The Estuary Partnership provides no-cost science programs to schools in the lower Columbia region of Oregon and Washington. Our programs combine classroom and field studies to increase student understanding of local ecology and environmental issues.
Since 2000, the Estuary Partnership has provided environmental education programs and hands-on outdoor learning experiences to more than 3,000 Oregon and Washington students each year. To request a program* for your class or school, submit a Program Request. We began accepting requests for the 2025-2026 school year on May 15th.
*We offer free programs through grant funding, which often have geographic or district limits. As a result, we may not have funding every year for all locations. Please submit a program request, understanding we may not always be able to support your school. If your school can consider a cost-share option, contact our Education Director, Valerie Pufahl, vpufahl@estuarypartnership.org. We look forward to your request!
Classroom Lessons
Our hands-on science lessons support field programs and teacher goals, and are aligned with NGSS standards. We typically deliver two to three, 1-hour lessons as part of a unit for grades 3-6. Units are tied to field trip activities and grant funded opportunities for the year.
Lean more about our Science Lessons
Field Trips
While locations and activities vary, field trips are designed to connect students to a local natural area and bring science concepts and classroom lessons to life. Often, trips include a service component where students help implement a restoration project to improve habitat and water quality.
Watch a video about our field trip with Camas students that was sponsored by Camas-Washougal Community Chest:
