Bringing you the voices of folks making our outdoor spaces welcoming for all and protecting them for future generations through interview-based storytelling. We explore overcoming challenges, finding new paths, and sparking change in big and small ways. From local action-takers to global change-makers, we celebrate the journey from individual first steps to community impact, taking a closer look at how each of us, with our unique skills, can enjoy and help preserve the natural outdoor world we all share. Hosted by Madelaine and Mark Anderson.
https://www.thewildweshare.com
episode 3: Rolling Up Our Sleeves: Sarah Nelson on Making River Conservation Fun and Community-Driven
In this episode, we're excited to bring you a conversation with Sarah Nelson, Founder and Executive Director of Protect Our Rivers, a nonprofit that prioritizes river conservation through river clean-ups and education.
Sarah provides insights into her motivations for starting Protect Our Rivers and why community plays an indispensable role in all their initiatives. She discusses the organization's upcoming river cleanup events and how they turn an otherwise challenging task into a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
Throughout our chat, Sarah underscores the idea that river conservation is not just about cleaning up – it's about building a community that cares about rivers. Whether you're new to river conservation or looking for ways to get more involved, this episode will provide practical advice and plenty of inspiration.
Show Highlights
1:01 - Introduction to Sarah
1:29 - Why Protect Our Rivers was founded
4:31 - The transformative impact rivers have had on Sarah.
5:17 - River clean-ups: what they look like
9:42 - Sarah discusses ways we can reduce pollution, including the mindset shift it requires, and what can happen when a community comes together.
17:22 - Sarah shares a couple of inspiring stories of people who have participated in river clean-ups
20:51 - What kids can teach us about river clean-ups
23:14 - How individuals, groups, and businesses support Protect Our Rivers
31:10 - Mark and Madelaine share their connection to why rivers and the outdoors are so important to them
35:54 - Let’s all participate and find ways to support a river clean-up or educate others on river conservation.
Connect with Sarah Nelson:
Protect Our Rivers website
Instagram: @protectourrivers_org
As we wrap up our conversation, we invite you to reflect on your own potential to make a difference.
By subscribing to our podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your community, you can help raise awareness about river conservation and encourage more people to join in our collective effort to protect our planet in fun and accessible ways.