Students Go on Quest to Learn About St. Louis River Estuary

This Year Marks 25 Years Since the Event Started

DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,500 students hopped aboard the Vista Star and visited the Pioneer Hall of the DECC for a special day of hands-on learning, provided directly by experts of the St. Louis River Estuary.

Both the Vista Star and the DECC had six learning stations each, hosted by volunteers — some from organizations like Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and the Minnesota Sea Grant Program.

“It used to be a great excuse for a field trip to get on the vista star and have a harbor cruise. And now, it’s much more of an integral learning experienced tied to what the teachers are already teaching in science and social studies,” said Adele Yorde, president of the Board for River Quest.

The learning stations covered a wide range of topics like pollution prevention, stopping aquatic invaders, and industrial water use. It was a good chance for kids to get out of the classroom, while still learning.

“It’s like more interactive you can get more out of it because you’re touching and feeling different materials,” said Justin Fouts, a student from Cathedral School.

The program’s mission is to educate children, so they can grow up to help protect the St. Louis River Estuary.

More than 23,000 students have participated in the River Quest since it was first created.