Paddle down Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River with River Runners. Surrounded by towering pines and crystal-clear water, we explore its stunning scenery, vibrant birdlife, and the world-famous Hexagenia mayfly hatch that draws anglers from across the globe—a perfect blend of recreation, ecology, and conservation.
Join River Runners for a wild off-road ride through Kawkawlin Creek Flooding. We swap fishing rods for a side-by-side and hit the muddy trails, tackling deep ruts, tight turns, and unexpected challenges. From laughs to rescues, this Michigan backcountry adventure is full of mud, mayhem, and memories.
Join River Runners at Kawkawlin Creek Flooding for a sun-soaked day of fishing, critter-catching, and outdoor chaos. From feisty fish to slithering locals and one unforgettable frog encounter, this episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and summer adventure. Perfect for anyone who loves wild, muddy fun outdoors!
In Part 2, we dive back into the dramatic world of freshwater mussels. From political showdowns to muddy discoveries, we uncover native species, crayfish, and the elusive snuffbox mussel. With help from local naturalists, we reveal how tiny creatures can spark big waves in river conservation.
In this episode, we wade into a surprisingly dramatic story about… mussels. Yep, the endangered kind. We head to a river restoration site where reconstruction of a broken dam was put on pause—all because of one tiny, federally protected freshwater mussel species. But it turns out this isn’t just about mollusks. There was a full-blown political standoff happening between environmental agencies, local government, and residents who want the dam rebuilt ASAP. We share studies by biologists, to figure out why these little filter feeders are important and unique to the ecology of our local watershed. Along the way, we get our hands muddy, learn how mussels help keep rivers clean and why this specific species needs to be protected. This episode’s got science, policy, conflict—and of course, a little bit of our usual river chaos. Come along as we find out what it really takes to protect a species most people don’t even know exists.
In this episode of River Runners, we head deep into the northern woods of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to explore a hidden gem—the Underground Little Ocqueoc River. This wild and remote stream winds through thick forest and limestone terrain, creating a unique freshwater ecosystem unlike anything we’ve seen so far. As we follow its path, we discover a variety of rare and delicate plants and animals that call this place home. From crystal-clear pools to mossy rock beds, every twist and turn brings something new and unexpected. It’s one of those places that feels like it belongs in a storybook—untouched, mysterious, and full of life. With every step, we’re learning, exploring, and soaking in the beauty of Michigan’s wild side. This river might be small and underground, but its impact is huge. Come along with us as we share all the amazing finds from our adventure on the Underground Little Ocqueoc River.
River Runners — Rivers are Life’s first-ever vlog series — is here! Follow college besties Brooke and Taylor as they road-trip across Michigan’s rivers and watersheds. Expect kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife encounters, and plenty of laughs (plus some hilariously awkward moments).
Welcome back to River Runners! In this episode, we hit the Rifle River in Omer, Michigan for a day full of firsts, fails, and fun. First stop: a quirky trading post packed with all the oddities and river essentials we didn’t know we needed. Then we try our hand at fly fishing for the first time.
At Rivers are Life, anyone can be a River Hero, through cleanups, protecting wildlife, or using science and innovation to create lasting change.
Rivers are Life impact projects improve water quality, protect ecosystems, and reduce waste, turning awareness into action to keep rivers healthy worldwide.
Rivers are Life inspires action to protect and preserve rivers worldwide, working with River Heroes to keep freshwater healthy for future generations.
We’re Brooke and Taylor, and in this episode of River Runners, we’re heading to the Chippewa River in Midland, Michigan! As we paddle and explore, we learn about some of the invasive species causing problems in the watershed and how they impact the local ecosystem. We can’t wait to share with you what the Chippewa River has in store!
As drought grips Zimbabwe, "Brother Bill" and Leonard Maronda drill boreholes to deliver 44,000 gallons of clean water daily. Under the African Sun tells their story.
In Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, Dr. Todd Osborne and Captain Blair Wiggins breed “super clams” to restore a river system once on the brink.
In the Netherlands, the Dommel River faces floods, drought, and climate pressure. Portrait of a River reveals how communities are restoring balance and biodiversity
On the Nile, fishermen earn fair wages by pulling pollution from the water. Gifts of the Nile shows how community action revives a river.
On Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap Lake, families fight pollution to save their floating villages and fisheries. Life Afloat tells their story.
Baltimore’s googly-eyed river robot has devoured 2,300+ tons of trash. Mr. Trash Wheel proves tech + community can clean waterways.
In Toxic Art, Ohio artist John Sabraw transforms toxic coal mine runoff into eco-friendly paint, proving creativity can clean rivers.
College students trade beach bars for barges in Study Aboard, a film about spring break cleanups on the Mississippi River.
Wildlife photographer Piotr Chara restores wetlands on Poland’s Oder River in Wings of the Oder, giving migratory birds a place to return.
On Indonesia’s Kampar River, Chasing the Bono captures the world’s longest surfable wave, and the communities whose lives flow with it.
At 7, Cash “The Conservation Kid” Daniels began cleaning the Tennessee River. Today, he’s inspiring a global wave of young river defenders.
For 30+ years, Friends of the Fox River has fought to restore the Fox. Watershed Warriors follows the River Heroes leading this fight.
In Chile’s Valle de Elqui, the Canihuante family defends the Cochiguaz River because to them, El Río Es Familia.
The Kenai River’s King salmon are iconic and at risk. Kings of the Kenai shows how Kenai River Sportfishing Association fights to protect Alaska’s greatest sportfishing river.
In Alaska, River Heroes turn coastal waste into building blocks. Keepers of the North proves grit and innovation can beat ocean pollution.
Afroz Shah’s beach cleanups sparked a global movement. From Mumbai with Love proves local action can change the world.
Voices from the Water follows River Heroes tackling harmful waste at its source, because healthy rivers mean a healthy planet.
From surface to depths, Nathalie Lasselin’s Deep Dive reveals the wild St. Lawrence River and one woman's fight to protect it.