The allure of the Pascagoula River and its tributaries that fascinated him as a boy are now the subjects for an environmental impact photography project that will highlight how smaller tributaries contribute to the last free-flowing river in the United States.
David Jackson will spend the next seven weeks using the Pascagoula River and its tributaries as backdrops for a photography project for Patagonia Clothing and Gear. He has worked for the past three years for Patagonia and lives in Reno, Nevada. Growing up in Hattiesburg along the Leaf and Bouie Rivers, he said he has always been fascinated with the Pascagoula River because of its protections.
“It being the largest unimpeded river system in the United States makes it an incredibly unique resource and worthy of any study possible,” Jackson added, who earned a degree in photojournalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. “I have always wanted to pursue a project that incorporated photography and the analysis of the water at a given point to create a more attainable idea of what impact we and the environment have on water that flows through our state.”
As part of Patagonia’s environmental outreach program, employees are allowed a paid-leave internship to work with an environmental nonprofit. Jackson proposed the internship to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center because of his desire to work in the Pascagoula River watershed.
“I will be working in the smaller tributaries that contribute to the whole of the Pascagoula River,” Jackson said, citing specifically Red Creek, Black Creek and Chunky Creek. “The goal of the project will be to help others understand how smaller rivers affect the whole. We never really see all the tiny creeks that contribute to the larger river.”
During his stay in the local area, Jackson will utilize his photography skills to assist the staff at the Audubon Center with stock photographs to update marketing materials along with working with special events.
“We are very excited about having someone with his skills work with our staff this fall,” said Center Manager Susan Stachowski. “We believe his time here will be beneficial for all parties involved.
Join the staff on Saturday, November 16, from 1-3 p.m. for a sneak peek of Jackson’s photography and to learn more about his project.