Restoration
Engaging
Hands-on Learning
Environmental education
Beyond the Banks is about youth, families, and elders, working together to study, protect, and restore a stream that runs through their community. The focus is practical: water and soil testing, documenting conditions, identifying problems, and taking direct steps to improve the environment.
Participants are learning how to monitor water health, use tools like drones and GIS, and apply knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. These skills support future jobs in water quality, conservation, and restoration work, especially jobs in the green and blue economy that are growing in our region.
WATERSHED MONITORING
We collect environmental data, including water quality readings, soil samples, and species counts, to understand what’s happening in Johnston Run and track changes over time.
SKILLS TRAINING & CAREER EXPOSURE
Through regular sessions, participants gain experience in environmental testing, drone use, data collection, and restoration, all of which are connected to career paths in STEM and environmental fields.
COMMUNITY VOICE & LOCAL HISTORY
We document what residents have experienced and remember. These stories are recorded, shared, and respected as part of the environmental history and future of the area.
OUTDOOR LEARNING YEAR-ROUND
This program operates throughout the seasons, providing people of all ages with the opportunity to learn outdoors through hands-on science, service work, or local exploration.
We are working toward a dedicated East Side outdoor learning and stewardship space, designed and led by the people who live here. Beyond the Banks is part of that larger vision
Johnston Run, a tributary of Mill Creek, flows through Cleveland’s East Side. Though historically ignored, it is now the focus of local restoration efforts led by Syatt and the community
We welcome schools, neighbors, researchers, and funders who want to support or participate in this work
Contact us to learn more, collaborate, or bring a group
This work belongs to the East Side. And it’s happening now.
Syatt’s programs connect people to nature, culture, and skills that inspire curiosity, confidence, and stewardship.
We help organizations build stronger teams, more imaginative programs, and deeper connections with the people they serve. With over 17 years of experience grounded in real-world work—not theory—we bring practical insight, sharp strategy, and fresh perspective to every partnership.
