Celebrating 20 Years
It was October 6, 2001...
Missouri River Relief started as an idea and became a community.
The first Missouri River Relief river cleanup was held in partnership with Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters. Chad brought his towboat and barge upstream on the Missouri River for the first time ever, 169 miles to Easley, MO for a massive one-day cleanup on October 6, 2001.
This cleanup attracted over 400 volunteers working by boat and on land with a long list of partners such as Mo. Dept. of Conservation, Mo. Dept. of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Missouri River Communities Network and many more. Many of those volunteers and partners continue to help the mission 20 years later.
Nobody knew at that time what Missouri River Relief would become, but they already knew it would be more than one clean-up effort. Thanks to everyone that makes it possible!
Check out this interactive 20-Year Timeline to see our milestones by year, and read stories from the past.
The Mission
For 20 years, Missouri River Relief's mission has been to connect people to this often overlooked and under-utilized majestic river.
Missouri River Relief was founded in 2001 to engage individuals and communities along the Missouri River in the exploration, enjoyment, restoration and care of the river through education, stewardship and recreation.
Learn more about Our Mission here.
Impact to Date
- 2 Million Pounds
- 200 Cleanups
- 30,000 Volunteers
- 30,000 Students
Best of 20 Years Slideshow
In the News
- View the latest news articles on our media page!
Support What You Love
Let's Celebrate! You're Invited.
drive, bike or paddle...
- 5:30 p.m. - Party & Boat Rides Begin
- 5:30 p.m. - Music by The Blue Stooges
- 6:15 p.m. - MRR Reflections Program
- 7:30 p.m. - Sunset, Boat Rides End, Video Feature
- 8:00 p.m. - Music by "Naked Dave" Bandy & Friends
Food available for purchase by Fresh Harvest Grill and El Oso Mexican Grill
Drinks for purchase from Cooper's Landing
Cupcakes!
Stories Board
Raffle!
Photo opps and more
We had a really great time celebrating, you can view photos from the 20th Anniversary Celebration here!
Raffle Items - you choose!
- Rocheport Getaway: 1-night stay at the Mount Nebo Inn and Guided Boat Trip, Rocheport, MO
- A Mad River Canoe & Paddles
- Signed and Framed Lisa Bartlett Print "Missouri Riverbilly Band"
Covid-19: We are following local health department guidelines closely when it comes to in-person gatherings. The Delta variant is very contagious, and it is important that community members do everything possible to protect themselves and each other, regardless of vaccination status. We strongly recommend you wear a mask when gathering close to others outside of your household, because we'd all like to be around for another 20 years.