Riverology: A Field-Based Educator Institute

Step into the river system during this immersive, all-inclusive professional learning experience designed to reinvigorate instruction through real-world, field-based learning. Riverology invites educators to examine water systems firsthand while learning alongside natural resource professionals and fellow educators in one of Oklahoma’s most dynamic watersheds.

Held in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Riverology uses rivers and surrounding landscapes as a living laboratory. Over three days, participants will explore water-related phenomena through hands-on field experiences, data-driven investigations, and place-based instruction focused on this year’s new theme: Groundwater. Educators will deepen their understanding of how surface water and groundwater systems interact, and how those connections can be translated into meaningful classroom learning.

Participants will engage in interactive lessons, outdoor investigations, and expert-led experiences that model best practices in environmental education and inquiry-based instruction. Educators will receive standards-aligned curriculum for grades K–8, including a brand-new educator guide from Project WET, along with practical strategies for integrating water education across subject areas.

Riverology is designed to leave you refreshed and inspired. The experience concludes with a guided Illinois River float trip, offering time to reflect, connect, and experience the river from a new perspective—an ideal way to wrap up summer learning.

What’s Included

• Field experiences with natural resource experts
• Standards-aligned curriculum for grades K–8, including a new Project WET educator guide
• Lodging and meals
• Illinois River float trip
• T-shirt
• 24 hours of Professional Development

Workshop Details

• Dates: July 20–22, 2026
• Location: Tahlequah, OK
• Audience: Formal and informal educators
• Format: Field-based, hands-on, outdoors
• Cost: Early Bird $75 (before May 31) | $100 after May 31
• Capacity: Limited to 40 participants

Come investigate groundwater, rivers, and water systems through meaningful field experiences—and return to your classroom with new energy, deeper content knowledge, and ready-to-use resources.

Questions? Contact Us
Jacklyn Smittle, Grand River Dam Authority – jacklyn.smittle@grda.com | (918) 981-8473
Jack Hilgert, Oklahoma Conservation Commission – jack.hilgert@conservation.ok.gov | (405) 613-3835

Register online at bit.ly/Riverology