Our New River Gorge LiveStream was a Huge Success!

Crossing America Visited New River Gorge National Park and Preserve!

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Crossing America took a virtual journey to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for an unforgettable LiveStream with Ranger Lori and Friends! Together, we explored the park’s stunning Appalachian landscapes, rich history, and one-of-a-kind ecosystems.

Students dove into the diverse habitats of the gorge—from lush forests to rocky cliffs—and discovered the incredible wildlife that thrives in this ancient landscape. Ranger Lori shared the fascinating story of the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and how its powerful flow carved the dramatic gorge we see today.

We also learned about the park's community science projects, where everyday visitors can help collect data and contribute to real environmental research. And we couldn't leave without celebrating the iconic New River Gorge Bridge—a feat of engineering and one of the longest and highest steel arch bridges in the world!

To bring the experience home, students were challenged with an Engineering Design Challenge: to create a bridge or structure that reflects the spirit of the New River Gorge Bridge but solves a need in their own community. Whether it was a pedestrian walkway, a wildlife crossing, or a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact, students were invited to dream big and build with purpose.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this inspiring and educational adventure.

CLICK BELOW FOR THE ENGINEERING
​DESIGN CHALLENGE!

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New River Gorge: The Formation of One of the World's Oldest Rivers
Objective: Teach students about the geological formation of the New River and its importance in shaping the landscape of New River Gorge National Park.
Activity:

• Show images of the New River and its surrounding gorge. Explain the geological forces that shaped the river, making it one of the oldest in the world.
• Provide data on erosion, sediment flow, and the age of the river compared to other major rivers.
• Have students create a timeline or diagram illustrating how the New River has carved its path through the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years.
  
• Discuss the role the New River plays in the local ecosystem and how it has impacted human settlement.
  

Discussion: How did the New River form, and what makes it unique? How does the river’s age impact the ecosystem around it? What can we learn about geology from studying the New River?

Ecosystems of New River Gorge: Biodiversity in a Rugged Landscape
Objective: Explore the unique ecosystems of New River Gorge National Park and how the park’s rugged landscape supports diverse plant and animal life.
Activity:

• Show images of the park’s various ecosystems, from its forests to its rivers and cliffs.
• Provide data on the different species of plants and animals found in the park, including any threatened or endangered species.
• Have students create an ecosystem web that shows the relationships between species in New River Gorge, highlighting keystone species and the balance of the ecosystem.
  
• Discuss the role of ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity and the challenges faced by conservationists.
  

Discussion: How do the different ecosystems of New River Gorge work together to support biodiversity? What are the threats to these ecosystems, and how can they be protected? How does the rugged landscape of the gorge create unique habitats?

Community Science at New River Gorge: Citizen Scientists in Action
Objective: Introduce students to the concept of community science and how New River Gorge National Park engages citizens in important research projects. 
Activity:

• Explain the concept of community science, where everyday people participate in scientific research to help parks and other organizations gather data.
• Show examples of community science projects at New River Gorge, such as water quality testing, wildlife monitoring, or plant identification.
• Provide data on a real community science project in the park and ask students to analyze the results.
• Have students brainstorm and design their own community science project for their local area, considering how they could contribute to conservation efforts. 

Discussion: How does community science help national parks like New River Gorge? What role can citizens play in protecting and studying the environment? How can students get involved in community science in their own neighborhoods?

The Culture of New River Gorge: Human History and Its Impact on the Land
Objective: Teach students about the human history of New River Gorge, from Indigenous peoples to coal miners, and how their activities have shaped the land.
​Activity:

• Show images of historical landmarks in New River Gorge, including coal mines and Indigenous heritage sites.
• Provide information on the history of human settlement in the region, focusing on the extraction of natural resources and its environmental impact.
• Have students create a timeline or map that shows the different periods of human activity in the gorge and how these activities have altered the landscape.
  
• Discuss the balance between preserving history and protecting the environment.
  

Discussion: How has human activity, from Indigenous peoples to coal mining, shaped the landscape of New River Gorge? What are the challenges in balancing historical preservation with environmental conservation? How does the history of the region influence its future?