Local program takes students on a tour of the Erie Canal

Pittsford, New York — As part of the New York State Canal Corp’s “On The Canal” program, on Wednesday morning, Students with Rochester City School #28 were given a cruise through the Erie Canal.

The students departed on the Sam Patch cruise, a replica 1800s packet boat, and toured the canal system — learning about the history, culture, and the importance of the canal system to the environment.

“We’re gonna be looking at the biology, what lives in the canal, the water chemistry, so what’s going on with the water and also the physical characteristics of what goes on around the canal that affects it,” said Kaeti Stoss, an environmental education specialist at RIT.

In order to reimagine a contemporary use of the canal while educating kids on the local environment, the “On The Canal” program offers year-round activities.

The program is available to the public free of charge and was around for five years.