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South Platte River Environmental Education (SPREE)For over 40 years, The Greenway Foundation has introduced tens of thousands of children to the South Platte River through its SPREE program. SPREE aims to develop a positive relationship between the South Platte River and Denver area youth through school excursions, day camps, weekend events, internships, and summer employment.
Since its inception, SPREE has committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion as an essential component of its work and continues to focus on creating safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces for all Denver youth through each of its programs. The River is for everyone! |
Virtual Excursions - With the realities of COVID and the ever-changing school year, SPREE has grade- specific, FREE, virtual excursion programs for elementary school classes
In-Person Excursions - CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO HEALTH & SAFETY LIMITATIONS - SPREE offers seven grade-specific field trips for students in ECE through 5th grade, each at a different public park along the South Platte River.
In-Person Excursions - CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO HEALTH & SAFETY LIMITATIONS - SPREE offers seven grade-specific field trips for students in ECE through 5th grade, each at a different public park along the South Platte River.
SPREE's Summer Camps and School Break Camps (formerly Holiday Camps) offer opportunities for children to have fun and learn by the river while school is out. SPREE's Leaders in Training program offers middle schoolers the opportunity to learn and have fun at camp while developing their leadership abilities.
Bring SPREE home! Learning SPREE is delivered to your email inbox as a one-time,
online learning exploration and adventure package. With several themes that are for
a range of ages, this program is perfect for siblings or solo work!
SPREE After School - A 4-week after school program that meets one afternoon each week getting students outside and learning in small groups. Next session starts March 3!
SPREE Events - SPREE's fun, free, and family-focused events include Art on the River,
Family Fishing Day, and two South Platte Stewardship Days!
Kids!- Check out tons of activities that you can do outside right here in the city, such as Chomper's Secret Missions, Crusher's Crafts, and more!
About Us - Learn about SPREE's education staff.
Internships & Employment - Learn about the Greenway River Rangers youth employment program, or visit our main employment page.
Program History:
Since the beginning of The Greenway Foundation’s efforts to clean up and revitalize the South Platte River, education has been one of the primary objectives. The SPREE program has grown out of an integration of education with stewardship. The Greenway Foundation believes that providing opportunities for children to experience the South Platte River in a hands on way, to learn about the River’s role in the birth of Denver, and to experience nature in the city are the best ways to ensure that the South Platte is preserved and taken care of for years to come.
Since the SPREE program began in 1982, it has introduced tens of thousands of children to the South Platte River and its tributaries. On SPREE excursions these children learn about the river, its role in Denver’s history, and that the South Platte River was, and still is, Denver’s most valuable natural resource. Last year alone, SPREE educators guided nearly 7,000 learners on environmental education field trips along the most urban stretches of the South Platte River and taught over 700 children at our three summer camp locations.
SPREE Schools
Once SPREE was an established education program in the Denver Public School system, the SPREE School concept was born. SPREE Schools are schools that have adopted the South Platte as a centerpiece of their instruction and curriculum. At SPREE Schools, every student comes on a SPREE adventure each year of elementary school. By the time a student completes their 5th grade year at a SPREE school, they have had six school-based excursions to the River and have developed a meaningful personal connection with the River and its inhabitants. These learners have acquired the knowledge to be educated citizens, critical thinkers, and engaged decision makers, and they have built the skills that they will need to take action on environmental issues.
SPREE excursions are currently offered throughout the school year to SPREE Schools as well as those wishing to participate in select field trips. Excursion curriculum connects learners to the environment through ecology, history, stewardship, and recreation along the South Platte River in Denver. From plant identification to boat navigation, learners on SPREE excursions spend their day interacting and engaging in a hands-on way with Denver’s urban waterways.
In addition to excursions, SPREE hosts five free family events on weekends throughout the year, providing students and their families the opportunity to learn and have fun along the River, and operates two day camp locations offering programs during holidays and throughout the summer.
The future health, protection, and vitality of the South Platte River rests in the hands of the children that The Greenway Foundation serves through the SPREE program. The excursions, events, and day camps help these children build a connection to the River as well as the knowledge and skills that they will need to address future environmental challenges.
Since the beginning of The Greenway Foundation’s efforts to clean up and revitalize the South Platte River, education has been one of the primary objectives. The SPREE program has grown out of an integration of education with stewardship. The Greenway Foundation believes that providing opportunities for children to experience the South Platte River in a hands on way, to learn about the River’s role in the birth of Denver, and to experience nature in the city are the best ways to ensure that the South Platte is preserved and taken care of for years to come.
Since the SPREE program began in 1982, it has introduced tens of thousands of children to the South Platte River and its tributaries. On SPREE excursions these children learn about the river, its role in Denver’s history, and that the South Platte River was, and still is, Denver’s most valuable natural resource. Last year alone, SPREE educators guided nearly 7,000 learners on environmental education field trips along the most urban stretches of the South Platte River and taught over 700 children at our three summer camp locations.
SPREE Schools
Once SPREE was an established education program in the Denver Public School system, the SPREE School concept was born. SPREE Schools are schools that have adopted the South Platte as a centerpiece of their instruction and curriculum. At SPREE Schools, every student comes on a SPREE adventure each year of elementary school. By the time a student completes their 5th grade year at a SPREE school, they have had six school-based excursions to the River and have developed a meaningful personal connection with the River and its inhabitants. These learners have acquired the knowledge to be educated citizens, critical thinkers, and engaged decision makers, and they have built the skills that they will need to take action on environmental issues.
SPREE excursions are currently offered throughout the school year to SPREE Schools as well as those wishing to participate in select field trips. Excursion curriculum connects learners to the environment through ecology, history, stewardship, and recreation along the South Platte River in Denver. From plant identification to boat navigation, learners on SPREE excursions spend their day interacting and engaging in a hands-on way with Denver’s urban waterways.
In addition to excursions, SPREE hosts five free family events on weekends throughout the year, providing students and their families the opportunity to learn and have fun along the River, and operates two day camp locations offering programs during holidays and throughout the summer.
The future health, protection, and vitality of the South Platte River rests in the hands of the children that The Greenway Foundation serves through the SPREE program. The excursions, events, and day camps help these children build a connection to the River as well as the knowledge and skills that they will need to address future environmental challenges.