RiverDays

A RiverDay is...

A day of learning, protection, and inspiration around our river.
RiverDays is a collaboration between Connecticut RiverFest, Natural Resources Conservation Districts, town conservation committees, and schools. Each day-long event offers educational and artistic explorations at the water's edge, hands-on restoration / protection projects, a river honoring, and stewardship education for landowners.

The objectives of RiverDay are to:

1. Encourage conservation commissions, schools and community members to collaborate in education, stewardship and celebration of their part of the river
2. Inspire towns to plan an on-going relationship with their river
3. Directly involve students, teachers, and parents in honoring and celebrating the life of the river, leading to an increased awareness of important river issues
4. Effect improvements at specific river sites

Implementation of RiverDay consists of planning with the conservation commission and interested citizens to target river protection projects, and two planning meetings with school faculty. Schools divide their students into mixed age groups; each group rotates through stations where experts, town people knowledgeable in their area of interest, and artists lead students through specific activities, chosen by the teachers.

A RiverDay may involve a whole school or chosen grades K-8. Different age groups may rotate through part-day or all-day workshops, or choose to participate in more than one RiverDay. Parent/community volunteers accompany faculty members with their students. Educational opportunities are available throughout the year.

Workshop Options

Art:

• Clay critters
• River mural
• Water-inspired readings/writings

Music:

• Songwriting
• Making instruments
• River dance

Storytelling:

• Creative writing
• Native American culture
• Poetry

Science:

• Beaver impact
• Nature/river walk
• River ecology
• Macroinvertebrates
• Water quality
• Geology
• Riparian forests
• Watershed concepts
• How water forms land
• Plant identification
• Velocity/boat races

History:

• Native culture
• River uses: past and present, hydropower and environment

Restoration and Protection:

• Streambank stabilization
• Trail building/access to river
• Erosion and buffer zones
• Build and erect birdhouses
• Wildlife habitat
• River issues skits

Recreation:

• Fly tying and casting
• Environmental games
• Canoe trips

Information

Sue Fitch, RiverDays Coordinator
28 Fitch Dr.
Cornish, NH 03745
603-675-9391
fitch002@cyberportal.net

Bonna Wieler, Executive Director
107 Miller Pond Rd.
Thetford Center, VT 05075
802-333-3549
info@ctriverfest.org