Rivers are the veins and arteries of our world, and they are essential to all life. In the U.S., we depend on our 3.5 million miles of rivers for our drinking water and the food we eat. Rivers provide crucial habitat for fish and wildlife, opportunities for recreation, and spiritual and cultural connections for us, our families, and our communities.
Rivers make life possible, yet we are losing them.
Pollution, dams, habitat destruction, and climate change are harming rivers, fish and wildlife, and our families and communities. Lack of clean drinking water, increasing floods and drought, and species extinction are disproportionately impacting communities of color, Tribal Nations, and people in poverty.
In order to heal our rivers and create the positive, systemic change we need for the long-term, we must unite as a powerful movement with a bold vision for clean water and healthy rivers for all.
As American Rivers celebrates our 50th anniversary this year, we’re looking ahead to the next 50 years. We created this graphic to illustrate the future we are working towards, together with our partners and supporters. Achieving this vision will take all of us.
On this World Rivers Day, we celebrate our rivers and recommit ourselves to the important work ahead.
Double your impact for rivers!
The clock is ticking at every level to take action to protect rivers. Right now, every dollar you donate will be matched for Giving Tuesday to help strengthen our nation's rivers.
