NGRREC Focus Areas and Initiatives

Conducting research to explore questions about:

• River floodplains, their ecology and productivity

• Ecologically based management systems

• River and riparian ecology

• Watershed management

• Quality of the aquatic community

• Outdoor recreation opportunities

• Economies of river communities

• Natural resources management

NGRREC’s focus is to then apply the knowledge gained from research to protect and sustain river quality and to implement sound river management strategies. For more information about NGRREC research, visit the Research page.

Providing educational and outreach opportunities to the public and students of all ages. The Center’s goal is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the Great Rivers. For more information about NGRREC’s educational programs, visit the Education page.

Integrating land and water issues into a holistic approach. NGRREC understands that this new concept is the only way to answer questions central to maintaining the Great Rivers system as a viable environmental, economic and recreational resource.     

Protecting the ecology and quality of our rivers. Until NGRREC, no place in the world has had a comprehensive research and education program on one major river system, let alone in a confluence area where three major rivers come together. 

Partnering with other organizations. NGRREC collaborates with a number of organizations in its research and education efforts. For more information about NGRREC’s partners and sponsors, visit Our Partners page.

Other NGRREC activities:

• Development of a comprehensive database on the Mississippi River and its watershed
• Short-term research studies
• Development of college-level courses on topics such as river and floodplain ecology
• Development of national workshops on large river systems
• Development of guaranteed transfer programs between Lewis and Clark Community College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign