In this episode of River of Ideas, host Abby Moore speaks with artist, choreographer, and performer Victoria Bradford Styrbicki about her incredible project Network: A River Connected. Victoria shares the story of her 2019 journey traveling on foot from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, stopping in over 100 communities to gather stories, landscapes, and voices.

Drawing inspiration from her family’s history and the disappearing craft of net-making, Victoria used traditional methods to weave fishing nets as a way to preserve this art form and process the stories she encountered. These nets, along with photos, videos, and narratives, now form the centerpiece of her exhibit at the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

Through this conversation, Victoria explores the intersection of art, storytelling, and the environment, highlighting how the Mississippi River serves as a powerful connector of communities and a source of ecological and cultural significance. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of listening, movement, and creativity in shaping how we understand the world around us.

Links:

Network: A River Connected — https://www.mwmo.org/learn/visit-us/exhibits/network-a-river-connected/

Relay of Voices — https://www.relayofvoices.com/path

A House Unbuilt — https://ahouseunbuilt.com/

Credits:

Abby Moore — Host, MWMO Outreach Program Manager
Victoria Bradford Styribicki — Guest
Akadia Johnson — Executive Producer
Adam Flett — Camera Operator and Set Assistant
Mary Yang — Set Assistant

About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.

River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by speakers on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the MWMO. The information provided during these episodes is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The MWMO does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MWMO.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Victoria Bradford Styrbicki’s Journey
00:27 – Discovering the Mississippi: Reflections on the Headwaters to the Gulf
01:33 – Connections Across Geography: Minnesota and Louisiana
03:22 – On Foot and By Bike: Experiencing the Landscape
05:01 – Movement as a Dance: Exploring Symbolism and Connection Through Art
06:35 – A Pilgrimage to Reconnect: Finding Home Along the Mississippi
10:49 – Collaborating with Communities: Building Relationships Along the River
13:21 – Stories of Struggle and Resilience in River Towns
18:00 – A Sunday in West Memphis: Community, Church, and Connection
22:44 – Weaving Stories and Nets: History Through Art and Craft
25:39 – Upcoming Projects: Coastal Listening and Exhibitions

Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org.

In this episode of River of Ideas, host Mary Yang, MWMO’s Community Outreach Specialist and former Mississippi River Green Team member, sits down with fellow Green Team alumnus Akia Vang to explore how the program shaped their journeys into environmental careers. This unique, mentored job program for Minneapolis youth, jointly run by the MWMO and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, gave them hands-on experience with conservation efforts like habitat management, water quality monitoring, and invasive species removal. Akia, who recently completed his graduate degree at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, shares how his early experiences in the Green Team guided him through college, various internships, and into roles across the climate, energy, and environmental fields. Now, as a Sustainability Intern with the Metropolitan Council’s Metro Transit division and a member of both the Northside Green Zone Task Force and MWMO’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Akia remains deeply engaged in advancing environmental equity and sustainability.

Tune in to hear Mary and Akia discuss the impact of youth programs on fostering environmental leadership, how community mentorship supports diverse voices in environmental fields, and Akia's inspiring path as a next-generation leader in environmental science.

Links:
MWMO Mississippi River Green Team — https://www.mwmo.org/learn/green-workforce/green-team/

Green Workforce Development at MWMO — https://www.mwmo.org/learn/green-workforce/

Credits:
Mary Yang — Host, MWMO Community Outreach Specialist
Akia Vang — Guest, Green Team Alumnus
Akadia Johnson — Executive Producer
Adam Flett — Camera Operator and Set Assistant

About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.

River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by speakers on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the MWMO. The information provided during these episodes is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The MWMO does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MWMO.

Chapters:
00:16 – Introduction: Mississippi River Green Team’s Impact
00:59 – How the Green Team Shaped Akia and Mary’s Career Paths
03:42 – Youth Programs and Environmental Leadership
07:37 – The Importance of Mentorship in Diverse Environmental Careers
11:57 – Akia’s Journey from High School to College and Beyond
19:25 – Expanding Opportunities for Future Environmental Leaders
25:59 – Reflecting on the Green Team Experience: Insights from Mentors in Environmental Careers

Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org.

In this episode of the River of Ideas podcast, host Nick Busse chats with Connie Fortin, the Low-Salt Strategist at Bolton & Menk, Inc., and a recognized expert in smart salting practices. Together, they dive into the pressing issue of chloride pollution in our waterways, a problem driven by the overuse of road salts and de-icing chemicals. Connie shares her journey from a background in computer science to becoming a leader in sustainable salt practices. The conversation covers the impact of chloride on the environment, the challenges of reducing salt usage while maintaining safety, and innovative strategies like low-salt design that can help mitigate this invisible yet harmful pollutant. Tune in to learn about the small design changes that can make a big difference in winter safety and water quality, and get inspired by Connie's passion for protecting our water resources.

Images Discussed During the Podcast — https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBEWN5

Links:
Connie Fortin — https://www.bolton-menk.com/real-people/more-people/connie-fortin-2/
Low-Salt Design — https://www.bolton-menk.com/resources/designing-for-a-low-salt-future/

Credits:
Nick Busse — Host, Video Production
Akadia Johnson — Audio Production
Connie Fortin — Guest

About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.

River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by speakers on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the MWMO. The information provided during these episodes is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The MWMO does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MWMO.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: What is Low-Salt Design?
01:00 - How Road Salt Pollutes Waterbodies
04:41 - Journey from Computer Science to Environmental Advocacy
08:04 - Developing the First Smart Salting Curriculum
13:41 - Designing Infrastructure to Minimize Salt Usage
19:21 - Principles of Low-Salt Design
30:29 - Examples of Infrastructure Design Problems
40:37 - How Do We Solve the Chloride Problem?
45:35 - Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org.