River Rae was born where great rivers come together—along the bluffs, floodplains, and riverbanks of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. From the air, Rae learned to see how the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers shape the land, support wildlife, and sustain the communities that depend on them.

As a dragonfly, River Rae thrives where land and water are healthy. Flying above working rivers, restored wetlands, farms, forests, and public lands, Rae observes how people and nature share this landscape. Barges move goods, farmers care for fertile soils, wildlife finds shelter, and visitors explore trails and overlooks—all connected by the rivers that make this place possible.

River Rae helps visitors understand that these are not just scenic rivers, but working rivers—essential to commerce, recreation, and daily life—and that stewardship ensures they remain strong for future generations. By caring for public lands, protecting water quality, and respecting the balance between use and conservation, we help the rivers continue to work for everyone.

Now serving as the ambassador of the Byway Discovery Center at Great Rivers Park, River Rae invites visitors to look closer, learn more, and discover how thoughtful stewardship of land and water keeps the Meeting of the Great Rivers healthy, productive, and beautiful.