Rivers, Alive & Changing River guides have the unique opportunity to help people enjoy and appreciate nature.

Think About This More than 97% of Earth’s water is salty. And most of the remaining 3% is in the polar ice-caps. So, rivers, lakes, and underground stores of water make up less than 1% of the water supply. This amount has to support Earth’s population. Take care of our waterways. Rivers are alive with wildlife and vegetation. They support countless species of animal life and provide environments for plants to thrive. Rafting guides spend most of their time working in the beauty and balance of nature. So, if that type of work intrigues you, you’ll benefit by learning all you can about nature’s ways on the rivers. Guides point out natural wonders that would otherwise be missed by the guests in the rafts.

Rivers are always changing. Mastered by gravity, they may flow peacefully, plunge violently, or diligently wear into shorelines. They pick up sediment, travel with it, and drop it somewhere else changing the shape of the riverbed. A river’s course may change gradually over decades, or quickly, but change….it will.

Let’s talk shorelines The shorelines are typically teeming with life, both plant life and animal life. The shallow water and woody debris help protect animals from weather and predators. Trees that fall into the river provide cover for fish to hide, a sundeck for turtles, and a place for birds to rest. The decaying wood is also an inviting home to many organisms. It’s a fact. About 90% of wildlife in rivers is born, raised and fed along the shoreline.

Vegetation Take a look a the photo. Notice all the trees, vines, and other plants that line the banks of the river. Think of a few ways this plant life benefits the river and the surrounding environment.

-The root systems of trees and plants hold the land more steadfast, preventing immediate erosion. -Polluted run-off is somewhat filtered by the vegetation; thus improving water quality. -The shade lowers water temperature. -Provides habitats for wildlife. Some benefits include:

So, rivers and their banks are always a work in progress. And river guides open the eyes of their guests to the beauty, wonder, and surprises of nature on the river.