Youth Environmental Education

Studies show that in order for the next generation to care about the land, they must understand its value from a young age. Mainspring works closely with schools in the (upper) Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River Basins, summer programs and homeschool groups at many grade levels to encourage hands-on educational activities that allow kids to experience their natural surroundings in a way they can’t inside the classroom.

Aquatic biologist Jason Meador leads this program with the assistance of Skye Cahoon and Mainspring provides all equipment needed. The activities include indoor or outdoor options and meets grade-specific science essential standards.

K-2nd grade

Includes:

  • Fish and aquatic insects
  • Geology
  • Skulls
  • Migrations
  • Trees

3rd – 5th grade

  • Nature games
  • Fish and aquatic insects
  • Chemistry
  • Migrations
  • Skulls
  • Watersheds

butterfly-migration

Middle School

  • Nature Games
  • Fish and aquatic insects
  • Chemistry
  • Water Cycle and human impacts
  • Watersheds
  • Habitats
  • Geology

High School

  • Fish and aquatic insects
  • Chemistry
  • Water Cycle and human impacts
  • Watersheds
  • Habitats
  • Geology
  • Elective Activities
Starting in 2024, we are partnering with Muddy Sneakers to bring a summer camp experience to the Franklin area at our Tessentee Bottomland Preserve. For more information, contact Muddy Sneakers.

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If you are an educator and would like to explore ways Mainspring can help your students learn, contact Aquatics Program Manager Jason Meador.

Watch a video to learn more about Kids in the Creek and the impact it has on them. (special thanks to the WCU Documentary Film Class for the video.)