For the Love of Rivers: The Power of Story in Engaging the Public in Our Freshwater Futures

Freshwater ecologists strive to provide information and tools so that river managers can balance human needs for water with conserving ecosystems.  However, most of this is unknown to the public that provides the political impetus to shape river management.  If we want real rivers in our future, then we must help the public understand what is at stake, what humans value, and what it will take to conserve these ecosystems.  Here I describe using narrative non-fiction writing to draw readers into a story, educate them about how streams work as a by-product, and ask what is essential about rivers that would compel humans to conserve them.  Beyond simply water to drink and grow crops, and fish to catch, humans are hard-wired to seek rivers.  Science shows that they can reduce stress and increase happiness, thereby improving creativity and offering solace in times of great loss.  Building on this science, the power of story is to help humans understand and achieve a deep love of rivers, and in that find reasons to conserve them.