MAPE members build connections on the Mississippi Individuals from three locals and four state agencies spent the afternoon enjoying nature and building comradery

For Region 17 MAPE members, a recent gathering on the Mississippi River offered a chance to step away from the workplace, get outdoors and strengthen connections with fellow public servants.

A flotilla of MAPE members paddled between Clearwater and Becker, bringing together members from all three Region 17 locals and four state agencies: the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture and Department of Commerce and Trade.

DNR botanist and local 1702 member Deanna Leigh took the lead in organizing the event, working with a local outfitter to arrange equipment and planning a potluck for participants afterward.

"This was a great way to pull people together,” Leigh said. “Every time I paddle this stretch of river, I'm surprised by how nice it is."

Nicola Blake-Bradley, a DNR hydrologist and local 1702 steward, agreed that the gathering offered a welcome opportunity to connect outside of work.

“It's wonderful to get together with fellow MAPE members away from our work for a paddle on the great Mississippi,” Blake-Bradley said.

The river provided plenty to see along the way, including a large eagle’s nest and numerous bald eagles. Participants also spotted kingfishers diving into the water, watched blue herons flying alongside them and heard the splashes of smallmouth bass.

Region 17 Director and local 1702 member David Clanaugh also joined the gathering, making a westward detour on his way home to Duluth after Delegate Assembly. He brought along 55 MAPE yard signs to distribute to members across the expansive region.

For Clanaugh, the most meaningful part of the day was the opportunity to connect with fellow members while surrounded by the natural resources they work to protect.

“What I enjoyed most were on-the-water conversations with fellow public servants committed to public safety, environmental protection and public health,” Clanaugh said. "The river itself reminded us that we must band together to secure sufficient resources and workplace conditions to continue this vital work."