To revive the Cedar River, we need more people to appreciate its beauty and deep connections with our area’s history.

All of us at the Cedar River Watershed District — which is striving to “Revive Our River” — are grateful for the significant help we received in this endeavor from the Austin ArtWorks Center and the numerous artists and photographers who submitted work.

Our first Cedar River Watershed-themed show at ArtWorks Center recently wrapped up after a successful, nearly two-month run in its beautiful, second-floor gallery downtown. It was an honor for CRWD to partner with this new, major asset to our community.

We heard a lot of positive feedback about the gallery. This show, however, would not have been anything without the overwhelming participation by talented artists and photographers locally and beyond to showcase waterway scenes in the Cedar River Watershed.

History, beauty and creativity all were on display.

We also thank the city of Austin (city hall, library and park & rec) along with the Hormel Historic Home for allowing us to borrow art pieces for the show.

More and more people are using the Cedar River State Water Trail. Hopefully the gallery inspired some to try paddling the Cedar this summer or at least take more time on a trail or park to admire its beauty.

We have a tremendous natural resource here — let’s make sure to enjoy it and do what we can to make our river better.

Tim Ruzek,

Outreach Coordinator for the Cedar River Watershed District