The students—hailing from more than 20 countries around the globe—spent 10 days learning and implementing techniques such as steam-bending, lashing, lacing, riveting, skinning and paddle carving.

The sun was out, masks were (mostly) on, and the pond at Burnet Woods was buzzing with boat traffic. This Saturday, our Urban Wilderness Program staff hosted a free canoeing session as part of the Great Outdoor Week.

The Urban Wilderness Program’s STEM-based boatbuilding program is in full swing and fifth-graders at Kilgour School in Cincinnati completed their third canoe last week.

Of course, it wasn’t enough just to build the canoe. The students put their workmanship to the test during a trip to Otto Armleder Park. After paddling around the Little Miami River, passengers remained dry and smiling. It’s fair to say that their handiwork held up.