On May 5th, 2024 (National Drinking Water Week), Jenny O’Connell and photographer Andy Gagne are setting out on a source to sea expedition, kayaking 100 miles via the Crooked River to Casco Bay with a small team of environmentalists and adventurers.

The watershed we’ll paddle provides 1 in 6 Mainers with drinking water that is naturally filtered through the surrounding forests, but increased deforestation caused by Maine’s recent development boom could have a big impact on clean water. It’s a rare environmental story where humans haven’t destroyed the natural system yet…but the threat is real.

Our mission is to transport our audience into the watershed, demonstrating how the rivers, forests and wildlife are all so connected to the faucet, and to highlight the many people and organizations who are working together in unique and creative ways to protect Maine’s forests and waters for future generations.

We’ll be publishing this story in photos and writing, and Maine Mountain Media is making a documentary about our journey.