LAND
CLIMATE
PEOPLE
GLOBAL
WATER
LaBarque Creek © Bill Duncan
Making a Splash The ripple effect of promoting water conservation S et in the middle of the Mississippi River basin, Missouri is a key state when it comes to freshwater conservation. North America’s two longest rivers—the Mississippi and Missouri—converge on the eastern edge, and a vast network of streams, wetlands and floodplains spills across the state, supporting a stunning variety of plants and animals.
The Nature Conservancy works with partners across the state and beyond to find solutions. We follow a science-based approach, investing in projects and programs that aim to improve the health and quality of life for people. That has led to an emphasis on nature- based solutions: using plants and natural materials to rebuild eroded streambanks, reconnecting floodplains as a way to accommodate the whims of rising rivers and growing the field of green jobs to empower people and strengthen their communities. The care we put into protecting and conserving water in Missouri pays off here, but there is also a literal downstream effect. Cleaner water in the Mississippi River basin benefits ecosystems all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. It is just another way we can all work together to maximize the impact. We think that’s worth investing in.
Careful management of our water resources protects nature. It also fuels the economy, everything from farmland to float trips, and ensures the health and safety of people. That’s why it is so important to tackle rising challenges, and to do it now. Eroding riverbanks, storm runoff that carries harmful nutrients and an increase in powerful floods all challenge our ecosystems and communities.
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