United by Nature Launches the Great American Water Road Trip to Unite the Nation Around its Most Essential Resource
Blair Carlyle, known to millions as Uncle Pappy, will travel 8,000 miles across America to spotlight the communities and solutions protecting the nation's waterways
LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, United by Nature, announced the launch of The Great American Water Road Trip, a cross-country journey designed to bring Americans together around the waterways, communities, and shared resources that sustain everyday life.
The campaign officially kicks off on Wednesday, June 10, at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, where Blair Carlyle, the writer, conservationist, musician, and creator behind his alter-ego, Uncle Pappy, will embark on an 8,000-mile road trip through more than 30 stops to explore America's connection to water. Known for inspiring a nationwide audience through his authentic approach to the outdoors and human connection, Uncle Pappy has cultivated a following of more than one million people who share his belief that nature can bring Americans together. Over his 2 month journey, he will meet with residents, environmental advocates, business owners, scientists, and civic leaders to capture stories of how waterways shape daily life and highlight the solutions helping safeguard them for future generations.
"No matter where you live or what your background is, water is part of your story,” said Blair Carlyle. “It fuels our myths, shapes our landscapes, and creates humankind's most meaningful connections. It's the thing that makes life on this rock possible."
The campaign is built around a simple idea: water connects us. Whether it's the rivers that power local economies, the lakes where families make memories, the streams that support wildlife, or the drinking water flowing into homes every day, water remains one of the nation's most shared and essential resources. Throughout the journey, Americans will be invited to participate through two nationwide activations.
Sign the Van. Sign the Movement.
At every stop, community members can physically add their signatures to Blair’s van, creating a visible show of support for stronger water stewardship. Those unable to attend in person can add their names virtually through the campaign website. Blair will drive every signature to Washington as proof that Americans are united by water and expect it to be protected for future generations.
Join the Pappy Plunge
Every body of water has a story. And everybody has a story with water. At each destination, Blair will jump into a local body of water and invite locals to join him in the "Pappy Plunge." Supporters across the country can participate virtually by sharing a photo or video from the waterway that matters most to them, using #Pappyplunge and tagging @unitedbynatureorg.
Together, these stories will create a living portrait of America's relationship with water and the communities working to protect it. The Great American Water Road Trip is intentionally solutions-oriented. The journey will spotlight innovative conservation projects, restoration efforts, community-led initiatives, technological breakthroughs, and success stories that demonstrate meaningful progress is already underway across the country.
"In a country that often feels divided, water remains one of the few things that connects every single one of us,” said Benji Backer, Founder of United by Nature. “That's why we're taking this message directly to communities across America to listen, learn, and spotlight the people proving that solutions are already happening. The Great American Water Road Trip isn't just about protecting water. It's about reminding Americans that our shared future is worth working on together."
The Great American Water Road Trip will conclude in the Florida Everglades on August 10, 2026. Stories, videos, event information, and opportunities to participate will be shared throughout the journey. For additional information, tour stops, and ways to participate, visit unitedbynature.eco.
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About United by Nature
United by Nature, powered by Nature is Nonpartisan, is a nonprofit building the next generation of America's conservation movement- making conservation fun, gamified, and accessible so everyone has a meaningful way to protect the outdoors they love.
