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Izaak Walton League of America

Youth

Creek Freaks

WHAT IS A CREEK FREAK? Creek Freaks are making a splash to help the environment. Each session takes youth outside to explore local streams and learn how healthy trees, shrubs, and grasses protect clean water and wildlife. Kids are then empowered as local stream experts and are encouraged to continue advocating for and working to improve water quality.

This program is great for anyone working with youth, from Izaak Walton League chapters to after-school programs and summer camps. 

  • Want to start an outdoor education program but don’t know where to start?
  • Looking for hands-on activities for your classroom or an existing youth program?
  • Have you been looking for a way to share your love of the outdoors with kids in your community?

Video: Experience Creek Freaks

Creek Freaks could be the answer! The Izaak Walton League can offer you several ways to get started:

  • Materials. Visit the Creek Freaks Web site to download the curriculum and extension activities. The Web site also is a place where you can post data, videos, photos, and stories about streams and learn about other streams in your community.
  • Attend a training. The Izaak Walton League runs two-day comprehensive training on all of the hands-on indoor and stream monitoring activities for the Creek Freaks program. The training will include a basic overview of stream ecology, guidance on how to manage the logistics of conducting on-going youth programs, and hands-on training in conducting activities from the Creek Freaks curriculum. E-mail the League's Save Our Streams program at sos@iwla.org for information about upcoming trainings.

  • Monitoring How-To Videos. The League has YouTube videos that walk you through biological and chemical monitoring so you can get started or brush up on your protocols!

This program is a partnership of the Izaak Walton League of America, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and U.S. Forest Service.

Students Enthusiastic About Stream Education

Dwight Lydell (Michigan) Chapter member Bob Stegmier took a group of middle school students on a stream adventure they won’t soon forget. But don’t take our word for it – read the students’ essays about their experiences. (“Adrenaline rush” is rarely a phrase we hear from our adult stream monitors!)

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Additional Resources

  • Water Words

    Need the details on your watershed? Want to know what an aquifer is? We've got you covered – with water.

  • Save Our Streams Data Forms

    Ready to find out whether your local stream is safe to swim and play in? Download these data forms and instructions to get started.

  • IWLA How-To Guides

    Follow our step-by-step guides to simple conservation projects to start making a difference in your community.

  • Resources for Conserving Streams and Wetlands

    Whether you’re new to stream monitoring or an experienced water wader, the League has the resources you need to succeed.

  • Save Our Streams (SOS) Monitoring Equipment

    You will need a few specific pieces of equipment for stream monitoring. We have all the details plus where to get them for a reasonable cost.

Izaak Walton League of America

© 2015 Izaak Walton League of America

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