Stewardship Project 2022
An amazing trip throughout the Copper River Watershed
What is the Copper River Stewardship Program?
Map of the Copper River watershed boundary.
CRSP is a hands-on program that takes 10 youth from communities throughout the Copper River region on an in-depth adventure through the Copper River watershed.
Participants meet with representatives from a wide range of fields and perspectives along the way, learning about what makes this place so special, as well as the challenges the region faces.
After completing their journey, participants create a unique project to share their experiences with others. This StoryMap is the final project of Jake Stockenhausen, CRSP 2022.
The Headwaters of the Copper River and the start of the CRSP 2022 Program
Day 1
Exploring our new home for the next few days
Willow Mountain Hike
Daily log:
I am from meeting new people and awkwardly doing the name game. I am from burning calves and pain. From spraying layers of bug spray and still getting bitten. I am from unstable rocks beneath my feet. I remember misty mountains and a world laid out at my feet. I am from determination and pride, from sore satisfaction.
A day of adventure to the top of Willow Mountain for a better view of how the rivers have shaped the land
Daily log:
I am from seven types of trees, which is almost too many to remember. From ladybugs 2,000 feet up. I am from 800 miles of metal, from destroyers of plant life and ecosystems. I am from the relief of air conditioned cars and arriving home.
Day 2
Rafting the Gulkana and Copper Rivers
Day 3
Adventure Walk To Find Invasive Species
Learning How Small Culverts Negatively Effect The Fish Population
Meeting with Alyeska in Thompson Pass to See How They Protect the Watershed
Daily log:
I am from barking ravens and chirping grasshoppers. From peaceful silence and watercolor thoughts. I am from natural sunscreen and scars that never heal. From runaways avoiding the layers to flowers dancing in the breeze. From mountains covered in snow and cranberry war paint. I am from pigs who clean the pipes to eagles that soar above all the sights. I am from lakes filled with blueberries and stepping into our next adventures.
Day 4-5
Day 6
Setting Minnow Traps and Explanation Behind the Method
Checking Tunicate Plates
Invasive Species Removal
Daily log:
I am from sweat and showers. From wet misery and rain gear that does nothing. I am from snotty sea grapes and stinky dead fish. From tiny sea stars and fancy crabs. I am from fishing boats and daddys. From bad movie plots and satisfyingly scorched tongues. I am from the excitement of ravenous wolves in the night.
Day 7
Checking Minnow Traps For Invasive Green Crabs
Daily log:
I am from hurled rocks and braided hair cuts. I am from drowned crows and scattered sunshine. I am from bioswales and baby geese. I am from stinging salt water and empty traps. I am from sticky hawkweed and superheroes. I am from forgotten shrimp and crab fights. I am from leaky vans and rivers of ice. I am from bandits and warm cabins. I am from wet clothes and pita bread.
Learning Session At The Native Plant Garden In Cordova
Exploring Carbon Fixers At Sheridan Glacier
Day 8
Day 9
Hiking To The Reservoir
Diving In
27 Mile Picnic Learning Session and Last Goodbyes
Daily log:
I am from rainflies and drowsy eyes. From fun rides to shifting tides. I am from sunny lakes and elodea. From swimming suits and soggy snacks. I am from superhero stewards and signing shirts. From sad goodbyes and happy lives.
Thank you!
Thanks to all who helped make the 2022 Copper River Stewardship Program a great success!
Interested in viewing other student projects/movies from past years? View them here .
This program and the scholarships provided wouldn't be possible without support of the Copper River Watershed Project's Watershed Education Program. If you'd like to help support future CRSP expeditions and help inspire the future stewards of this watershed, here are ways you can help.