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National Great Rivers
Research • Education • Outreach

National Great Rivers is a leader in freshwater research, education and conservation outreach programs that advance knowledge, improve land and water management practices, and guide policies related to great rivers and their floodplain systems and watersheds for the benefit of human and ecological communities.

Research

The research team at National Great Rivers specializes in the study of large rivers and their watersheds, offering crucial scientific insights and data to help guide policy for sustainable ecosystem management. Their research ranges from the study of threatened and endangered species to the role of wetlands in the health of great river systems, the impact of emerging contaminants and the movement of nutrients throughout the watershed of the Mississippi River.
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Education

National Great Rivers believes in watershed literacy for everyone. Our expert education team works to help learners create a connection to the Mississippi River and its watershed to develop a strong sense of stewardship through workshops, research experiences, adult and K-12 programs. Aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and North American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence, these initiatives reflect National Great River's strong commitment to education.
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Outreach

Our statewide outreach programs enhance public awareness, address environmental challenges, and promote sustainable watershed management and monitoring strategies. National Great River's partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service connects landowners to federal conservation programs that enhance and support natural habitat. Our community science programs, which the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency supports, promote local participation in science and connect communities with their watersheds.
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Science to Policy

Great Lakes to Gulf
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Wetlands Research
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Land Conservation
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Our History / Your Future

“The vision of NGRREC was to partner our organization with a land grant university, the University of Illinois, and Lewis and Clark Community College. The strengths of our founding partners created a unique organization that is not driven by institutional agendas and is more effective at bringing science to practice. Our focus on the valuable freshwater resources of the Mississippi basin is of great importance to the nation, even internationally - a focus around the great rivers of the world.”

Dr. Gary Rolfe, Executive Director

NGRREC by the Numbers

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EMPLOYEES WORKING THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
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K-12 STUDENTS AND ADULTS SERVED BY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS
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PIECES OF WATER QUALITY DATA ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
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Events

Oct
16
STREAM Series: NGRREC Strikes Back
The evening will include a native plant seed bomb making activity for attendees to take home followed by a plant identification tour led by members of our Habitat Strike Team.
Nov
13
STREAM Series: Community Science Showcase
This event will showcase various community science opportunities. Attendees can learn how they can become scientists.
See the full calendar
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National Great Rivers established in 2002
One Confluence Way
East Alton, IL 62024
Phone: (618) 468-2900
Email: ngrrec@lc.edu
National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. All Rights Reserved.