The ever-changing nature of the Mississippi River poses significant challenges for those living behind the levee at Dogtooth Bend in southern Illinois, where increased flooding and infrastructure strain can impact everyday existence.

A promising solution involves nature-based strategies that restore floodplains to better manage water flow and reduce flood risk.

Tharran Hobson of The Nature Conservancy shares insights into collaborative efforts with NRCS and the Army Corps of Engineers to support landowners and implement natural infrastructure, such as reforestation, to slow water and prevent the formation of new river channels.

The work at Dogtooth Bend underscores the need to balance human life with ecological resilience in flood-prone regions.

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.