The 2024–25 school year was a busy one for our Environmental Educators! From September 2024 through June 2025, our awesome Environmental Educators provided hands-on, science-based learning experiences for 3,226 students across 43 schools throughout the lower Columbia River. Science lessons ranged from fish dissections to watershed science and all classroom lessons culminated in one or more field trips to explore local natural areas on land or on the water in one of our Big Canoes – giving students a direct application of the science they studied in the classroom.
Here is what teachers had to say about the program:
- "The Estuary Partnership's class lessons and field programs significantly enhanced our science curriculum by actively engaging my students in hands-on, interactive science learning. The lessons provided a perfect complement to our units on ecosystems, reinforcing key concepts such as erosion, invasive vs native plants, and watersheds. My students were fully engaged throughout the experience, particularly appreciating the real-world connections and the opportunity to explore science in an authentic, applied setting."
"One student shared that they had never been to Salmon Creek before or had the opportunity to plant a tree. On the field trip, this student was thrilled to plant over 10 trees, and their excitement was contagious. As they worked, they talked about how proud they felt to be making a positive impact on the environment. What stood out most was when they said they plan to return someday to find their trees and see how they've grown. This program not only provided a memorable learning experience but also inspired a sense of stewardship and a personal connection to the natural world that will stay with my students for years to come." - "My students were able to connect their ecosystem unit and their water cycle unit to real world experiences through this partnership. This is specifically beneficial to fifth graders because their science standards directly relate to ecosystems, plant and animal matter, the use of water, preservation of habitats and more."
- "Bird identification was a great lesson to incorporate because we talk about animal adaptations. Also, native plants helps us tie in our study of plants as well as our Native American curriculum."
- "This field trip means our kids get outside doing something many of them have never done before and that I certainly wouldn't be able to provide on my own."
- "Many students have never been on water. This trip makes this possible for so many kids that may never get the opportunity. They get to learn about plants, animals, and how estuaries work in the estuary itself. Every year I am always so impressed with how well this program is put together and how it inspires kids to want to do more in nature."
The Estuary Partnership’s classroom and field-based environmental education aligns with state standards in Oregon and Washington. Our programming is provided at no cost to schools or students thanks to the financial support from the Camas Washougal Community Chest, Clackamas County Water Environmental Services, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Recreation and Conservation Office in collaboration with Washington State Parks and Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Gray Family Foundation, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, US Fish and Wildlife Service Urban Refuges, the Port of Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, and Clark County. Thank you!