Communities across the country are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices like water pollution and inadequate infrastructure.

The solution requires not only winning court battles but also building long-term, collaborative relationships with those affected on the ground.

In this episode, Julian Gonzalez, Senior Legislative Counsel of Earthjustice, shares insights into how the organization uses legal expertise and partnerships to protect vulnerable communities.

He highlights Earthjustice’s evolution from primarily representing large environmental groups to working closely with local communities, tribal nations, and grassroots organizations.

Julian discusses the importance of trust-building, listening without judgment, and ensuring that legal victories translate into real-world change.

This episode is part of the Color of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub.

Wetlands along the Mississippi River have been disappearing for decades, leading to increased flooding and degradation of water quality, as well as loss of wildlife habitat.

Nature-based solutions, like wetland restoration and floodplain reconnection, offer a path to address these challenges plus provide benefits for communities and commerce.

In this episode, Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, and Ellen Herbert, Senior Scientist, from Ducks Unlimited, share their organization's science-driven approach to protecting and restoring critical habitats for waterfowl.

They discuss the importance of partnerships and how Ducks Unlimited uses engineering alongside nature to improve ecosystems. Also highlighted is a new program with the University of Georgia to build a workforce of engineers to advance nature-based solutions.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet. This episode is part of the Mississippi By Nature series that is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.

Memphis faces the dual challenge of protecting itself from Mississippi River flooding while enhancing the environment and public spaces.

The solution lies in nature-based projects that manage stormwater, restore wetlands, and provide community amenities.

In this episode Carol Coletta of Memphis River Parks Partnership and Jake Spears of Ducks Unlimited discuss two transformative riverfront projects on either side of the river. Tom Lee Park, on the Tennessee side, offers stormwater management, flood resilience, and recreation, while a 1,500-acre park across the river in Arkansas restores wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests.

These projects reduce sediment and nutrient runoff while connecting the community to nature through trails, education, and outdoor spaces. Together, they showcase how cities can use natural solutions for environmental protection and quality of life.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet that explores solutions. This episode is part of the Mississippi By Nature series that is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.