About the Big Muddy Speaker Series

Free Monthly River Presentations in Columbia, St. Charles, and Kansas City

Get to Know the River That Shapes Our Lives

Our Mission

The Big Muddy Speaker Series connects people to the Missouri River through the stories and expertise of those who know it best. We bring together river experts and curious neighbors to explore the history, ecology, and cultural significance of our region's greatest waterway. Every presentation helps build stronger connections between our communities and the river that flows through our lives.

Locations & Partnerships

Experience the series throughout Missouri in three locations. Our Columbia series thrives through a partnership between Missouri River Relief and Columbia Parks and Recreation at the Riechmann Indoor Pavilion. In St. Charles, Greenway Network and Missouri River Relief collaborate to bring presentations to the welcoming Bike Stop Cafe. In various locations throughout Kansas City, Little Blue River Watershed Coalition partners with Missouri Stream Teams and AmeriCorps to host the series.

Expert Speakers

Our speakers include leading voices from the US Geological Survey, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Missouri. Local authors, historians, and regional leaders also share their perspectives, making the river's complex stories accessible to everyone—whether you're meeting the Missouri River for the first time, or you've lived alongside it your whole life.

Community Support

The Big Muddy Speaker Series thrives because our community believes in the power of shared knowledge. Our expert presenters volunteer their time, and our venue hosts donate their spaces to create warm, welcoming environments for learning. This generosity makes it possible to share all presentations free of charge, ensuring everyone can join these conversations about our shared river heritage.