Youth Programs and Local Schools
The District believes it is in our best interest to raise well informed decision makers to guide future generations. Over the years, Pelican River Watershed District has provided area youth and students with the opportunity to learn about, and become involved, in the preservation and protection of the resources in our care. Below Rossman fourth graders are presenting to their class the characteristics of a watershed and what type of actions can impact water quality in our area.
Water Festival – The City of Detroit Lakes hosts an annual 4th grade Water Festival each spring and invites the Watershed District, along with other water professionals, to teach students about the importance of water that is swimmable, fishable, and drinkable. In 2022, staff also visited the Wauben school district to teach students there about Watershed Districts within Minnesota.
AIS Education: In 2023, PRWD staff worked with STEAM teachers at Roosevelt and Rossman elementary schools to develop a presentation for 5th grade students. They were taught what Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) the Watershed District is battling locally and how they can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Sucker Creek Education: Each year PRWD staff work with area water professionals to provide an educational experience for local 9th grade students. They are given hands on water quality monitoring experience as well as a classroom experience regarding the pros and cons of developing a beautiful piece of property right in the city limits.
Ike Fischer Farm Tour: This event is hosted by Becker Soil and Water Conservation District for local 5th grade students and explores nature in a beautiful outdoor setting outside of Frazee, MN. Students are introduced to such topics as trees, water bugs, waterfowl, aquatic invasive species, etc. PRWD staff has both presented and acted as tour guides at this event held in May each year.
Becker County Fair: The Fair is a great opportunity to interact with adults and children about local water quality issues. PRWD has a booth in the MN DNR building on the Fairgrounds. A button maker has proven to be a big hit with children who either create their own environmental images or color one of the many available to choose from. PRWD Summer Interns are asked to assist with this four day event each summer.
