History of Nautical Navigation: Safely Navigating Our Waterways

For hundreds of years, the waterways of the United States have been utilized as a means of transportation. From historical navigation tools and methods used by Native Americans to modern instruments used to navigate our waterways today, we set out to learn how our relationship with the waterways has evolved. With the construction of levees, locks and dams, the structure of the river has changed to become more navigable, but this also means boaters must be equipped with the knowledge of how to navigate these potential obstacles. As our technology and methods have improved, our navigation knowledge must develop as well. Join us as we learn about the history of nautical navigation, from past to present, and how to safely navigate our waterways. 

Full Video

Classroom Videos

A Delicate Balance: How Transporation Has Impacted Our Waterways

How To Use A Compass

Classroom Assets

Compass Navigation

Inland Waterways

RElated Content

Making Your First Catch

Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the aquatic education and fishing savvy in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch...

The Ottaway, A River Reborn

This page offers a chance for you to see the entire Emmy-winning film in HD. It also provides link to the classroom educational films and lesson activities related to...

A River Reborn

Rivers are like arteries, bringing life to the region surrounding them, washing away waste, purifying the environment with their biotic and abiotic processes.  Just...

Wild About Walleye

Welcome to Wild About Walleyes as part of our Getting Families Fishing Series. As you’ll discover in this TV show and related classroom videos, walleye fishing offers...

A River Reborn / The Ottaway, A River Reconnected

Rivers are like arteries, bringing life to the region surrounding them, washing away waste, purifying the environment with their biotic and abiotic processes.  Just...

Sustainable Ecosystems: Restoring Walleyes in Native Lakes

Dive into this "tail" of walleye conservation, as our Into the Outdoors Adventure Team member, Zach, discovers the significance of this species culturally and...

Clovis Kids Cook-off

Welcome to Clovis Kids Cook-off as part of our America’s Conservation & Hunting Heritage Series. As you’ll discover in this video, our hunting heritage offers you...

Reconnecting Rivers & Invasive Species

Maybe it's only natural that us humans rarely think about how our actions today might impact others or the environment 100 years later. That was especially true back in...

Into Safe and Smart Boating – Part 2

As you'll see in this television episode, parents like to show how much they know... or what they think they know. We get it. It’s part of being a parent. So watch and...

Into Taking Aim With Shooting Sports

When you hear conservation, you may think research, improving habitat and protecting wildlife, but shooting sports also are a driving force behind funding. Archery,...

Thank you, Partners!