K-12 Education

Create a lifelong connection to nature with Rivers Are Alive

Rivers Are Alive Gets Students Outside

Rivers Are Alive is a K-12 environmental education program offered in partnership by Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway throughout the St. Croix watershed year round. Rivers Are Alive offers engaging, hands-on science activities that connect students to this national park and its watershed.

Programs

Plan Your Adventure

for Observation Olympics
K-2

Observation Olympics

Learn what it takes to be a good observer!
Outdoor STEAM
for Out of Place? Intro to Aquatic Invasive Species
3-5

Out of Place? Intro to Aquatic Invasive Species

Take the place of a native species trying to survive in the river!
Indoor STEAM Outdoor STEAM
for What is a Watershed?
3-5
A drone image captures a sunrise over the Phipps Flowage of the Namekagon River

What is a Watershed?

Create a watershed model and figure out what it does when exposed to rain
Indoor STEAM Outdoor STEAM
for Trees for Many Reasons
3-5

Trees for Many Reasons

After diving into The Lorax, act out the history of the white pine in the riverway
Library Program Indoor STEAM
for Who Would Win? St Croix Edition
3-5

Who Would Win? St Croix Edition

Based on the book series, decide which native animal will outshine the rest
Library Program Indoor STEAM
for Make a Mussel
K-5
A young child starts to color a mussel on a sheet of paper using a crayon

Make a Mussel

Imagine yourself as a mussel and learn how the St. Croix is so clean
Library Program Indoor STEAM
Fill Out Our Program Request Form
Every Kid Outdoors Logo

Every Kid Outdoors

4th Grade National Park Pass

Fourth-grade teachers, your students are eligible to receive an Every Kid Outdoors Pass which gets them into National Parks and other Federal sites for free!

Every Kid Outdoors – Contact

Annual St. Croix Youth Summit

Our virtual week of learning, St. Croix Youth Summit, is now available to stream on Youtube. Each year this partnership with Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (NPS) brings virtual learning into the classroom about Riverway biology, climate change, natural resources, and more.

Learn More
Cliffs by the river

Request A Topic

Talk to your Environmental Education Coordinator to learn how we can adapt our programs to fit your needs!

Contact Us

Financial Assistance

Cost should never be the reason why a student can’t get outside. Contact us about financial assistance and bussing scholarships.

Get Assistance

Teacher Workshops

All Education Events

FAQs

What is the cancellation policy?

For non-weather cancellations, we’d like to know whether we need to cancel or reschedule a program within 3 days of the scheduled date. For weather cancellations, the call can be made up until the day before.

Can I continue learning from our Rivers Are Alive field trip in our classroom?

Yes! We have pre- and post-field trip activities for you to do with your students! Contact our Environmental Education Coordinator for more information.

What does my student need for their field trip?

For all field trips, students should bring:

  • Appropriate layers for the weather (a rain jacket, poncho, or garbage bag with holes punched through for the head and arms is a good idea)
  • A water bottle
  • Lunch, if applicable
  • Bug spray (optional)
  • Sunscreen (recommended)
  • Hat (recommended)

For any field trips that have a Let’s Go Mucking program:

  • Waterproof, closed-toe shoes for mucking (old tennis shoes, crocs, water socks, or rubber boots work great)
  • Dry shoes to wear before and after
Is Rivers Are Alive just for schools?

No! We can do Rivers Are Alive programming for any youth group: 4H, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, just to name a few.

Special Thanks to Our Supporters

Our supporters make sure that every learner has a chance to experience our Riverway. Contact us for information on how to support our programs.

Contact Us