Protecting the Mississippi River will require active people from across the entire River region. River Citizens are committed residents who enjoy the blessings of the River and pledge to help protect it.
Use this site to record your actions, share you favorite River memories, comment on River news, post photos and connect with other River Citizens. The 1 Mississippi River Citizens program is generously sponsored by the McKnight Foundation and Aveda Corporation.
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Today, the once mighty Mississippi River is in trouble. Pollution from untreated sewage, farms and factories along with weak enforcement of water laws has caused our once Great River to decline.
But we can help. By standing up for the River and making simple lifestyle changes we can reclaim the Mississippi for future generations. Here are 10 actions that we hope all River Citizens will take. If you’ve already made some of these changes, then stand up and be counted. Login to record your actions so we can measure the great impact that River Citizens have for the Mississippi River.
Become a River Citizen
As a River Citizen, you will share an opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of the mighty Mississippi. The River needs us to learn about its many mysteries and what keeps it healthy, to speak on its behalf and to care for it in simple ways that make a big difference.
River Citizens commit to taking at least three actions-from volunteering on the River to reducing fertilizer use. River Citizens also get involved by teaching others in their community about the Mississippi River. Together, we can restore the River. Become a River Citizen today.
Volunteer on the River
Most communities along the Mississippi River hold River clean-ups, tree plantings or restoration workdays. Give back to the River and your local community by joining like-minded volunteers who are working to improve and protect the Mississippi River. Find local volunteer opportunities with a member of the Mississippi River Network.
Get to Know Your River
Have you ever been to your local riverside park? Have you gone fishing, hiked or biked nearby trails or put your toes in the mud? Pack a picnic and head out to explore America's greatest River with your friends and family. Sign up for a canoe trip, visit a nature center or attend a riverside festival. The more we know about the River, the better we can help protect it. For a list of Mississippi River activities, check out our Upcoming Events calendar.
Reduce or Eliminate Yard Chemicals
Lawn and garden fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides hurt the River, especially when over-applied. These chemicals are carried in run-off from rain and sprinklers through local storm drains directly into the Mississippi River, polluting its waters and contributing to the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. To keep from over-fertilizing your yard, follow the holiday rule--only fertilize on Memorial Day and Halloween, using phosphorus-free fertilizers.
Landscape with Native Plants
The Mississippi River region is home to an extraordinary number of beautiful native flowers, trees and shrubs. Choosing native plants for your yard and garden can save money and hassle because these plants aren't as bothered by local weather patterns, pests or diseases. In addition, native plants attract native birds and butterflies to your yard.
Respect Storm Sewers
Pet waste, garden chemicals and litter can all be carried into our storm sewers by rain and snowmelt. Heavy rains flush wastes and untreated water through storm drains directly into the River. You can help reduce this pollution by picking up trash and pet waste before it gets into the storm drains. Dispose of pet waste by flushing it down the toilet or burying it in the yard.
Support River Access
Parks, gardens and recreational trails beautify our communities, attract visitors and provide places for walking, running and biking. Healthy waterways also increase property values and produce waterfront business opportunities. Green spaces along the River provide homes for wildlife, clean our air and help maintain our clean water resources. Support local efforts to increase River access, trails and parks. Attend local planning meetings, voice your support and encourage your friends and family to support access as well. River access is important for both the health of the River and the health of our communities.
Stay Involved
There are many local, state and federal policies that impact the River—from the federal Farm Bill to local zoning guidelines. River Citizens get monthly updates on River policies and news. Check out local River organizations for additional information.
Act Locally
Is your city putting off improving its sewer system? Is a new development filling in existing wetlands? Speak up! Demand new sewer systems, responsible development and strict water pollution standards-you, your family and your community deserve safe water and a clean environment. By addressing the threats facing our River at the local level, we can make great strides toward.improving the River from the headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the delta in Louisiana.
Vote!
Elected officials make important decisions that affect our River. Learn their voting records and encourage them to support River access, protection and restoration. Vote for candidates who make our River their priority.