It is a unique partnership fueled by a common passion for clean water. Aveda and Audubon care deeply about the importance of clean water for the world we live in.  Local Aveda Salons and Audubon Missouri are working together to support our water quality  conservation and education efforts.

Aveda's passion stems from its belief that "there is no responsible alternative to doing business other than through the pursuit of environmental sustainability." Audubon's passion stems from its mission "to protect birds and their habitat for the benefit of humanity as well as the earth's biodiversity." Clean water is fundamental to both organizations. Our partnership is devoted to ensuring that clean water is a right for all and that resources are directed at guaranteeing this right to all living creatures in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.

Audubon Missouri is happy to report great progress as a result of partnership efforts. Since opening the Audubon Center at Riverlands in October 2011, we have touched tens of thousands of visitors, students, and friends. We have established strong scientific monitoring and research programs; worked on important conservation issues associated with our great rivers; and provided thousands of hours of hands-on water and nature education programming, much of which has been targeted to underserved school districts.

At the same time, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center in Joplin has educated tens of thousands of students and visitors. Wildcat Glades also continues to serve a vital role in Joplin's healing after the devastating 2011 tornado, through extra programming and the superb commitment of Wildcat Glades staff.

We have also taken a lead in advocating for Missouri River restoration in the state, beginning with strategic, informed advocacy for the restoration of the river at Jameson Island. Our advocacy success for Jameson Island restoration served as a gateway to consideration of other restoration opportunities along the Missouri River. For example, in the Weston Bend area (another Important Bird Area), we working with community leaders, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners, to advance a river restoration plan that would result in a significant increase in wetland habitat , water quality, and public recreation opportunities on the Missouri River.  That will also create opportunities for bird-watching, furthering Weston's economic development objectives.

But there is still so much work to be done. Aveda's partnership in raising funds for these efforts helps to ensure our continued efforts in conserving our rivers, river habitats, Important Bird Areas, and migratory flyways.

We are so very grateful for all that Aveda does and for the commitment of their fine company to advancing water quality throughout the state, throughout our nation, and internationally.  Thank you, Aveda!