Mississippi River to the Max
Mississippi Park Connection is celebrating this year's Give to the Max Day with "Mississippi River to the Max." We have asked Mississippi Park staff members to not only share their favorite memories but also express the sheer joy they find in their work alongside this majestic waterway. Scroll through and read about our staff dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the magic of the Mississippi River.
Emma Vanhdy, Volunteer Coordinator
“My favorite part about working on the Mississippi River is restoring the wide diversity of habitats along our park with people! From prairie, floodplain, and bluff habitats, it is amazing to see the different species and geological formations. I also love how I am with dedicated partners, staff, and volunteers in sharing these spaces and restoring our habitats together.”
Tamara Few, Program Coordinator
“I love that going to the waters of the Mississippi is a part of my everyday life! Whether I am having a partner meeting along the river's shore, kayaking on the river for a BIPOC event, or simply touching the river's water, I am able to consistently reconnect with the River and, in turn, reconnect with myself. It's also incredibly meaningful to be able to play a small part in helping others begin or deepen their relationship with the Mississippi River.”
Anna Waugh, Assistant Director
“One of my absolutely favorite memories along the river was taking a group of people who were from New Orleans down to the river's edge in February. Every 15 seconds or so, there would be an earthshattering popping and cracking sound from the ice as the top layer of ice settled over the current below. The temperatures were well below freezing but it was a calm day with little wind and each time we heard the loud CRACK, everyone would jump at the startling sound. It was delightful and also a visceral reminder of the power of the Mississippi River to engage all of our senses.”
David Kappelhoff, Education Coordinator
“I am continually impressed by educators’ love for the river. MPC is fortunate to be a leader in helping a multitude of dedicated teachers get their students beyond the walls of a school building and into a river setting rich in flora, fauna, culture, and history. Getting students beyond screens and into natural surroundings has profound impact on their development, improving achievement, behavior, adult preparedness, health and overall confidence. Our multiple park partnerships help sustain a network of formal outdoor education, fostering strong relationships with schools relying on MPC for quality programs.”
Marielle Mateo, Forestry Program Coordinator
“My favorite things about working on the Mississippi are being outside and present with the river, and how much I learn every day. The quiet that settles over your mind while just standing or sitting outside, taking deep breaths, and watching the sunlight stream through the trees or dance as it reflects through the water is an experience that everyone should have access to. I also love learning how to identify and name trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and animals, discovering new hidden gems along the river, and sharing all that knowledge with partners and volunteers. We are so separated from nature in our day-to-day lives; it's nice to be able to reconnect through learning and knowledge sharing. Nature is a language that we should all strive to learn.”
Ze Thao Sengsoulichanh , Development and Communications Manager
“I used to walk across the Washington Ave Bridge almost every day to get to class and back home. Seeing the river gently flow and do her own thing provided me with a moment of respite - even on my most stressful days. One of my favorite MPC memories was when the artist Mayyadda sang her song 'Mississippi' at Picnic for the Park. In particular, the lyrics that stood out to me were: “Oh mighty river, wash over me. Let your currents remind me of the powers that be. And how all of the greatness that lies inside me has to develop like the great Mississippi...' I'll always cherish the river as a source of joy and peace, and I'm proud that I get to protect it through my work every day.”
What connects you to the river? Steps that you can take to ensure the Mississippi River continues to enrich the lives of many generations to come include donating during Give to the Max Day and/or becoming a sustaining monthly donor. Thank you for your dedication to the Mississippi River. Your generosity throughout the year makes a difference and sustains the breadth of programs connecting people to and conserving this beloved natural treasure.