Riverology brings together many fields that traditionally have been treated separately: environmental science, history, ecology, tourism, recreation, education, economic development, community planning, engineering, public policy, conservation, arts and culture, and public advocacy.

A Riverologist learns to see the river as a complete living system.

Riverologists study rivers—but they also experience them. They paddle them, walk and bicycle their corridors, explore their history, observe wildlife, test water, restore habitat, create public access, develop sustainable recreation and tourism, teach young people, work with communities, document stories, and help imagine what a river can become.

There is no single road to becoming a Riverologist.

A young person interested in science might study water quality or aquatic life. Someone interested in history might uncover the stories of communities that grew beside a river. An engineer might restore fish passage. An educator might create a river classroom. An entrepreneur might develop a sustainable river-based business. A planner might reconnect a neighborhood to its waterfront. An artist or photographer might help people see a familiar river differently.

All of them can contribute to Riverology.