Delta Projects

Yazoo River Basin Project

Our Goals
Protect the Yazoo River Basin by restoring wetlands, improving water quality, and creating resilient habitats for birds and communities.
What We’re Doing
We restore wetlands, advocate for sustainable water management, and partner with farmers and local groups to reduce flooding and nutrient pollution.

The Yazoo River Basin in Mississippi is one of the most ecologically rich and culturally important landscapes in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Its bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and waterways support migratory birds, fisheries, and local communities. Yet, the basin faces mounting threats from flooding, outdated flood-control proposals, and poor water quality. 

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Delta works with partners to protect this landscape through wetland restoration, community advocacy, and sustainable land-use planning. We focus on nature-based solutions—like restoring floodplain connectivity—that provide long-term flood protection while preserving vital bird habitats. By engaging with farmers, landowners, and policymakers, we seek alternatives to destructive projects, such as the Yazoo Backwater Pumps, which would damage thousands of acres of wetlands and diminish habitat for waterfowl and other species. 

This project is part of ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s Flight Plan, linking local work to hemispheric conservation outcomes. Protecting the Yazoo Basin safeguards migratory pathways for millions of birds, strengthens climate resilience, and ensures that communities benefit from healthy ecosystems.