NatureBridge Receives Diversity Award for Elwha Program
It’s a classic case of “the good news and the bad news.” First the good: I’m pleased to announce that E3 Washington (formerly Environmental Education Association of Washington) has awarded NatureBridge the 2012 E3 Washington Award of Excellence for Diversity in Action, along with our program partners, The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Western Carolina University!
This award exemplifies the inspiring work we do every day, but specifically focuses on the Elwha Science Education Project, which provides students, primarily those from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, an opportunity to learn about the cultural and natural history of the Elwha River through scientific discovery and investigation.
“The program has encouraged students and other Native Americans living in the area to do well in their education! It helps them learn science and the connections science has to traditional beliefs,” said Brenda Lovik, the Native American academic support educator for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
History is happening right now! #
For the past five years, Lower Elwha KIallam Tribe youth have been immersed in the science and ancestral culture of the river and its surrounding areas. In September, students watched history unfold as two dams on the Elwha River, which altered the riparian ecosystem for more than a century, began to come down. Through the Elwha Science Education Project, tribal youth engaged in the history, science, and impact of the dams. Now, as the river begins to run free, they have an even greater opportunity to engage and discover a new ecosystem. They have a chance to connect to this place like never before—to uncover a place that tells stories of the past, present, and future.
We know this project is a valuable community asset, and we continue to hear about the positive impacts on students, parents, and teachers.
“Families ask about the program, thank us for the positive changes they have seen in their children, and anticipate when their younger children get to attend,” said Latrisha Ollom-Suggs, assistant director Elwha River restoration.
If you are not familiar with this program, I encourage you to take a moment to read Preparing for a New River from Smithsonian magazine—the story eloquently captures the essence of their experiences.
It's a bittersweet moment #
Okay, so here’s the bad news. Though we are thrilled to receive this recognition, I bear the sad news that we are not likely to continue this project; we are unable, at this time, to secure ongoing or replacement funding. The National Science Foundation was generous in their five-year grant, creating the partnership between the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and our colleagues from Western Carolina University—we are grateful. However, it is distressing to see an award-winning program end. Really…this is just the beginning on the Elwha River.
This is a historic time, and the dam removal is one of the signature restoration projects of our day. Sustaining the tribe’s connection to the river and educating future generations is a vital part of their history, the river’s history, and our history. We remain hopeful that we can identify donors to support and sustain this award-winning project.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.