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Big River Systems 
Educational Workshops for Teachers and Interested Citizens
The Department of Natural Resources is proud to support Living Lands and Waters in offering a series of big river educational workshops for teachers and interested citizens. These workshops focus on the function and importance of these big river systems to America. This year's schedule has been expanded to offer a wide variety of workshops ranging in length and specific focus.
Participants will receive hands-on information regarding watersheds and will explore the rich history associated with America's rivers. The workshops highlight regional aspects of these amazing river systems with unique activities and presentations. The program is designed to augment and highlight the growing stewardship movement surrounding our nation's big river systems and providing participants with information on how to become personally involved. Most workshops start at 9 a.m. and finish around 5 p.m. with lunch provided.
Examples of Typical Topics Covered at a Workshop:
- Watersheds: How they work, the river's drainage basin and a "make and take" watershed model.
- The river as a natural resource: Drinking water use, receiving waters for municipal and industrial wastewater, agricultural activities in the flood plain, recreational and commercial fishing, and other recreational aspects.
- Impacts on the river: Nonpoint source pollution (issues and prevention) along with other impacts (solid waste, loss of wetlands, etc.)
- River History: American Indian societies; archeology studies; Lewis and Clark; the steamboat era; and the role of rivers in the settlement of America.
- River stewardship: How to minimize impacts and get involved (Adopt a River Mile, Stream Teams, future cleanups, other educational resources, etc.)
- Boat trips: Whenever practical to allow participants to observe first-hand some unique aspects of the river (clam diving, reforestation efforts, riparian zones, lock and dams, etc.)
2006 River Workshop Schedule
Please visit the Living Lands and Waters Web site for a listing of workshop dates and times.
For instructions on registering for a workshop or more information.
Interested in booking a workshop for your area?
Perhaps your group or organization (4-H, science club, Sierra Club, Stream Team, etc.) are interested in hosting a river related workshop. Living Lands and Waters facilities and boats can accommodate groups with 15-30 participants. Please remember that the calendar fills up fast! For more information on organizing a workshop for your area, please call Tammy Becker, educational coordinator, Living Lands and Waters, (309) 236-0725.
Big River Curriculum
The curriculum for the workshops can be found online. They are in PDF format for easy printing.
Upcoming River Cleanup Events
Feel free to visit www.livinglandsandwaters.org for information about cleanups conducted by Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters or www.riverrelief.org for cleanups on the Missouri River.
