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Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:

Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy

Illustrated river waves in white
November 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Presentation by Steve Schnarr

Tuesday, November 10th at 7PM

Hosted by Missouri River Relief

It's been 25 years since a group of dedicated mid-Missourians planned and executed a large-scale river clean up in Easley, Missouri in October 2001.

Since then, a lot has happened: hundreds of cleanups, tens of thousands of volunteers, and over two million pounds of trash have been removed from the Missouri River and its watershed. Education programs bloomed right alongside cleanups, then took on a life of their own--now having served over 40,000 students and teachers. More recently, recreation joined the party with the world-famous MR340 paddling race and Race to the Dome, and a Catfishing Gear Library that serves hundreds of curious anglers each year. 

The cleanups, field trips, and races all became vehicles for one crucial mission: connect people. To the river, to the people who live along it, to the species that call it home.

Along the way, this crew of volunteers and staff (sometimes lovingly referred to as "those river rats") have faced plenty of challenges alongside shining moments of success. They've faced questions together like: How do you keep the heart of an organization beating for 25 years without losing what made it special to begin with? How do you sustain a community with a united purpose?

While there's been SO many who've built this organization over the years, Missouri River Relief considers itself lucky to have someone who's dedicated 20 years of his personal and professional life to this mission. None other than our very own Steve Schnarr will take us on this river journey: 25 years on the Big Muddy.

 

Meet Your Presenter

Steve Schnarr

Steve Schnarr

, Missouri River Relief Race Director

Steve Schnarr lives in Columbia, MO. His love for the river developed from years of exploring its waters by canoe. He was drawn to Missouri River Relief as a volunteer at local clean-ups, later serving as an event coordinator, MegaScout coordinator, MRR board member, Program Manager and Executive Director. As Race Director he plans and executes the longest non-stop paddling race in the world.

Event Venue

Name: Riechmann Indoor Pavilion, Stephens Lake Park

Address: 2300 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Missouri River Relief, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.
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