here.

"We envision a world where people care more about and feel more connected to nature, and where all people, especially youth, feel empowered to take action to protect the environment. Your support makes it possible for us to expand programs like our Environmental Stewardship Institute and bring this dream closer to reality."

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Land Conservation program