This week on Sustainability Now!, your host, Justin Mog, floats down the river with The Ohio River Way's New Deputy Director, Molly Pope! Molly paddled her way into this new role back in February 2026, after working at Thomas More University’s Ohio River Biology Field Station, where she led outreach, supported research and operations, and helped bring big community events to life (including “Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River”). With a strong background in freshwater science and leadership, and a deep love for the Ohio River Basin, Molly has been a fantastic addition to the team. She is an avid swimmer in the Ohio River and is especially excited to help grow adventure tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region. As Deputy Director, Molly plays a key role in supporting organizational growth, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the Ohio River Way’s mission to connect people, places, and experiences along the river. Read more about Molly at https://www.ohioriverway.org/news/welcome-molly. Learn more about Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River: Concert for Conservation coming up on Saturday, July 25, 2026, 3-9 p.m. at the Thomas More University Biology Field Station and get tickets at https://www.thomasmore.edu/academics/explore-campus/biology-field-station/concert-for-conservation/ Tune in for stories from the sixth annual Ohio River Way Challenge - their longest route yet - which had to postpone the third week due to heavy rain, but was still able to significantly expand their floating lab program and student internships, and it was first thru-paddle since designation as a National Water Trail (NWT). Learn about this designation, which was years in the making, and recognizes recreational assets of the river, and puts the river on the map nationally as a destination. We also talk about overcoming the river's dirty reputation and getting people to see the Ohio River as a tourist destination, with lots of great opportunities in Louisville to engage with river recreation - sailing, rowing, paddling, etc. We also get an update on progress around The Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act in Congress, and some exciting planning work around the ultimate vision for a greenway along the entire river connecting cultural, land, and water trails. Several planning studies are underway to analyze recreational access gaps, potential land conservation opportunities, and ways to link existing bike routes and trails Get involved in YOUR Ohio River Way at the upcoming summit in Ironton, Ohio Sept. 30-Oct. 2, or join coalition meetings, or a committee! Molly also recommends these resources:
1. Ohio River Way website: https://www.ohioriverway.org/ 2. TMU Biology Field Station Concert for Conservation Tickets: https://form.jotform.com/240215276736153 3. NOAA River Level Gauges: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/MLPK2 4. ORSANCO Weekly Water Quality Report: https://www.orsanco.org/data/weekly-ohio-river-water-quality-report/ 5. Ohio River Visitor's Guide Ad Sales: https://form.jotform.com/260354900967058 6. Ohio River Way Summit Webpage: https://www.ohioriverway.org/2026-summit As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at https://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at https://appalatin.com
