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Education

Programs and Resources

Our education programs are designed to connect students and educators to the magnificent St. Johns River and inspire the next generation of life-long river advocates.

To book a program or for more information click here or call (904) 256-7022.

Programs for Your Class or Group

Can You Swim Like A Manatee And Bark Like An Otter?  
Even our youngest students need to know they play a big part in keeping our river healthy. In your classroom, we will introduce our young audience to a few animal species through books, imaginative movement, and sounds. After meeting these animals, we a will talk about what we can do every day to help keep these animals and their homes healthy and happy.
Designed for Pre-kindergarten (3/4) and Kindergarten
Up to 30 participants, 30 minutes
Suggested Donation $50

My St. Johns River 
Let’s talk about why our St Johns River is the most important natural resource in Jacksonville. In your classroom, we will talk about the distinguished history, essential ecology, economic importance, and issues facing our St. Johns River. Hands on activities available.
Designed for 1st-12th Grade (program will be adjusted based on age of participants)
Up to 40 participants, 30 to 45 minute presentation
Suggested Donation $50

Go Take A Hike! 
Let’s head outside for a 1 hour guided stroll along the banks of the St. Johns River or one of its tributaries. While we are enjoying the outdoors we will talk about The history, ecology, and issues facing our St. Johns River. Hands on activities available. 
Designed for 1st-12th grade (program will be adjusted based on age of participants) 
Up to 40 participants, 1 hour
Suggested Donation $150

All Aboard For A River Exploration 
Hop aboard a 45-foot pontoon boat for a one-of-a-kind river experience! This guided tour of the St. Johns River and tributaries will take you on an ecological journey of Jacksonville’s most important natural resource. While aboard we will look for local wildlife and discuss current issues facing the river. Hands on activities available. 
Designed for 4th –12th grade (program will be adjusted based on age of participants) 
Up to 60 passengers, 2 hours
Minimum Suggested Donation, $700

Please, Take Out The Trash! 
There is no better way to have an immediate and direct positive impact on our St. Johns River than participating in a river clean up. We guide you through a safe and meaningful river clean up while also discussing current issues affecting the health of the St Johns.
Designed for 3rd-12th grade (program will be adjusted based on age of participants) 
Up to 50 participants, 1.5 hours
Suggested Donation, $100

Reading Jane Wood’s Trouble on the St Johns River? 
Our films My St. Johns River, Our Responsibility and The Green Monster mesh perfectly with this book. Supporting activities and outreach suggestions are also available. 

 

Education Resources

Elementary Grades Lesson Plan
This activity is designed to illustrate: the importance of the St. Johns River, the many different uses of water, active ways of conserving water at home, and the important role that storm drains play in the quality of our water.
 

Middle Grades Lesson Plan
This case study, “Our River System in Peril” addresses issues and concerns right in our student’s backyard. The lesson and activities are designed to engage students in issues that effect them and develop real-world problem-solving skills. This case study will empower students to take action and promote positive change in the world around them.

Green Monster Documentary
The massive toxic algae bloom of the summer of 2005 was a wake-up call for many that our St. Johns River is sick. The algae bloom was a signal to public officials and the community that immediate action must be taken if we are to restore the river's health. The Green Monster documents this unprecedented event, examining the cause of the algae bloom and the significant impacts of the bloom on our environment, economy, and even our own health. The documentary also educates viewers about what they can do to help protect the St. Johns River.
Click Here To Watch

Revenge of the River Documentary    
Revenge of the River is an educational documentary film project from St. Johns Riverkeeper that raises awareness about the problems facing the St. Johns River and what needs to be done to restore its health. Revenge of the River begins by updating viewers about what has taken place since the massive “Green Monster” algae bloom of  2005.  As a result of the Green Monster, awareness and concern within the community are at an all-time high and government officials have drafted a restoration plan for the St. Johns, the St. Johns River Accord. But, have we done  enough? Will these efforts result in a clean and healthy St. Johns River?
Click Here To Watch

 

Additional Resources

South Florida Water Management District Water-related resources
Florida Invasive Plant Education Initiative and Curriculum Lesson plans
Florida Geography, History & Culture Lesson plan
Florida Waters 
 A Resource Manual Guide to the history & ecology
"The Fragile Fringe: A Guide for Teaching About Coastal Wetlands"
University of Central Florida 
 Stormwater Education Kit Lesson plans
The Living by Water Project
Wetland-related educational resources
SJRWMD Water Education Site
Games, activities & teacher resources
Splash! SWFWMD
Water-conservation education
River of Words Nature exploration & the arts
League of Environmental Educators in Florida

North American Association for Environmental Education

Education Resources Teacher resources & printable materials
Water Sourcebooks
K-12 Fact sheets and activities
Florida’s Springs
Teacher and student activities
FDEP Water’s Journey
Online expedition through Florida’s waters
Water's Journey 
 The River Returns History, ecology & issues
Project Wet
Florida-based Water Education for Teachers
Earth Force – Protecting our Watersheds
Curriculum & materials
Project Learning Tree
Multidisciplinary environmental education
Healthy Water, Healthy People
Water-quality curriculum
Florida Master Naturalist Program Professional Development
Guana Tolomoto Matanzas Reserve (GTMR Environmental Education Center
Pelotes Island Nature Preserve
Field trip & group programs
Tree Hill Nature Center
Guided tours and programs

Please visit our events page for upcoming educational activities & programs.

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Latest Blog Posts

Save Silver and the St. Johns Forum
Save Silver and the St. Johns Forum
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Legislation Undermines River Protections
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State to Allow More Toxins in Our Waters
March is St. Johns River Month
March is St. Johns River Month

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Get the Guidebook

Learn about the ecology and rich history of the St. Johns River.

Boat Tours

Come aboard the Water Taxi for an incredible guided tour along the St. Johns River.