Sometimes we need to remind people that there’s a river near them. Sure, we may kinda remember something about a river that we think runs near us, but most of us don’t get to that river very often and we sure don’t know a lot about it. That’s why we need those reminders. Enter Wild River Academy.
The Minneapolis-based non-profit was founded to educate communities on rivers and watersheds. One of the ways they do so is by giving people, especially younger folks, an opportunity to get on those rivers and experience them first-hand. There’s no better way to learn about a river than to get on it with an expert.
Each fall, they take learning to a new level by choosing a big river and paddling its length, a program called Paddle Forward. This year, Paddle Forward will canoe the length of the Illinois River. They started on September 6th on the Chicago River and paddled past downtown on Sunday. As the group makes its way downstream, they’ll share their experiences and what they’ve learned with teachers and students in the Illinois watershed.
Adventure learning, as they call it, connects students and teachers with paddlers in the midst of a river expedition. It’s another method of educating students about things like river ecosystems and watersheds in their part of the world. Students can follow the Paddle Forward expedition as it posts blogs, videos, and photos. The paddlers can also visit classrooms where it can be arranged.
You can follow their progress and pledge your support here: http://paddle4ward.com/illinois-river/
And just for fun, here’s a song to make those river miles pass a little more quickly.
© Dean Klinkenberg, 2014
