We're proud to showcase the special regions we’re trying to protect through our Environment Program and feature the voices of the people whose commitment to conservation demonstrates the power of individuals to make a difference.

Captain Bobby Kelly credits the Magnusson-Stevens Act, passed by Congress in 2006, as the catalyst for the recovery of the red snapper population.

Kristofor Lofgren has committed to serving patrons of his popular Portland, Ore. eateries sustainably caught fish.

All of us depend on healthy oceans for the air we breathe, the food we eat and the livelihoods our oceans support.

In New Orleans, Happy Johnson works to protect vulnerable urban neighborhoods from future flood threats.

On the Gulf Coast, Audubon Louisiana's Jacques Hebert is working to rebuild wetlands, protect communities and keep Louisianans safe from the rising tides.

Howard and Jessica Brent have planted hardwood trees on thousands of acres of frequently flooded land on their former farm in the Mississippi Delta.

At the University of Minnesota, Don Wyse is developing crops that provide new economic opportunities for farmers and improve water quality in the Mississippi River basin.

For Sandy Nguyen, executive director of the nonprofit Coastal Communities Consulting, the future of Louisiana’s commercial fishery depends on restoration of wetlands. Her organization works to ensure that fishers – who bear the brunt of natural disasters and rising sea levels – have a seat at the table as decisions are being made about long-term solutions to protect the Gulf.

Amy Hudson Weaver is working hand in hand with local fishermen to protect fisheries and fishing families in Baja California Sur. As coordinator of the sustainable fisheries program for Niparajá, a Mexican nonprofit conservation organization, Amy is helping create a network of small fishing refuges that will rebuild fish stocks and ensure healthy ecosystems and healthy communities for the long term.

The Gulf of Mexico relies on a healthy coast, but wetlands are disappearing. The land is vital to recreation, business and wildlife in Louisiana. Right now, we have the best opportunity in generations to secure the health of our coast and its economy for good. We’re working to develop large-scale projects that restore wetlands, barrier islands, oyster reefs and other natural systems.

For more than a decade, Tim has employed several conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality, reduce nutrient loss and prevent erosion.

As owner and operator of Jóia Food Farm near Charles City, Wendy Johnson is literally working at the grassroots level to ensure Iowa maintains a bright future in farming.

In Wisconsin, rancher Rod Ofte practices rotational grazing to keep soil healthy and rivers clean.

For more than 40 years, Ray has led efforts to implement and popularize a more sustainable model of agriculture – one that brings economic benefit while reducing the environmental impact of intensive row cropping.

Roots of Conservation is a series of stories about the people working to address threats to water quality and soil health in the Mississippi River Basin.

As director of the water and wetlands program at Pronatura Noroeste, Osvel Hinojosa has helped lead cross-border efforts to fund the Delta’s restoration and ensure water from the Colorado is allotted specifically for environmental use.

As president of Friends of the Verde River, Chip Norton helps lead a coalition of river enthusiasts working on conservation solutions to improve flows and habitat while protecting communities whose economic prosperity depends on a healthy river.