“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.”
-Jacques Yves Cousteau
All life depends on water, and it is with rivers that the land, and land creatures, including humans, are placed in contact with water, nearly everywhere. Our quality of life, and the continued existence of the ecosystems that we are a part of depend on the action of rivers. Rivers represent cleansing, renewal, replenishment, relief; life.
We have learned more about rivers in the last 70 years than in all the centuries before
It is time for all the sciences that have studied rivers to come together into a coherent whole. It is time for state-of-the-art river science to become available to all. Only in this way will the natural functions of rivers be given a voice. Only in this way can we learn to live with, rather than in conflict with, our rivers.
Changing our attitudes towards nature is possible. We have done it before.
We learn from stories, and from example. Access to quality, science-based information is not the whole story, but it is a good foundation from which to start. It allows us to make sense of our stories, and to help others interpret theirs.
Ready to take the plunge?
Learn what it takes to protect rivers in a world where they are often misunderstood, feared or exploited unsustainably. Become one of the river literate!
Understanding the science of rivers is a crucial first step in appreciating their many gifts, and learning to live sustainably with them.
Our mission is to create accessible, scientifically- credible information about rivers for curious adults (and others) who are open to learning but do not have the time or background to learn from technical literature.
Resources for understanding, education and action
“We must let the river teach us. Not just a few of us. Let the river teach all of us.”
— Luna Leopold
The beauty of the natural world is enhanced when we understand what it is trying to tell us.
Use the information on this website to become a teacher yourself. Any time you are with others, there is the opportunity to share your enthusiasm and knowledge. Here are the resources to back you up, to make your stories more powerful, and to help recruit others to the ranks of the “river literate.” Welcome!