Crossing America visited Voyageurs National Park!

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 1 pm ET, we hosted a special LiveStream with Ranger Mark and Friends, diving into the rich history, culture, and winter activities of this remarkable northern park! 🎥✨
📚 We also introduced an exciting Engineering Design Challenge: Could students design a Winter Recreation Safety System for activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling in a park like Voyageurs? The challenge encouraged creative solutions that ensured safety while protecting the natural environment, focusing on minimizing human impact and enhancing responsible winter recreation.
It was an incredible virtual adventure, celebrating the beauty and wonder of Voyageurs National Park in winter!

CLICK BELOW FOR THE ENGINEERING
​DESIGN CHALLENGE!

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Voyageurs National Park: Dark Skies and Light Pollution
Objective: Teach students about the importance of dark skies at Voyageurs National Park and how light pollution affects both people and wildlife. 
Activity:

• Show images of Voyageurs' famous dark skies and introduce the concept of light pollution.
• Provide data on how light pollution from cities impacts nocturnal animals and stargazing experiences.
• Have students create a map showing areas of high and low light pollution around Voyageurs and their own community.
• Discuss the benefits of preserving dark skies for both human enjoyment and wildlife health. 

Discussion: How does light pollution affect nocturnal wildlife? Why are dark skies important for parks like Voyageurs? What can communities do to reduce light pollution?

History of Voyageurs National Park: From Fur Trade to Conservation
Objective: Explore the history and culture of Voyageurs National Park, from the fur trade to modern conservation efforts. 
Activity:

• Introduce students to the history of the park, focusing on the voyageurs, fur trade, and the park’s name origin.
• Show historical maps and images of the fur trade routes used by French-Canadian voyageurs in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Have students create a timeline of key historical events in the park's development, from the fur trade era to its designation as a national park.
• Discuss the role of Indigenous peoples in the history of Voyageurs and how their stories are preserved today. 

Discussion: How did the fur trade shape the region that became Voyageurs National Park? What role did Indigenous cultures play in this history? How has the park transitioned from historical trade routes to a protected natural space?

Ojibwe Winter Storytelling: Culture and Conservation
Objective: Explore the cultural significance of winter storytelling among the Ojibwe people and how it reflects their connection to the natural environment in Voyageurs.
Activity:

• Share traditional Ojibwe winter stories and explain their role in passing down cultural knowledge during the colder months.
• Discuss how the Ojibwe people have lived in harmony with the land, adapting to winter and respecting natural cycles.
• Have students write or illustrate their own winter story inspired by the Ojibwe tradition, focusing on a lesson about nature or conservation.
• Connect storytelling to modern conservation efforts in the park, explaining how stories can inspire people to care for the environment.

​Discuss the role of cultural traditions in preserving both history and the natural world. Discussion: How do Ojibwe stories reflect their understanding and respect for nature? What can we learn from these stories about conservation and living in harmony with the land? How can storytelling be a powerful tool for environmental education?​

Watersheds and Winter Ecosystems: Frozen Lakes and Flow
Objective: Teach students about the watershed system in Voyageurs National Park and how freezing temperatures affect water flow and ecosystems during winter.
​Activity:

• Show students images of Voyageurs' frozen lakes and waterways during winter.
• Explain how water flows through the park in different seasons and how the frozen landscape impacts the movement of water, wildlife habitats, and nutrient cycling.
• Provide data on water flow rates and temperature changes during the winter months.
• Have students create diagrams showing how water moves through Voyageurs in winter versus summer, focusing on how ice affects the flow.

​Discuss how climate change may impact winter ecosystems and water systems in the park. Discussion: How does the freezing and thawing of lakes in Voyageurs impact the ecosystem? What challenges do animals face in the winter months when water is frozen? How might climate change alter these processes?