School Field Trip Program at a Glance:

MCA’s programs bring STEM education to life, reconnecting students with an urban river that embodies hope, resilience, and resurgence. Once declared the most endangered urban river in North America and considered biologically dead, Mill Creek is making a remarkable comeback. Through hands-on field experiences students will engage in collaborative, inquiry-based learning while exploring the ecological impact of restoring urban waterways.

As the only organization in Southwest Ohio integrating outdoor environmental education with stream restoration, MCA offers a one-of-a-kind, interdisciplinary experience. Along the riparian banks of Mill Creek and its tributaries, students will participate in immersive activities that may include ecological field studies, water quality investigations, habitat restoration, fishing, hiking, or service-learning projects.

By engaging directly with the watershed, students will witness firsthand how science, engineering, and conservation intersect to support the health of our local ecosystems. Whether collecting data, observing wildlife, or contributing to restoration efforts, they will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of urban stream revitalization.

Goal:

Participants in the EE program will understand Mill Creek’s history of management practices while learning about the river’s great story of resurgence. Students are to engage with their natural resources, gain skills in laboratory sciences, and connect this digitized generation to the wonders of the Earth in our backyard.

Lesson Topics