Who We Are
The Ocean River Institute is dedicated to helping individuals and grassroots groups make a difference where they live and work through environmental stewardship, education, and citizen science. ORI brings an international network of voices to advance local actions. Together we are achieving a bluer and greener planet Earth.
The Ocean River Institute practices environmental subsidiarity to assist groups closest to wildlife and natural areas, to educate more widely, and to advance ecosystem-based adaptive management with greater public participation.
Our Name
“Ocean river” is a term used by Homer and Rachel Carson, among others, to describe the connectedness of the natural world. It symbolizes the folly in attempting to separate ocean, river and watershed, which truly are linked as one. We believe in a more inclusive and holistic perspective in environmental conservation. To draw boundaries among ecosystems is not the way of the salmon, the eel, otter or osprey. Instead, we all must recognize the permeability of natural boundaries, as Carson did. ORI believes that we must follow Carson’s lead to understand the complex relationships among oceans, shores, rivers and watersheds, and make environmental decisions based on this greater understanding.
What We’re Doing
At the Ocean River Institute, we are:
- Learning that ecosystems are connected in unexpected ways
- Discovering how we can keep our rivers cold and flowing
- Changing our practices on land to stop pollution of beaches and waterways
- Advancing blue-green legislation – locally, statewide, and in Washington, DC
Visit us at www.oceanriver.org or Email us at info@oceanriver.org
