The title of a recent news blurb, "Root River council sponsoring contest for pictures of river" caught my attention because I, too, grew up on the Root River. Only this is a different river, one that happens to be in SE Wisconsin. The Root River of my childhood is in SE Minnesota. It is a good example, however, of a small-scale community-based engagement effort trying to encourage local people to appreciate the unique sense of place along this particular Root River. Photography is often spoken of as a means to "capture" place and the emotions, memories, and identities belonging to specific locations.

When one thinks of Racine, Wisconsin, one likely doesn't think of picturesque river photography. Perhaps this project will encourage urbanites to appreciate the value of rivers and waterways in pragmatic as well as aesthetic ways. Another example of encouraging people to value "sense of place" as an omnipresent element of attraction and reason for sustained care.