Bring the Boundary Waters
to your classroom
Our staff will come to your school or youth organization for hands-on environmental education that brings the BWCA to life. We offer a variety of programs for grades 6-12 that meet MN state standards in science, social studies, language arts, and physical education. Topics range from ecosystems and water quality to teamwork and outdoor skills, all of which inspire students to learn more about the natural world.
Distance Learning or
Online Presentations
Due to COVID-19 we are offering free online resources that start at the computer but end in the outdoors. We’ll bring the experts to your screen. Virtual presentations are available on a variety of topics. Kick off your Boundary Waters unit with an introductory presentation from the Friends, or explore a specific BWCA topic with one of our virtual guest speakers!
Sample Lessons
Skull Investigation
Students work in groups to make observations and gather evidence to solve the mystery of: What animal skull is this?
Design a Trip
Students will plot a route, calculate distance, and make decisions about what they can and cannot pack. Depending on the location, they may also learn how to build a fire or portage a canoe.
Humans in the BWCA
Through a number of artifacts, students will learn about the different ways humans have interacted with the Boundary Waters and how human behavior impacts an ecosystem.
The kids were interested right away. To hear and see kids excited about one of my favorite places on the planet is exciting and motivating! The notion of stewardship is vital if we are going to continue to have places such as the BWCAW; what you are bringing into the classroom is a seed, of sorts, that may bloom bigger than you ever imagined!
Highlights of Previous Visits
Take a Canoe Trip
For many students in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters is a remote place they may never have the opportunity to visit. To alleviate that barrier, we are committed to sending young people from underserved communities on cost-free trips into the BWCAW.
Get Your School Involved
For access to our online resources, please fill out a few questions, as it helps us to continue to offer these free resources!
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
