PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to our inaugural Spotlight in which we proudly showcase what Corps friends and partners do every day for visitors. These locally-based groups have a passion for “their” local lake or waterway. Run almost exclusively by volunteers they tirelessly assist with project operations and environmental efforts, offering programs, staffing and accepting donations and/or applying for grants. Future Spotlights will highlight one of 60+ cooperating associations, local organizations and other non-profits operating at Corps projects. We invite you to contact us to Spotlight your group.

Introducing… Meeting of the Rivers Foundation – National Great Rivers Museum, Illinois

An Illinois-based, non-profit organization, the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation (MTRF) was incorporated in 1998 with a mission to promote public awareness and understanding of river issues and solutions via educational and community outreach initiatives. Their principal role has been to secure funding from private and public sources to support the museum and outreach related responsibilities. They collaborate with other non-profit organizations and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to elevate the impacts of environmental education, outreach, and awareness surrounding the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois waterways and their watersheds.

MTRF volunteer Annette Walsh assists in leading a Girl Scout program.
MTRF volunteers Charlie Dralle and Dan Garner assist with the nationwide Every Kid Outdoors initiative. 
MTRF volunteers Charlie Dralle and Dan Garner assist with the nationwide Every Kid Outdoors initiative. 

The National Great Rivers Museum is designated as one of a dozen Congressionally-mandated Class A Regional Visitor Centers across the country operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The museum is strategically located at the confluence of three major rivers-Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois in Alton, Ill at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Volunteers with the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation’s provide free tours of the adjacent Melvin Price Locks and Dam, and support river-related education and outreach in the surrounding area.

Veronica-Douglas with Eric the Eagle
MTRF volunteer Veronica Douglas poses with Eric the Eagle at the
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. 

The MTRF offers a host of activities and events throughout the year. Festivals throughout the year celebrate harvest, eagles and ice, paddling and river navigation.  The MTRF also offers summer camps and participates in the national program of Every Kid Outdoors – Check out their list of great events here.

Learn more the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation at: www.mtrf.org  or contact them directly at:  meetingoftherivers@gmail.com. The Meeting of the Rivers Foundation can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MTRFoundation.