Duck River Watershed Society to Host Education Day at
Old Stone Fort State Park
More than 160 Tullahoma West Middle School sixth-graders will explore watershed science through hands-on learning
Friday, September 25, 2026 | Old Stone Fort State Park | Manchester, Tennessee
The Duck River Watershed Society (DRWS) is proud to announce its next Education Day, taking place Friday, September 25, 2026, at Old Stone Fort State Park in Manchester, Tennessee.
DRWS works to protect and sustain the Duck River, a vital ecological, recreational, and economic resource in Middle Tennessee. One of the most effective ways to protect the river for future generations is to help young people understand its importance and inspire them to become thoughtful stewards of the watershed.
Yet many students living within the Duck River watershed lack access to hands-on, place-based environmental science experiences that bring classroom lessons to life in the natural world around them.
Through engagement with educators, families, and community partners, DRWS identified a strong need for curriculum-aligned outdoor education programs and answered that call.
The result is the DRWS School Program, an immersive, experience-based initiative designed to connect middle school students across the Duck River watershed with the river, its wildlife, and the challenges and opportunities facing their communities.
The program is made possible through strong partnerships with Tullahoma City Schools, the Tennessee Duck River Development Agency, and Old Stone Fort State Park. Together, these organizations are creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn about the watershed where they live and develop a deeper understanding of why protecting it matters.
Each Education Day features hands-on water quality testing, aquatic life exploration, watershed ecology instruction, and meaningful discussions about real-world environmental challenges; and the solutions within reach.
The September program will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 25, and will engage more than 160 sixth-grade students from Tullahoma West Middle School. Students will spend the day learning outdoors, exploring the Duck River watershed, and gaining firsthand experience with the science and stewardship necessary to protect this extraordinary natural resource.
Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Lillian Ashley Fund, the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Their support makes it possible for DRWS to bring this hands-on educational experience to students and invest in the next generation of watershed stewards. Without their support, this program would not be possible.
“Education is an essential part of conservation,” said Christian Rieseberg, Vice President/Treasurer of the Duck River Watershed Society. “When students have the opportunity to experience the river firsthand, ask questions, conduct real scientific investigations, and see the connections between their communities and the watershed, they begin to understand that they have a role in protecting it. We are grateful to the schools, state park, funders, and community partners who are working with us to make that connection possible.”
Members of the Press Invited
DRWS warmly invites members of the press to attend and cover this exciting educational event. Press credentials are required, and media representatives are asked to check in with Old Stone Fort State Park staff or DRWS volunteers upon arrival.
Please note: This is a school-only event.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Christian Rieseberg
Vice President/Treasurer
Duck River Watershed Society
cfrccin@gmail.com
Duck River Watershed Society Receives Grant to Expand Environmental Education Programs in Coffee County
Funding from The Lillian Ashley Fund at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Will Support Hands-On Learning and Conservation Education
COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. — June 8, 2026 — The Duck River Watershed Society (DRWS) has been awarded a grant from The Lillian Ashley Fund at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) to support the continued growth of its School Education Program, bringing hands-on environmental learning opportunities to more students across Coffee County.
Based in Coffee County, Tennessee, the Duck River Watershed Society is dedicated to protecting and sustaining the Duck River, one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America. Home to more than 650 aquatic species, the Duck River is an ecological treasure of national significance and a critical source of clean drinking water for more than 300,000 people every day.
The grant will help DRWS expand its Education Day program, which was initially funded by The Lillian Ashley Fund and developed in partnership with local school districts, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, and other community organizations. The program provides middle school students with immersive, hands-on experiences in ecology, environmental science, watershed conservation, and natural resource stewardship.
Students also explore the region’s rich Native American history through educational visits to one of Tennessee’s most important archaeological sites. By combining environmental education with cultural heritage experiences, the program helps students develop a deeper understanding of the connections between people, history, and the natural world.
Funding from CFMT will allow DRWS to strengthen programming for current partner schools while expanding opportunities to additional schools throughout Coffee County, helping more students gain meaningful experiences in conservation and environmental stewardship.
“We are deeply grateful to The Lillian Ashley Fund and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for their continued investment in environmental education,” said Christian Rieseberg, Board Vice President/Treasurer of the Duck River Watershed Society. “This support allows us to engage more students in hands-on learning, foster appreciation for our region’s natural and cultural resources, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.”
The Lillian Ashley Fund was established to honor Lillian Ashley’s enduring commitment to serving the community she loved. A native of Manchester, Tennessee, Ashley created the endowment to support children, care for animals, and promote environmental conservation throughout Coffee County.
About Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) brings people, ideas, and funding together to help communities thrive. Through strategic grantmaking, civic leadership, and tools for long-term giving, CFMT partners with donors and organizations to create lasting impact across the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. Learn more at cfmt.org.
We are here to protect the most biologically diverse river in North America
Biodiversity in Our Backyard
The Duck River Watershed flows for nearly 300 miles throughout Middle Tennessee before emptying into the Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. The river’s landscape ranges from small cities and towns to sparsely populated rural areas.
The watershed is one of the most biodiverse waterways in North America and features several endemic species found nowhere else on the planet.
Did you know …
The Duck River features several endemic species found nowhere else on the planet
The watershed provides over 300,000 people with their drinking water.
The Duck River is home to 35 species listed as federally endangered or threatened.
DRWS Member Ships
Some of the many perks of being a DRWS Member
