Watershed Field Experience
The Watershed Field Experience (WFE) is a day-long field trip designed to introduce middle and high school classes to watershed education. The WFE engages students in hands-on exploration and investigation of the Whitewater Watershed in order to foster a conservation ethic. Activities are developed to introduce students to watershed concepts and connections to local farm systems, while satisfying educational standards across academic disciplines. The WFE is a part of the free naturalist programming Minnesotan State Parks offer for school and educational groups.
Scroll through this Story Map to get a feel for the WFE.
Here’s what teachers who’ve participated in the Watershed Field Experience are saying:
"The Whitewater Watershed Field Experience was a fantastic opportunity to add to my class that allowed us to learn about the Whitewater Valley and its importance in our local community. Our students had the chance to interact with the staff and learn more about the structure of the Whitewater Watershed, the historical perspective of the valley, and hands-on experience learning about quality of the watershed."
Samantha Selness, St. Charles High School
"The Watershed Field Experience was a tremendous experiential opportunity for our students. It allowed them to apply and experience first-hand the concepts we had discussed in class. Engaging in actual field tests and data collection enhanced and broadened our curriculum standards and gave students an experience we could never have replicated in the classroom. The depth of the program and opportunities to ask questions and discuss concepts allowed the students to really understand what was going on in the history of the watershed. They especially enjoyed being outdoors and actively involved. They gained a lot from the trip!"
Kate O'Grady, Bluffview Montessori
"Our students have participated in the in the Watershed Field Experience at Whitewater State Park for a number of years and have found that the program provides outstanding opportunities for hands-on field based science activities. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn about aquatic invertebrates, water quality, and the physical characteristics of rivers and streams within the beautiful Whitewater Valley. The program builds on the curriculum we use in the classroom related to water quality, groundwater, and Karst, which are all of key importance to everyone who lives in Southeast Minnesota."
Greg Anderson
Rochester Montessori School
To prepare for the WFE, watch this Google Earth flyover video previewing the Whitewater Watershed with your class. Be sure to turn on the captioning!
Questions? Interested in scheduling a field trip? Email Sara at [email protected]