Freshwater - Kris Meyer

Thanks to all of you Freshwater supporters and welcome to those who are considering gift for the first time! 

The creek down the street from my house is dry. Well, not actually dry, but just a puddle! And this makes me pause and think. Where are the insects and invertebrates that thrive in the creek? What about the fish? I expect the ducks and other birds that live or hunt along the creek have moved to wetter spots. Are those places now crowded with feathered refugees?

This creek empties into the Mississippi River, and I know drinking water here in Minneapolis comes from the Mississippi. Is this dried up creek going to impact my drinking water supply?  And while we’re on the topic of drought, are we simply experiencing a couple of dry years, or is this going to be our new normal - life in MN with climate change? And what about flooding in other parts of the State? Is there anything I can do? Can one person make a difference? 

Yes. My work with Freshwater reminds me of this every day. Minnesota Water Stewards take action for clean, sustainable water, leading their friends and neighbors by example. They are certified volunteers who work with government partners to amplify impact for water. Adopt a River teams join together to clean up shorelines, then look upstream to figure out how to stop trash at its source. Artists in the Art for Water program design creative ways to help people explore a sustainable, respectful relationship with water. Freshwater members turn to their Weatherguide calendars for photographs, poetry, and science that celebrates and reminds us of our relationship to water and the world around us, and calls us to action. People throughout Minnesota, down the Mississippi, and across the Great Lakes learn about cutting edge water science from the Moos Family Lecture Series and share new insights with friends and neighbors.  

For five years now, my work with Freshwater has shown me the powerful impact one person, one simple life change, one donation can make when multiplied through an organization like Freshwater. Pause now and think. Consider water, then consider a Freshwater membership or donation. Together we do make a difference!