EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠) is the featured organization for Old Bakery Beer Company’s (OBB) “Drink for a Cause” campaign this month.

Throughout the month of February, OBB patrons can round up to the nearest dollar on their tab or make additional donations by scanning a QR code displayed at the counter.

On Feb. 15, 25 percent of all beer sales will be donated to NGRREC. That day, from 4-7 p.m., NGRREC representatives will have an informational table so patrons can “Get to Know NGRREC.”

Attendees can learn about what NGRREC does, their community science programs (both old and new), education opportunities, and research programs in a fun and hands-on way. They can also meet NGRREC team members including scientists, educators, field crews and administrators.

“Our goal is for the community to walk away with a newfound appreciation for what we do,” said Research Coordinator and Assistant Scientist Jessica Mohlman. “We hope attendees will have the desire to ‘round up’ for February and continue to support us and attend future events.”

The event aims to raise awareness about NGRREC’s research, education and outreach programs related to the ecology of big rivers, the workings of the watersheds that feed them, and the river communities that use them.

“We hope you will leave with a better understanding of these topics,” said Internships and Special Projects Coordinator Amy Monroe. “An informed citizen knows how to better care for and support the sustainable management of these ecosystems.”

NGRREC has partnered with OBB in the past for events such as NGRREC’s first Brewers and Biologist event in 2019 and the recent Bird-Voiced Tree Frog film premiere (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8qGTyU2HXw), which can be viewed on the NGRREC official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@ngrrecofficial).

NGRREC offers many programs that provide volunteer opportunities for all ages, including the Illinois RiverWatch Network for those interested in becoming a community scientist and the annual Water Festival, which teaches local fifth-grade students the importance of water quality while providing fun and interactive activities on Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey Campus.

To inquire about community science opportunities, please contact Hannah Griffis at hgriffis@lc.edu. To support the annual Water Festival event, please contact Jennifer Mandeville at jmandeville@lc.edu.

The Old Bakery Beer Company is located at 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1425771855039357

About National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠)

NGRREC is dedicated to the study of great river systems and the communities that use them, facilitating the efficient implementation of science into policy and practice. Founded in 2002 as a collaborative partnership between the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Lewis and Clark Community College, the center aspires to be a leader in scholarly research, education, and outreach related to the interconnectedness of large rivers, their floodplains, watersheds, and their associated communities.