- Did you know that this National Park, the Missouri National Recreational River, preserves nearly 100 miles of relatively natural, free flowing river?
- Did you know that the past, present and future of Nebraska's and South Dakota's river towns are intertwined with this incredible natural resource?
The educational staff of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) would like to visit your classroom to talk about what the river means to Nebraska and South Dakota and our nation. In 2011, many people along the river witnessed record breaking floods that changed the way our community and the nation saw North America's longest river. In 2019, many Nebraska towns and residents also witnesses losses as the lower Niobrara River (a tributary to the Missouri River) flooded the Village of Niobrara. Perhaps your students have questions about what they have seen and heard. The power of the Missouri or for any river is the power of natural forces to reshape our world every day. River flooding not only reshapes the landscape, it also rehapes the lives of the citizens who live along its banks.
Our rangers have backgrounds in education, and they have experience with preparing programs that meet South Dakota state curriculum standards. We feel that it is crucial for your students to learn the importance of protecting and preserving the Missouri River.
Introducing The Missouri National Recreational River
Our first program will introduce your students to the Missouri National Recreational River while answering the following questions:
Where is the Missouri National Recreational River?
- Why was a stretch of the Missouri along the Nebraska-South Dakota border designated a Wild and Scenic River?
- What is the Missouri National Recreational River's role in this region?
- What does this mean for your students and their families?
- Most importantly: How did the Flood of 2011 change the river
- How does this flood compare historically to other floods?
- Finally, how will the future of the river influence the lives of a generation from this region?
The answers to these questions are complex and our rangers will help your students better understand how the river works and its place in the natural world. Our goal is build awareness among your students of the Missouri National Recreational River and why it is an important part of their future. We hope you will take this opportunity to invite us into your classroom. We feel that you will not be disappointed.
If you are interested in having a ranger come to your classroom, please contact Dugan Smith at 605-665-0209 ext. 28.
