Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River

Dive into the exciting story of how people worked together to save the Hudson River — and learn how you can help protect clean water all around the world.

Every part of the United States belongs to a river’s watershed. But in 1966, the Hudson River was in serious trouble. Dead fish washed onto the shore, and the water smelled like oil. The river was so polluted that animals and people could no longer depend on it. America’s “First River” needed help fast — and that’s when a group of brave environmental activists called Riverkeeper stepped in. Their work helped clean up the Hudson and inspired people everywhere to protect rivers across the globe.

This resource-packed text is both a deep-dive into the history of the environmental movement and a guidebook for how individuals and communities can shape its future:
● Plunge into the dirty history of America’s “First River” and learn how one of America’s first environmental movements changed the course of activism around the world.
● Meet trailblazers like Tracy Brown, the first female Riverkeeper, whose clean water advocacy offers a blueprint for generations of future scientists.
● Learn about groundbreaking laws like the Clean Water Act, and how the hard work of activists—including people like you—has led to modern-day legislation that will help to heal our waterways for decades to come.
● Discover surprising (and surprisingly effective!) methods for ecological conservation, like granting legal personhood to bodies of water.
● Join the movement with engaging and accessible suggestions for cleaning up your local river, whether you’re finding your local river sweep, volunteering as a water tester, or small things you can do at home!
● Explore the outdoors! Complete with a list of fun Hudson River activities and annual events all around the United States, this text celebrates rivers wherever they flow—and invites you to join in on the party!