Support Our Educational Initiatives!
coming soon - Memphremagog science & education center (memsec)
Help us develop a free, interactive exhibit about the science and culture of Lake Memphremagog for local residents, school children, and visitors to the region.
FIELD & WATER RESEARCH PROGRAM – The Field & Water Research Program (FWRP) is a local science educational program designed specifically for elementary school grade students about the Memphremagog Watershed region and the local tributaries that feed into our local bodies of water. The program will utilize The Northern Star sailing vessel and the Black River as its locations for science research. The program is managed by Memphremagog Community Maritime, its staff, board members, and local volunteers. Over 240 students will explore Lake Memphremagog and conduct experiments in the “floating classroom” on board The Northern Star starting in the fall of 2021.
NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE LEADERSHIP – The Next Generation Science Leadership program is designed to introduce middle school students to the Memphremagog watershed through tributary, lake and pond exploration. Students will carry out program activities and field work based on Vermont’s NDSS curriculum standards while working alongside local educators and experts in their respective fields. Each class will complete their environmental science & marine classroom study upon the Northern Star studying Lake Memphremagog and the effects of local practices, environmental and regulatory laws and its impact on this international body of water. In the fall of 2021, MCM will host 120 middle school students from 4 schools in its inaugural program.
WATER RESCUE & UNDERWATER RESEARCH – The Northern Star is partnering with the Orleans Sheriff’s department, Newport City police department, Vermont State Police, local community fire departments, and the Border Patrol organization to support their critical need for water-based rescue training programs. This unique partnership provides these organizations with advanced water-rescue training, water-based research and navigational instruction. The Northern Star will provide both an on-board classroom and physical space for water and land-base training to support the continued education and training for our local safety and emergency officials.
NORTHERN STAR HISTORY TOURS – The Northern Star has partnered with local historian, Scott Wheeler, along with other local teachers and regional libraries to create a multi-media and educational program. This program will use historical photographs, newspaper articles and oral histories by local residents to describe the vast history of our community. The program is designed to showcase the importance of Lake Memphremagog in the development of the City of Newport, and the impact of early trade of goods and services with our neighbors to the north – Quebec. The historical education will include segments highlighting native communities, their histories, and impact on our region through a partnership with local members of the Abenaki community. They will provide a historical perspective on how indigenous people used Lake Memphremagog as a transportation corridor, a water & food source, and as a community resource.
Memphremagog Quality H2O is a local initiative that supports educational programs and activities in the study and mitigation of water quality issues on and in Lake Memphremagog. This program works closely with other organizations, local individuals and various state agencies to promote and preserve the water quality of Lake Memphremagog.
The “DeckHand” Initiative promotes STEM curriculum learning and projects supporting our local watershed. The name came about as a result of a young boy who visited the Northern Star every day, would place his hand on the hull and say “This is my boat, and you aren’t going to leave this lake.” This simple gesture by this young child inspired MCM to develop a “Hands On” learning path sharing maritime history, navigation studies, and water quality issues.
Partial Funding Provided by: North Country Federal Credit Union