Blog

An Update from River Network’s Staff Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

by River Network Staff EDI Committee

Over the course of the past decade, River Network’s work on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has deepened significantly, focusing on both internal aspects of our organization and external programming. Initially, much of that work happened organically and, admittedly, somewhat haphazardly. A staff person tweaking one aspect of a program here (often in response to… Read More ›

Using Community Led Science to Manage Wild and Scenic Rivers with the National Park Service

by Katherine Baer
Paddling the Lumber River. Photo by David Thebeau.

What do dragonfly collection, snorkeling to observe mussels and bioassessment workshops on Wild and Scenic Rivers have in common? This summer, these activities are part of three of the seven projects selected for funding as part of a new partnership between River Network and the National Park Service. All around the country community-based organizations are… Read More ›

Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Partnership Funding Awards 2020

by Katherine Baer

For the second year, River Network is working with the US Forest Service (USFS) to provide local organizations with funding for their work to steward our many, diverse Wild and Scenic Rivers. These rivers flow throughout the country and help protect some of the nation’s free flowing rivers, providing opportunities for recreation, protecting drinking water,… Read More ›

Onward! Keeping Up the Momentum in the Delaware River Basin

by Colleen McGuire
Photo via Shutterstock
I’ve worked in watersheds all throughout the western US—the Klamath River Basin in California and Oregon, Walker Lake in Nevada, the Colorado Delta, the Columbia River Basin in the northwest—and they all brought with them interesting challenges, complex landscapes, and most notably, passionate individuals. Their passion came from a truly personal place: a place of... Read More ›

River Network Stands in Solidarity with the Black Community

by River Network

Friday, June 5, 2020 – We would like to take a moment to build on the statement we made just under a week ago as we’ve observed, acknowledged, and participated in the events that have unfolded across the nation. Every state in the nation held protests against the unjust murder of George Floyd this week. We recognize that… Read More ›

River Network Statement on Central Park Racism

by River Network

Friday, May 29, 2020 – This week’s events highlight the systemic racism that pervades our society, and its direct impacts on the everyday lives of Black Americans. Black Americans frequently face racism in outdoor spaces, including around and on the rivers and waterways our network works diligently to protect and preserve. River Network believes all people… Read More ›

Rebecca Wodder: My Story as Told by the First Earth Day

by Amy Boal

By Rebecca Wodder, River Network Board Chair In the spring of 1970, I was asked to organize the first Earth Day for my suburban Omaha community. I was a high school senior, interested in biology and involved in civil rights. Earth Day was my epiphany – I saw that I could combine biology and social… Read More ›

2020 Urban Waters Learning Network Awards

by Amy Boal

Our congratulations to the 2020 Urban Waters Learning Network awardees! These four leaders have been chosen for recognition by the Urban Waters Learning Network (UWLN), a partnership of the national nonprofits River Network and Groundwork USA. The Urban Waters Learning Network Awards, sponsored by the US EPA, celebrate significant achievements of individuals who have improved… Read More ›

Hope in Times of Uncertainty

by Nicole Silk
On March 12, River Network made a choice: to move River Rally, after 20 years of inspiring in-person national gatherings, to a virtual format in the wake of the COVID-19 global health crisis. These were the early days of response, before travel restrictions, social distancing, and stay at home orders had become the new normal.... Read More ›