We bring learning to life by using Nine Mile Run as a living laboratory, connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
School Partnerships
How do wetlands combat the impacts of climate change? What can aquatic insects teach us about stream health? How do rain gardens work?
These are all questions we dive into with our hands-on, inquiry-based educational programming for students of all ages, from preschoolers to college students.
We deliver in-classroom lessons and lead field trips to the Nine Mile Run stream and our green stormwater sites. Our focus is on schools within Nine Mile Run Watershed communities such as Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Homewood and East Hills, as well as with colleges throughout Allegheny County.
If you are an educator looking to connect with UpstreamPgh, contact info@upstreampgh.org or call us at 412-371-8779.
If you are an educator considering a Field Trip, read our Field Trip FAQ!
Deep Dive: Learn about our educational programming at Hosanna House.
Exploring nature’s colorwheel with Wilkinsburg Library’s summer youth programming
In Homewood, UpstreamPgh partners with Operation Better Block to create service learning opportunities for the youth workforce program Junior Green Corps.
Out-of-School Programs
We also deliver out-of-school time programming in partnership with local libraries and youth groups. Our library programs are generally free and open to the public, and we advertise them on our Events Page.
Nature Backpacks
Check out one of our Nature Backpacks from your local library!
Each backpack comes with everything you need to become a naturalist-in-training, including arts and crafts materials, binoculars and a magnifying glass, and a learning guide on different topics like trees, birds, and insects.
Our backpacks are available at the C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Forest Hills and Edgewood, the Wilkinsburg Public Library and the Eastridge Branch, and the Braddock Carnegie Library.
Youth Volunteers
We welcome youth volunteers with a parent or guardian to help out during our volunteer workdays.
We also collaborate with scout groups and other youth clubs to organize group workdays. If you’d like to set up a volunteer event with your group, fill out our volunteer interest form and select, “organize a group workday.”
