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Friends of the Shiawassee River is here to share the wonders of our local river and the natural resources it supports. Working alongside teachers, schools, homeschool groups, and youth organizations, we enhance existing curriculum through engaging, hands on learning experiences that connect students to the world around them. Our favorite classroom is right in students’ own backyard the Shiawassee River.
The Shiawassee River stretches approximately 110 miles from its headwaters near Holly to Chesaning, flowing north through Oakland, Genesee, Shiawassee, and Saginaw Counties before ultimately reaching Lake Huron through the Saginaw Bay watershed. The river’s watershed encompasses more than 1,200 square miles (approximately 768,000 acres) and supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife and habitats. Students may learn about river otters, bald eagles, great blue herons, wood ducks, painted turtles, freshwater mussels, dragonflies, and the tiny macroinvertebrates that help scientists measure water quality.
Whether in the classroom or along the riverbank, we provide the tools, knowledge, equipment, specimens, and expertise needed to bring science, conservation, and environmental stewardship to life. Our educational programs are designed to grow with students, beginning with Imagination (Grades 3–5), where wonder and curiosity spark an interest in nature; Discovery (Grades 6–8), where students become river detectives and learn to ask questions and find clues; Exploration (Grades 9–12), which introduces deeper scientific learning, field work, and career pathways; and Stewardship (AP/Honors), where students develop leadership skills and learn how to protect and advocate for the natural resources of the Shiawassee River watershed.
By connecting learning to a local resource students can see, touch, and experience firsthand, we help transform the Shiawassee River into a living classroom that inspires curiosity, knowledge, and lifelong stewardship.
Designed to spark a lifelong appreciation for nature, Imagination introduces students to the magical wonders of the Shiawassee River through engaging stories, hands-on activities, and interactive learning. Students discover native plants and animals, explore habitats, learn about river ecosystems, and gain an understanding of why clean water matters. Programs are tailored to elementary learners and may include classroom presentations, educational displays, specimens, activities, and age-appropriate outdoor exploration opportunities. |
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Asking Questions and Finding Clues Discovery encourages students to think like scientists and river detectives. Through hands-on investigations, students learn how to identify macroinvertebrates, recognize invasive species, observe wildlife, and evaluate habitat health. Activities focus on critical thinking, observation, and problem-solving while introducing real-world environmental concepts. Programs may include classroom instruction, field experiences, water quality demonstrations, species identification, and interactive investigations aligned with middle school science standards. |
Deeper Learning, Field Work, Science, and Career Pathways Exploration provides students with opportunities to engage in authentic environmental science and natural resource studies. Participants learn field sampling techniques, ecological monitoring methods, watershed concepts, conservation practices, and data collection procedures used by scientists and resource professionals. Programs may include classroom presentations, field investigations, stream monitoring activities, career exploration discussions, and opportunities to participate in community-based science projects. |
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Leadership, Conservation, and Giving Back Stewardship challenges students to apply their knowledge through leadership, research, and conservation action. Participants explore environmental issues affecting the Shiawassee River watershed, develop solutions, and contribute to meaningful projects that benefit local natural resources. Opportunities may include advanced field studies, independent or group research, habitat improvement projects, volunteer service, public education initiatives, mentorship, and collaboration with conservation professionals. Students leave with a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and the skills needed to become future conservation leaders. |
The Friends of the Shiawassee River is committed to providing affordable, high-quality environmental education experiences for schools and community organizations. Program fees help support educational materials, instructor time, and the continued development of Place-Based Education opportunities throughout the watershed.
Program Fees
- Classroom Presentations: Starting at $80 per program
- Field Experiences: Starting at $100 per program
- Donations: Help us make a lasting impact in our community.
Fees may vary based on travel distance, program length, number of students, and specialized activities.
Registration
Programs are available throughout the school year and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
To schedule a program:
- CLICK here to complete the Educational Program Request Form
- EMAIL Info@ShiawasseeRiver.org
- CALL 989-723-9062
Financial Assistance
Limited scholarship funding and reduced-cost programming may be available for schools and organizations with demonstrated financial need. Please contact us to discuss available opportunities.
Program Requirements
- Classroom programs are designed for individual classrooms or grade-level groups.
- Outdoor field experiences require appropriate adult supervision.
- Programs may be modified due to weather or site conditions.
Contact Us: Phone: (989) 723-9062 | Mailing Address: Friends of the Shiawassee River | Office Address: Friends of the Shiawassee River |
