Imagine standing on a sheet of ice so clear you can see a mile deep into the Earth’s largest and oldest freshwater lake. This is Lake Baikal in winter, the colossal “Blue Eye of Siberia,” and the singular source of the mighty Angara River. For anyone captivated by the world’s waterways, few destinations offer a more profound connection to the lifeblood of our planet than this natural marvel, a testament to freshwater power and a hub for hundreds of rivers.
Eight-year-old Finn Priest-Jacobs has a special connection to the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest. Recently, he helped River Mixer “collect” this waterway, a hands-on introduction to environmental care. But Finn’s involvement is just one part of the Waikato’s story, which includes dramatic geological forces, deep cultural ties for the Māori people, and the inspiring work of Finn’s mother, Ceana, with Outdoor Kid, nurturing future conservationists. Explore the many layers of the Waikato River, seen through Finn’s growing appreciation and the collective desire to protect this vital taonga (treasure).
