NGRREC and partner research projects focus on the ecology and management of large rivers, including aquatic, floodplain, and terrestrial habitats, watershed processes, and the human communities that depend on river-floodplain ecosystems.  Our researchers and partners have extensive expertise in monitoring critical natural resources of large rivers, information which is essential for the sustainable management of these ecosystems.  Since 2002, NGRREC scientists have produced 34 publications about their research.  NGRREC also strongly emphasizes education as a part of its operation. NGRREC environmental educators deliver a variety of comprehensive education and outreach programs that target audiences ranging from K-12 students, educators and the public.  Research findings from the NGRREC staff and others are brought into the Center’s education programs to increase public understanding of big rivers, their watersheds and floodplains, and the interaction between the rivers and their human, plant, and animal communities. The results are also presented at workshops, conferences, and through our quarterly speaker series – all open to the public. 

In addition to its comprehensive research and education programs, the Center provides a forum for scholars and interested parties from around the world to share research and collaborate on solving river-related issues during public symposia.  NGRREC hosted “Visionsof a Sustainable Mississippi River: Merging Ecological, Economic and Cultural Value s,” in 2009.  The event brought together over 200 river stakeholders to dialogue about new strategies for achieving ecological and economic sustainability of the Mississippi River. Recommendations on the management of the river were prepared during the conference and delivered to a panel of elected officials on the final day. 

Most recently, NGRREC hosted its seventh in a series of public symposia entitled "Bottomland Ecosystem Restoration: Bridging Science and Management "