Detroit, MI – In a unique blend of education and adventure, students from the University of Michigan and Detroit-area schools set sail on the Detroit River aboard the Inland Seas schooner. Led by the Detroit River Story Lab, an interdisciplinary initiative under LSA, the immersive programs transform the river into a vibrant living classroom, fostering an understanding of its rich cultural and environmental heritage.
On a warm August day, U-M students and members of the LSA class Psych 325/American Culture 321 embarked on a journey where they explored the intricate puzzle of the Detroit River’s history and ecology. From hoisting sails to assembling a map of the Great Lakes, the students engaged in hands-on activities that transcended traditional classroom learning.
Lead instructor Rachel Ratliff from the Inland Seas Education Association guided students through activities like measuring water clarity, collecting plankton, and understanding the fur trade’s historical significance. The unconventional setting of the schooner provided a dynamic platform for students to grasp the interconnectedness of various elements within the ecosystem.
Managed by David Porter, LSA professor of English and comparative literature, the Detroit River Story Lab collaborates with regional organizations to reconnect communities with the river’s narratives. The Story Lab’s initiatives encompass collaborative research, education, and engagement projects, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and emphasize the river’s role in stewardship, empowerment, and healing.
Departments such as American Culture, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, English, History, Psychology, and Semester in Detroit have been actively involved in these transformative programs. Community experts and U-M faculty, including those from different disciplines, contribute to the multidimensional learning experience.
The Inland Seas schooner, chartered by U-M’s Detroit River Story Lab, becomes a vessel for scientific, social, and cultural exploration. Students learn about principles of buoyancy, the resurgence of Great Lakes sturgeon, tribal histories, and Detroit’s historical ties to the Underground Railroad. The schooner serves as an unconventional classroom where students engage with the river’s stories firsthand.
For students like Becca Meyer-Rasmussen, a junior sociology major, the schooner trip was a highlight of the summer, providing an interactive and engaging learning experience. Lessons ranged from the biodiversity of plankton to the historical significance of Indigenous communities along the river.
Cathryn Fabian, a psychology lecturer, shared her appreciation for the trip, highlighting its role in broadening her understanding of the region’s biodiversity and recognizing the contributions of Indigenous communities.
The Detroit River Story Lab aims to create a lasting impact by connecting students of all ages to the river’s stories, fostering an appreciation for its heritage, and inspiring a sense of responsibility for its preservation. Through these sailing experiences, the lab continues to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world understanding.
