Prairie Rivers Network and the 1Mississippi Campaign believe inspired and engaged individuals are essential to protect the Upper Mississippi River for today and for the future.

We invite you to enter an essay contest: “Our Upper Mississippi River: Connection, Inspiration, Transformation.”

Whether you have visited the Upper Mississippi River once, or lived next to it all your life, your story about the Upper Mississippi River can be the spark for others to learn more about this wondrous river, to love it as you do, and to take action to protect its waters and habitat for people, wildlife and river communities.

Tell us: How has the river inspired you?  How has the Upper Mississippi River changed your life?  How do you protect this river you love?

Essay contest entries must be submitted electronically between January 1, 2012 and March 16, 2012.

The winning essay will be published in the newsletters for Prairie Rivers Network and the 1 Mississippi Campaign, an audience of over 5,000!

For more information, essay contest rules and entry form go to:  http://prairierivers.org/umressay/ or contact Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org.