Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Environmental Stewards
Journey of Water
The Journey of Water: CSI's Youth Education Series
Journey of Water is a hands-on learning series consisting of 12 programs that invites children and families to explore how water moves through our lives—from local streams and creeks to the tap and back again.
Designed primarily for children ages 5–12 and welcoming to learners of all ages and backgrounds, the program offers fun, safe, and inclusive experiences that spark curiosity, joy, and connection at no cost. Through outdoor exploration, simple science, and real-world examples, participants build an understanding of water systems, strengthen their relationship with local waterways, and begin to see how their actions play a role in protecting the water we all depend on.
Why it matters
Water connects every part of our lives—from the places we play and learn to the systems that deliver clean water to our homes. Understanding where water comes from, how it moves through natural and built systems, and how human actions affect water quality is essential for healthy communities and resilient ecosystems.
By engaging young learners and families in place-based, hands-on experiences, Journey of Water builds the knowledge, confidence, and sense of responsibility needed to care for local watersheds today and into the future.
Registration will open in May 2026!
Wild Wetlands, Fantastic Filters
Water Quality Monitoring Cruises
on Cayuga Lake
From Creek to Faucet/
From Lake to Faucet
Stream Biomonitoring Fun!
Farm Tours
Down the Drain and Into the Lake
The Journey of Water youth education series is made possible through the generous support of the Park Foundation and the M&T Charitable Foundation. Their investment allows CSI to offer these engaging, hands-on learning experiences free of charge, removing barriers to participation and connecting young people and their families to local water resources and the systems that manage them. Each year, dozens of children—and the adults who accompany them—gain meaningful, place-based water science learning opportunities at no cost.
Together, the Journey of Water programs provide local youth with a strong foundation in water management by drawing on CSI’s in-house scientific expertise and long-standing partnerships with state agencies and local organizations. This collaborative, community-centered approach helps participants understand how water systems function in their own region and why informed stewardship matters.
