"I have spent the last 10 weeks working with the Mississippi Park Connection. A nonprofit created to support the National Park Service in their efforts to protect the Mississippi River and everything connected to it. My journey took place in Minnesota, on a 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi. I think this photo does a great job of emulating the diversity and importance of the river. It is a very important watershed and river that affects a multitude of animals, and ourselves. I was able to connect myself and others to the river, but I was also a part of taking care of the river and all of the wildlife that rely on it which made my summer into an unforgettable experience."