Future Guardians: Students connect with local waterways.

KISTERS partners with unique floating classroom to sustain nature-based learning for youth.

With the vibrant Pacific Flyway as a backdrop, Wilderness Inquiry and its Canoemobile program offered youth and families a unique opportunity to explore their local waterway and build self-confidence. Bridging the gap between classroom and nature science, Canoemobile returned to the Cosumnes River Preserve outside of Sacramento, California — proving that connecting and cultivating next-generation environmental and water stewards won’t be easily undermined by financial cuts.

Experiences personalize learning

At the preserve, the outdoor adventure transformed into a dynamic, floating classroom. Biologists from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service showed students how to identify various bird species utilizing wing samples from the historic Migratory Bird Parts Collection Survey. Students also analyzed waterfowl decoys to discern subtle physical variations, turning a lesson in biodiversity into a hands-on detective game.

Following a riparian walk on the water’s edge, students got their hands dirty. Planting native purple needlegrass seeds supports local habitat restoration. Over the summer, seeds will grow into seedings, which will be planted by another group of students in the fall. Volunteers taught students how to use compasses, while California Fly Fishers Unlimited provided patient instruction on the art and sport to potential new anglers.

For the majority, lessons on the water were the biggest benefit. Sutter County 7th graders reported canoeing as cool, especially if they discovered that they were good at it. Others noted insights into historical Miwok culture and edible plants. Some 6th graders said a rare otter sighting was a highlight.

Consistency, key to learning 

Galt Joint Union Elementary School District and Marcum-Illinois Union Elementary School District were able to continue the beloved Canoemobile annual tradition established in 2015. This event marked the program’s exclusive California stop for 2026 as KISTERS Future Guardians sponsorship initiative stepped in to sustain this privilege for youth from such small rural communities.

Courtney Brazil, Assistant Principal with MIUESD, reflected on the day, “This is an annual favorite for our school community – not just with the students, but for parents as well! The program is so well run. We were excited to share our day with one of our neighboring schools this year, so their students could share in the nature-based learning and experiences. After hearing about the cuts to available grant funding, it is even more incredible that this program was able to continue on this year… If you know 7th grade, you know it can be difficult to get them to think anything is cool – but they had some great takeaways!”

Everybody belongs outdoors

Support from KISTERS also brought a new partner to the waterway. Guided by the fundamental belief that “Everybody belongs in the outdoors,” Wilderness Inquiry scheduled a dedicated time for adult clients of the County of Sacramento’s Therapeutic Recreational Services.

Time on the river for people with different abilities resonated deeply with County staff who expressed gratitude for the intentional care, “From ensuring everyone was properly fitted with life jackets to clearly teaching paddling techniques, you made the experience both accessible and enjoyable for all participants. Because of your efforts, this trip was not only successful but truly memorable. We would be thrilled to explore the possibility of making this an annual event and continuing our partnership in the future.”

This inclusive experience underscores that water is a shared resource requiring a shared community.

“A brief paddle can spark a passion which can become a career. Water touches everyone and Canoemobile teaches that everyone has a part in water management and sustainability,” noted Becca Emery, Marketing Manager for KISTERS North America

Inspiring the Next Generation of Global Leaders

At the heart of the KISTERS Future Guardians global sponsorship initiative is the vision of inspiring and educating the next generation of environmental leaders by forging impactful partnerships at community and regional levels. Together, we are on a mission to empower children and adolescents with information, tools, knowledge, and confidence to address pressing environmental issues. From coastal regions and lakes to forests and fire-prone landscapes, KISTERS is working to make critical environmental data accessible so that communities can adapt, act and thrive.

The initiative’s first partnership, with the Collaroy Breakers in Sydney, Australia, established the Cadets Program. Local young people aged 13 to 18 are given the opportunity to develop practical surf lifesaving skills, gain leadership experience and build personal resilience. Beach activities, teamwork challenges and community service promote personal development and community engagement, both on and off the beach.

Whether they navigate surf or paddle tranquil waters, these programs provide young people with opportunities to develop skills necessary to lead and manage the world they will inherit.

Help KISTERS and our partners raise more future guardians.