Big River Journey Field Trip Volunteer Stations
The various stations for Big River Journey are shown below. For all volunteer shifts, meet at the Padelford Riverboats Landing at Harriet Island Regional Park (205 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul, MN 55107). This field trip runs on volunteer power, we couldn’t do it without all of your help!
Navigation and Mapping
Indoor Activity - Assist students in finding themselves on a local map of the Mississippi River, and then labeling their surroundings on that map. As we travel along the river, volunteers will assist students in identifying natural landmarks (e.g. forest, bluff, confluence), human landmarks (e.g. bridges, buildings, power lines), and navigation infrastructure (e.g. mooring posts, day-beacons, signage). Volunteers will also help with resetting the clipboards between rotations.
Ecosystem Ottersystem
50% Outdoors Activity - Set up/take down a binocular table and assist students in making and recording observations. Students attempt to view the Mississippi River from the perspective of a river otter. Students will record observations relating to habitat, food availability and other factors. Students will discuss how flooding and human interaction affect river otter populations.
Geology Station
Indoor Activity - Assist a park ranger with the presentation of the "Mystery of the Disappearing Waterfall" by passing out and collecting study materials. Assist students in making scientific observations and note taking. In this activity, students examine and describe samples of the three sedimentary rock types (limestone, shale and sandstone) present along the river’s bank. Students will then investigate the movement of Owamniyomni/St. Anthony Falls since the end of the last ice age, and how that migration led to the development of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Bird Station
Outdoor activity - Set up/take down a binocular table and assist the program leader in teaching students about birds, habitat and migration. Volunteers also assist students in using binoculars to view birds and other wildlife. This activity is on the deck of a moving riverboat. Working conditions may include cool temperatures, wind and precipitation. Dress warmer than you think!
Mighty Mississippi Mussels
Indoor Activity – Assist students in activities related to river mussels, water quality and life cycle. Assist students in making observations to ID mussel shells. Students will learn the importance of mussels to the ecosystem and how they serve as indicator species. We will discuss how they were once endangered, but now their population is rebounding. Millions now live in the river!
Flex Volunteer
The flex position will be assigned a station the morning of the trip. For those who like variety! Flex volunteers may even be assigned a different station on the morning and afternoon cruises! Volunteers signing up for this position should feel comfortable assisting all stations: Birding, Navigation, Mussels, River Otters, and Geology.