Creeks as Classrooms

In 2008, the Anchorage Waterways Council (AWC) partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)  to develop a hands-on,  'Creeks as Classrooms' model for the Anchorage School District (ASD). Year one built on AWC's relationship and experience with Polaris K-12, where a successful program continued to evolve. Begich Middle School and King Career Center (now King Tech), both located adjacent to Chester Creek, participated in the pilot program along with Polaris K-12. Year two was funded again by the USFWS and the Bullitt Foundation.

Since 2011, ConocoPhillips provided funding to continue the program through 2024 except during the pandemic.  Approximately 5,000 students (K-University) participate every year from a variety of ASD schools as well as UAA, summer camps, and youth and family events (Migratory Bird Day, Potter Marsh Day, etc.).   It's never too early to learn about stewardship of the environment, and 'Creeks as Classrooms' is a great one to encourage it.

 

AWC has funding for the 2024 year thanks to ConocoPhillips Alaska. If you are interested in the program, please contact us.