Big River Journey partners at Minnesota Environmental Initiatve Award Ceremony. - FWS photo

Park Ranger Nicole Rankin with Minnesota Environmental Intitative Parntership of the Year Award. - FWS photo

Congratulations to all the partners in the Big River Journey (BRJ), Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Adopt-A-River (Minnesota DNR), Science Museum of Minnesota, Padelford Packet Boat Co., Historic Fort Snelling, Minnesota Historical Society, Friends of the Mississippi River, Mississippi River Fund, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux (Dakota) Community, Project Wet (Water Education for Teachers), Center for Global Environmental Education,  for receiving Minnesota Environmental Initiative's (MEI) "Partnership of the Year" award.

This award highlights the project that best exemplifies MEI's mission of building innovative partnerships to develop solutions to Minnesota's environmental problems. 

BRJ was chosen for several reasons, including that the partnership involves a variety of public, non-profit and private organizations, demonstrates longevity and innovation, models positive collaboration, shows overall quality, and achieves environmental results.

BRJ is an integration of river and classroom experiences that connect 4th-6th grade students with the science and heritage of the Mississippi River, and promote stewardship. BRJ culminates with a riverboat excursion on the Mississippi River featuring hands-on learning stations. Teachers who sign up for a Big River Journey trip incorporate river-theme activities into their classroom.

Pre- and post-trip classroom activities are selected by each teacher from among the many activity options presented in advance teacher workshops. An art contest and workshops allow teachers to explore science activities that provide a foundation for related activities on the river, as well as thematic activities including geography, history, art, and more.