Sustainable Driftless, Inc. Educational Resources
Our Mission
Environmental Education is a priority for our non-profit,
Sustainable Driftless, Inc., as we wish for all students to understand the
uniqueness of the Driftless Region and help protect the
precious waters, land and wildlife.
Driftless Region educators & Library Media Staff are encouraged to register for a free copy of our films, Decoding the Driftless, and Spirit of the Driftless. Lesson Plans are available in PDF format for Decoding the Driftless. Plans are in place to provide resources supporting integration of Spirit of the Driftless. Please revisit this page often!
Sustainable Driftless, Inc. Provides Education Outreach to Schools
George Howe was a beloved advocate, educator, and co-producer of our films. He led an untold number of education discussions and film screenings for Sustainable Driftless, Inc. We lost George in February of 2024 to a tragic accident but his legacy endures. George actively led the film production of Spirit of the Driftless, with Untamed Science, and is featured in this inspirational journey through the Driftless.
We are committed to education and helping students build their own advocacy for the Driftless as a way to honor George and his passion for the Driftless.
The Driftless Region encompasses sections of four states: SW Wisconsin, SE Minnesota, NE Iowa and NW Illinois. There are 42 counties within this region including 800+ schools and 300+ public libraries.
Our regional Emmy award-winning film, Decoding the Driftless has been provided free along with lesson plans since its premiere screening in 2018. Any educator teaching within the Driftless Region who wishes to incorporate Decoding the Driftless into the classroom can request a copy of the film on USB and a download link to our standards aligned lessons.
Educators outside of the Driftless Region who wish to use our resources should contact us via the email link below.
Register to receive a copy of our film by completing this information. The film will promptly be sent to educators who complete this form.
Driftless Resources for Educators
Exploring the Driftless Region with Students
The PDF document found below provides a wealth of resources for use by educators and parents desiring to enrich learning about the Driftless Region through active learning - get outside and explore!
There is no better way to learn about our world than to actively experience nature. Field trips to these environmental centers, state parks, caves, and overlooks help reinforce classroom learning and build a relationship with the Driftless, or a "Land Ethic" as renown naturalist, Aldo Leopold, described it.
If we want to protect the land and animals found within this unique region we need to understand its history over geologic time, the changes affecting the region, how humans have settled and interacted with this area, and our own role in supporting biodiversity, clean waters, climate change, sustainability and effective land & wildlife management.
Recommended Resources - Aldo Leopold, Author of the Sand County Almanac and the Aldo Leopold Foundation
Help Our Mission
Your support and contributions will help us:
- Provide resources to schools and libraries in the Driftless Region.
- Advocate for the conservation and smart growth of this unique area.
- Support vibrant communities & organizations throughout the region.
