🌊 Why We’re Here
Because the River Deserves Better—and So Do the People Who Depend on It
Over the past year, federal funding for environmental monitoring, clean water programs, and science-based policy has been slashed by more than 50%. Critical oversight from the EPA, NOAA, and public-interest nonprofits is shrinking, while pollution, flooding, and ecosystem stress continue to grow.
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EPA monitoring programs cut by over half
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Clean water infrastructure support reduced by 90%
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Independent research and nonprofit funding stripped away
That means less monitoring, less accountability, and more risk for communities along the Mississippi.
With the current political climate increasingly hostile to environmental oversight, and proposed rescissions for 2026 and 2027 on the table, we’re not just facing temporary setbacks—we’re facing a long-term erosion of the systems that protect our water, health, and future.
Responding to that Reality
We Are Not Waiting.
Drift South Expedition (DSE) is a volunteer-led science support team paddling the entire Mississippi River—from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. We’re here to step in where oversight is being stripped away, offering:
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Free field technician support for environmental partners
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Public education and grassroots outreach in river towns
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Media campaigns that spotlight local stories, science, and solutions
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A model for civic-driven, science-informed action
This trip isn’t just about data. It’s about visibility, community, and inspiration. By combining grassroots science with storytelling, we hope to spark something bigger: a renewed sense of ownership and activism among everyday people.
Our Message Is Simple:
✅ You don’t need a million-dollar lab to monitor your water.
✅ You don’t need permission to advocate for your community.
✅ You can protect what you love—starting right where you are.
Important Numbers
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