Exploring the Richness of the Mississippi River Delta: MRDI 2024
This summer, the Meraux Foundation once again demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence and environmental stewardship through the Mississippi River Delta Institute (MRDI). Held annually, MRDI is a free professional development program tailored to inspire and equip teachers in the St. Bernard Parish area. In the past, it has included unique programs both at the Mississippi River’s delta, the urban and natural setting of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and its headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota, fostering a deeper connection between these geographically distant yet intrinsically linked environments. For the first time this year, St. Bernard educators who attended the Mississippi River Institute (MRI) in Minneapolis had a chance to extend their learning in Duluth, Minnesota to experience the importance of Lake Superior.
A Unique Professional Development Opportunity
The MRDI is more than just a professional development program. It’s an immersive experience designed to spark curiosity and encourage educators to engage their students in STEM disciplines through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. This year’s institute was a resounding success, drawing 26 traditional and non-traditional educators from Southeast Louisiana as well as 4 exchange teachers from Minnesota.
Participants delved into the complexities of the Mississippi River Delta, learning from expert presentations and exploring rich media resourcesthat they could integrate into their classrooms. The program also emphasized community-building among educators, fostering a collaborative environment where teachers could share insights and strategies for engaging students.
The Heart of the Delta
At the southern end of the Mississippi’s vast journey to the Gulf of Mexico lies a delta teeming with ecological diversity and cultural richness. The MRDI highlighted the importance of this unique ecosystem, providing educators with a profound understanding of the delta’s environmental and cultural significance.
Meraux Foundation board member Chris Haines summarized the program’s impact, stating, “MRDI underscores the connection between our communities at the river’s delta in Louisiana and its headwaters in Minnesota, illustrating how we are all part of this vital river system. This program not only educates but also inspires our educators to bring this interconnectedness into their classrooms, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility in their students.”
After MRDI in Louisiana, a group of local educators planned to go to Minnesota to experience a Rivers Institute in Minneapolis/St. Paul. However, the trip coincided with a global CrowdStrike outage that resulted in flight cancellations and travel delays. Undeterred, these St. Bernard educators rented a van and drove some 17 hours to make it in time for the program.
“I am so impressed with the educators from St. Bernard, they were determined to make it to Minneapolis. Throughout the entire program they have been adventurous, inquisitive, and eager to learn tools that they will take back to their classrooms,” said Kris Bennett, Director of K-12 Resources for the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University.
"Having the opportunity for teachers to connect with their counterparts at opposite ends of the Mississippi River is truly special. This cross-river collaboration not only highlights the diverse educational landscapes along the river but also fosters a unique exchange of ideas and best practices. It's a remarkable way to broaden perspectives and enrich our teaching approaches, making it a standout experience in professional development," she continued.
A Legacy of Partnership and Growth
The MRDI traces its roots back to a few years before its official inception in 2015. The journey began when representatives from the Meraux Foundation and a delegation of educators from St. Bernard participated in the Rivers Institute presented by Hamline University's Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) in St. Paul, Minnesota. This experience laid the groundwork for a thriving partnership that continues today.
Through the generous financial assistance of the Meraux Foundation, participation in the MRDI is free for St. Bernard area educators. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. Given the parish’s strategic location at the delta of one of the world’s largest river systems, MRDI is particularly relevant and impactful.
Looking Ahead
The Meraux Foundation’s commitment to environmental education and community development is unwavering. As MRDI continues to grow, it stands as one of the Foundation’s most prominent environmental initiatives, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Mississippi River Delta among educators and students alike. By investing in the professional development of teachers, the Meraux Foundation is planting the seeds for a more informed and engaged future generation, ready to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.