Designing for a Low-Salt Future with Connie Fortin | River of Ideas, Episode 06

A River Network in Art and Storytelling with Victoria Bradford Styribicki | River of Ideas, Episode 08

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/ [https://www.mwmo.org/learn/visit-us/exhibits/network-a-river-connected/] Relay of Voices — https://www.relayofvoices.com/path [https://www.relayofvoices.com/path] A House Unbuilt — https://ahouseunbuilt.com/ [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 [https://www.mwmo.org/].

From Green Team to Green Workforce with Akia Vang and Mary Yang | River of Ideas, Episode 07

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

Designing for a Low-Salt Future with Connie Fortin | River of Ideas, Episode 06

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 [https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBEWN5] Links: Connie Fortin — https://www.bolton-menk.com/real-people/more-people/connie-fortin-2/ [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/ [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 [https://www.mwmo.org/].

Upper Harbor Terminal's Green Future with Kevin Reich | River of Ideas, Episode 05

In this episode of River of Ideas, host Nick Busse interviews MWMO Executive Director Kevin Reich about the ambitious redevelopment of the Upper Harbor Terminal in North Minneapolis. Learn how the 53-acre former industrial site will feature an expansive district stormwater treatment and reuse system, an ephemeral stream, restored shoreline and habitat, and more. The redevelopment of the Upper Harbor site presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore a large section of Mississippi River shoreline in the Twin Cites urban core, as well as provide regional stormwater treatment to a large portion of North Minneapolis. Since 2015, MWMO staff worked with the Upper Harbor project partners to ensure that the 14 distinct redevelopment projects at Upper Harbor will incorporate a connected system of habitat, public spaces, and surface stormwater features (HPS). Links: Upper Harbor Terminal Web Page — https://www.mwmo.org/projects/upper-harbor-terminal/ [https://www.mwmo.org/projects/upper-harbor-terminal/] Credits: Nick Busse — Host, Video Production Akadia Johnson — Audio Production Kevin Reich — 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. 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.  Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org [https://www.mwmo.org/].

From Urban Angler to Community Educator: Ray Ruiz Jr.'s Journey | River of Ideas Episode 04

Join Adam Flett from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization as he sits down with Ray Ruiz Jr., founder and executive director of Baztec, Inc. In this episode of "River of Ideas," Ray shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a renowned fishing guide and educator in the Twin Cities. Discover how Ray's passion for fishing and community outreach has led to impactful programs, fostering a love for nature and conservation among diverse communities. Learn about the challenges and rewards of river fishing, the importance of clean water, and how Ray is breaking barriers to make outdoor recreation accessible for all. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, expert fishing tips, and a vision for a greener future. Links: Baztec — https://www.baztecmn.com/ [https://www.baztecmn.com/] Baztec Fishing Podcast — https://www.youtube.com/@baztecmn [https://www.youtube.com/@baztecmn] Credits: Ray Ruiz — Guest Adam Flett — Host Nick Busse — Video Production Akadia Johnson — Audio Production 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. 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.  Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org [https://www.mwmo.org/].