Minnesota Youth Waters Project

Early this summer the Minnesota Youth Waters (MYW) project plans to launch its floating classroom into the Mississippi River. The boat is a 43 foot uniquely crafted wooden trawler that was donated for the purpose of getting young people on the river. Youth from ARTech Charter School in Northfield and the statewide Conservation Corps Minnesota summer youth program, along with many adult volunteers are close to having the classroom ready. ARTech is planning on using the boat for its 3 week May Term Rivers and Science Program. The Conservation Corps plans to utilize the boat as a base camp for its youth crews completing critical conservation projects along the St. Croix River.

The focus of the Mississippi Youth Waters (MYW) project is to engage and connect people in restoring, protecting, and improving the ecology of the Mississippi River and its tributaries through educational and hands-on outdoor activities. Conservation education, outdoor engagement, scientific study and research, work skills and team building will all be important elements while engaging people in critical issues and experiencing one of the most important rivers in the world.

This project realizes the importance of partnerships. We have been fortunate to have many good organizations, such as CRWP, who recognize the importance of education and engaging people in hands-on experiences that have life-long impacts. Other partnerships and sponsors include the National Park Service (NPS) - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Program, River Management Society (RMS), Living Lands and Waters (LLW), Conservation Corps Minnesota (CCM), Northfield School of Arts and Technology (ARTech), Minnesota Rivers Revitalization, Inc. (MRR), Friends of the Cannon and Straight Rivers (Faribault) and many businesses and individuals who have been a part of fundraising efforts by donated materials or funds to this project.

In order to be successful we depend on people like you! We have many interesting opportunities for you to volunteer and assist on the floating classroom. If you are interested, we would love to talk with you. E-mail Mary Jo Cristofaro at mjcristofaro@gmail.com or call 651-208-8301.

For more information on the Minnesota Youth Waters floating classroom project please go to our website at: www.mnyouthwaters.org