Founded in 1998, Living Lands & Waters (www.livinglandsandwaters.org) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the country’s rivers, lakes, and waterways. The organization focuses on removing trash and debris from waterways, engaging local communities, volunteers, and corporate partners to clean rivers and improve water quality. Through these efforts, Living Lands & Waters ensures that freshwater ecosystems can support diverse aquatic life, provide safe drinking water, and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on healthy rivers.

A cornerstone of their work is the River Cleanup Program, which mobilizes thousands of volunteers each year to remove millions of pounds of trash from major rivers such as the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri. In addition to cleaning efforts, the organization promotes environmental education through hands-on programs, floating classrooms, and workshops that teach communities about watershed health, conservation practices, and the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems. Healthy rivers act as the lifeblood of both wildlife and human communities, and Living Lands & Waters’ initiatives help maintain water quality, biodiversity, and ecological resilience.

Rivers and lakes face increasing threats from pollution, sedimentation, and habitat destruction, putting both ecosystems and communities at risk. To address these challenges, Living Lands & Waters partners with scientists, local stakeholders, and policymakers to implement long-term conservation strategies, including tree planting, habitat restoration, and community stewardship programs. By combining cleanup efforts, education, and sustainable management practices, the organization works to ensure that America’s waterways remain clean, thriving, and resilient for generations to come.