DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 7, 2025) — River Action is pleased to host the 19th Annual Upper Mississippi River Conference (UMRC) on October 15–16, at the Stoney Creek Hotel, Moline. Under the theme “A Piece of a Larger Puzzle,” this year’s conference will bring together conservationists, policymakers, scientists, students, and community leaders to collaborate on holistic solutions for the Mississippi River and its watershed. Visit riveraction.org/umrc for more information.
Conference Highlights and Key Features
- Keynote and Plenary Sessions
The opening keynote, “The Mississippi River, A School of Democracy,” will be delivered by David Murray, Senior Writer at The Waterways Journal/Bound Media.
On Day 2, “Making the River Magnetic: Public Space Design at the River’s Edge” will feature urban design experts Tom Klein and Scott Streeb.
- Breakout Sessions and Panels
Topics include measuring river health, climate resilience, redevelopment along the Mississippi, flood preparedness, and more.
A special Ports Panel will explore the future of inland port development in the region.
- Next Gen Summit
Returning for its second year, the Next Gen Summit invites college and high-school students to engage in environmental career panels, hands-on demos, and rotational learning sessions.
Participants will hear from professionals including Maiya May (PBS climate reporter), Andrew Layer (Living Lands and Waters), and local educators.
- Field Tour and Workshop
- On October 14, 2-4PM, an afternoon WEDG Workshop (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) will kick off the conference, focusing on sustainable riverfront design. (WEDG Workshop)A field tour to Nahant Marsh on Day 1 will showcase regional restoration efforts led by Brian Ritter, Rachel Perrine, and Kathy Wine.
- Evening Program: An Evening with Aldo Leopold
A plated dinner will feature a panel exploring Leopold’s life, land ethic, and enduring legacy. Panelists include Steve Brower, Fr Robert Grant, and Dr Jonathan Pauli.
- Visit riveraction.org/umrc/agenda for the full agenda.
Registration and Participation
- Registration Rates (through October 1):
• Standard: $250
• Student: $50
• One-Day Registration: $175
• Field trip: additional $15 per tour
- Continuing Education Credits:
- Attendees may request Certificates of Attendance.
- Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Sponsorship levels range from $250 (“Support”) up to $5,000 (“Presenting”), with tiered recognition, exhibit space, and event-branding.
- How to Register:
- Registration (including exhibitor booths) is handled online via River Action. Visit riveraction.org/umrc. For more info or assistance, contact kwine@riveraction.org.
Why Attend?
The Mississippi River faces complex challenges — from climate change and flooding to habitat degradation, riverfront development pressures, and stakeholder coordination. The 2025 UMRC emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, bridging the next generation of conservation leaders with seasoned experts, and addressing the Mississippi not just as a waterway but as a living system with deep ecological, cultural, and economic importance.
According to River Action, the conference “has continued its mission to bring together conservationists and regional stakeholders from all disciplines to form a more holistic perspective on river and climate issues.”
About River Action and UMRC
River Action is a non-profit organization focused on protecting and enhancing the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries through advocacy, science, education, and community engagement. The UMRC is River Action’s signature gathering to convene voices across disciplines — government, business, academia, non-profits, and citizens — to unite around sustainable river futures. riveraction.org/whatwedo
Additional Information and Resources
- UMRC website and registration: riveraction.org/umrc
- Full schedule and details of presentations, workshops, and field tours: see the 2025 UMRC Agenda riveraction.org/umrc/agenda
- Presenter profiles: see 2025 Presenters list riveraction.org/umrc/2025presenters
We look forward to welcoming participants from across the Mississippi River region for three days of meaningful dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
