The Reserve’s education program is a core component of our commitment to elevating the public connection to freshwater resources and the Lake Superior watershed and its estuaries. We utilize place-based and outdoor learning and effective environmental communication and media to support schools, educators and youth in learning about and experiencing Lake Superior. Combined with The Lake Superior Estuarium, an interpretive center open to the public, our education program ultimately provides a vital community resource by strengthening regional schools, encouraging collaboration between communities and supporting the local economy.
Explore Our Estuary!
Let Reserve Education Staff bring the estuary alive for your group or class, request a program today!
Education Staff
Rivers2Lake staff based with the Superior Rivers Watershed Association
Education Interns
Jordyn O’Gara
Education Intern
University of Minnesota Duluth
Sara Rybak
Rivers2Lake and Estuarium Intern
UW-Superior
Teacher Professional Development
Bringing the Lake Superior watershed to life in regional K–12 classrooms
Our signature K–12 education program improves learning through integrated outdoor and environmental education. Through the program, we provide professional development for teachers through field experiences, extended resources and year-long mentoring and support.
Rivers2Lake teachers come from all over the St. Louis River watershed and Lake Superior coast. Browse our story map to get an idea of the scope of the project and what our teachers’ work looks like on the ground before and during the school year.
K–12 & Community Programs
Education News
Scavenger hunt extends Lake Superior Day celebration
Jul 14th, 2020, Superior Telegram
Talk NERRdy With Me: Deanna Erickson
Mar 16th, 2020, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association
Mentoring works: Teachers engage year-round with Lake Superior
Oct 9th, 2019, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Education Resources
The Lake Superior Estuarium
A Gathering Place
for Exploration
With support from NOAA and UW–Madison Division of Extension, the Reserve renovated a disused building on Barker’s Island for our new public learning center, The Lake Superior Estuarium. This new public space has become a destination for residents and tourists alike. Through interpretive exhibits, visitors learn of the interdependence between our local natural systems and economy.
