Fitz Center for Leadership in Community

The 2020 cohort of River Stewards presents Into the River. A children’s book geared for third graders, Into the River takes you on an adventure through the Great Miami River. The creation of this story was a journey in itself.

The writing process began in the fall of 2019 with a series of community engagement events. The Stewards met with watershed leaders, talked with educators, and listened to children. Workshops asked children to draw their favorite memories on the river and to write about those memories. Their words inspired the narrative and their artwork can be found throughout the book. Community visioning events informed the landmarks, lessons, and literary elements included in Into the River.

In the spring of 2020, the Stewards worked collaboratively to write the book and utilized the artistic talents within the cohort. This result was an inventive piece of fiction that incorporates local landmarks, fundamental watershed education, and native species. After seeking and securing grant funding, the Stewards sent — copies to print. These copies will complement RiverMobile education and be distributed to local libraries and schools.

In addition to the print copies, Into the River is available digitally. Please enjoy and share the digital version of the book from this link. To complement the book or a trip through the RiverMobile, a variety of STEM and art activities have been prepared. Enjoy these activities with your trip into the river! Order a copy of the book here.

This book was made possible through the generous support of the Miami Conservancy District, Five Rivers MetroParks, the City of Dayton’s Department of Water, Division of Environmental Management, and the University of Dayton.