(Marquette, Michigan) - The Manoomin Project is restoring wild rice to northern Michigan after the grain disappeared a century ago due to logging, pesticides and other manmade impact.  Over 100 at-risk teens are learning to respect themselves, nature and American Indian culture by planting more than one ton of wild rice during the past four summers. The teens also learn about social issues like racism against Native Americans. The 2007 planting was delayed six weeks until November due to low water levels. The teens first participate as part of juvenile court probation for minor crimes but many enjoy the project so much they return the next year. Guides from several tribes volunteer to teach the teens how to take water samples, and about the historical and cultural importance of the grain that is used in many American Indian ceremonies. The project was founded by the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). Guides belong to KBIC, the Little Trav