You may have noticed the boat sitting behind the Science Center. Have you ever wondered why it’s there or who it belongs to? Tucked away and seemingly forgotten, it stands as a silent witness to a past filled with potential and adventure. As questions arise about its origin and purpose, one can’t help but ask: what is the story behind this mysterious presence on our campus?
The boat, a 2009 Sweetwater Pontoon, is owned by Principia College’s Biology & Natural Resources Department. It was purchased in December 2016, according to John Trevino, the Supervisor of Vehicle Maintenance.
The initial intention was to use the boat for educational purposes, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities for aquatic research and field studies. However, despite its potential, the boat has remained stationary for a significant period.
“It was bought for educational purposes, to support the department’s fieldwork,” Trevino said. “I’d be really surprised if you could load it onto your truck right now and go use it, as it has been unused for quite some time.”
The boat was relocated to behind the Science Center due to changes in its previous storage arrangement, according to Greg Bruland, professor in the Biology & Natural Resources Department.
It was previously stored at a marina at the intersection of Lockhaven and River Road. However, when Great Rivers stopped managing the marina, the college decided to move it to campus for safety reasons.
The boat has been utilized for various classes, including Freshwater Ecology and Wetland Ecology, as well as summer research projects and a senior thesis. Only department faculty with state boating certification are permitted to operate the vessel due to high operating costs and hazards on the Mississippi River.
“It requires a lot of knowledge, experience, and awareness,” Bruland said, highlighting the importance of expertise in navigating the river.
Bruland stated that the boat has been used within the past two years. “We are open to using it and incorporating it into our classes, but coordinating class schedules, weather conditions, and the state of the river is logistically very challenging, especially within a single class period,” he said. He also said that losing boat storage at the marina has been a significant setback.
“It used to be easy driving down, having the students jump in the boat, and heading out.” Bruland said, “Unfortunately, now it’s a hassle. We have to load and trailer the boat from campus, drive to the river, unload it, and take it out on the water, which is very inconvenient, especially when students have to return for other classes or work,” Bruland said.
Principia alum Kip Wadsworth, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in Biology, reflected on his experience using the boat on the Mississippi River. He described it as an unforgettable opportunity.
“It was an amazing moment, going out on the water, catching invasive fish, and conducting research on the islands,” Wadsworth shared, “While it’s a fun experience, I wouldn’t say that current students are missing out on anything too significant by not using the boat.”
