Celebrating 35 years of the learning celebration!
A Message from Hannah, Events and Program Manager: Transforming Young Lives Through River Education
We’d like to introduce our newest readers and members to our 35th Learning Celebration!! This year, we kick off on September 20th, a traveling environmental education program that journeys along the entire river for three weeks from September to October, bringing crews volunteers, educators, performers and river lovers together to deliver hands-on programming to nearly 1000 fourth graders from 5 counties in the watershed. Since 1990, more than 49,000 children have learned about local wildlife, Piedmont clay, water pollution and how to be good stewards of the land. This transformative field trip takes students away from traditional classrooms to discover the wonders of the river, where they participate in activities that teach them about natural and cultural history, ecology, the water cycle and wildlife, while also learning how pollution affects environmental interactions.
The program aims to show students things they've never seen before—like how a frog interacts with its environment and how pollution disrupts these relationships—hoping they'll carry these powerful memories with them as they grow up to become community members who help protect the Haw River. With about 100 volunteers each year, guiding children along the river trail, the Learning Celebration transforms the waterway into a dynamic outdoor classroom that educates students about river protection and encourages them to engage with nature rather than remaining glued to screens and performing for test results. The program is dedicated to building a community of members who share the vision of environmental protection and preservation, demonstrating that the river is not separate from us but an integral part of who we are.
Some of our most touching moments are when parents, who once attended the Learning Celebration, return with their own children, making this a program deeply woven into our community. From the thrill of touching the river for the first time, to creating clay art from local soils, to identifying native trees, the Learning Celebration is made possible by the generosity of our community and the dedication of volunteers who inspire a lifelong connection to nature in just a few hours. So, jump in with us and volunteer this year to make a difference in local kids’ lives!
