The region of the United States situated between the Appalachians and Rockies, commonly referred to as the “Heartland,” plays important roles in the economy and national security of the nation. The Heartland serves as the "breadbasket" of the nation, accounting for more than 60% of U.S. agricultural production. It is home to the nation’s largest aquifer, the Ogallala, as well as three major river systems, the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio. Over the past two decades, this region of the country has experienced an uptick in numerous climatic extremes that have been, at least be partially, tied to our changing planet: extreme drought, derechos, flooding, crippling blizzards, extreme smoke and air pollution, extreme heat/cold, significant declines in groundwater, rapid changes in lake levels, and back-to-back years with record low streamflow values on the nation’s most important and iconic river. These events are not just expensive to businesses and governments. They represent a direct impact to the lives and livelihoods of people who are the backbone and economic drivers of the Heartland and the nation.