Olympic

Outdoor environmental education programs like NatureBridge offer a unique and transformative approach to engaging students. A recent study by the Stanford University and the North American Association for Environmental Education shows that overnight outdoor school can have profound impacts on students by improving their academic and emotional development. Here are five ways outdoor school programs can advance your students’ learning this school year.

Highlighting the critical importance of conservation and education, U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Mike Quigley (IL-05) recently toured Olympic National Park and the NatureBridge campus. The delegation's visit emphasized the significance of outdoor schools and the role of NatureBridge in fostering overnight outdoor learning experiences.

Eva Foster has held several roles at NatureBridge over the past 18 years, including Natural Connections Manager, Sales Manager, and Outreach and Enrollment Manager. Now, on the eve of her retirement, we asked her to reflect on her time at NatureBridge and share a bit about her upcoming adventures.

On May 4, board members, supporters, and community members joined NatureBridge environmental science educators at our Olympic campus for Elwha Exploration Day. This annual outreach day offers participants the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of NatureBridge students discovering the Elwha River’s history and engaging in hands-on science activities exploring the river’s ongoing restoration.

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.

“I’ve taught for sixteen years…and I have always wanted to experience something like NatureBridge.” For many students, the chance to experience nature and environmental education at our national parks is a unique opportunity they didn’t know existed before coming to NatureBridge. For Forks Middle School sixth grade science teacher Kim Kearns, bringing a class to NatureBridge represents the realization of a long-held dream.

Sixth grader Cade Sutton and his school are from Colorado, and during our week together the students were getting really stoked about Pacific Northwest tree identification. Recognizing their interest, on our challenge hike day up Mt. Storm King I offered recitations of a couple tree-themed poems I had written to those who wanted to hear. Cade was particularly excited about these and continued his curiosity and engagement in learning about the trees around him... On Cade's turn, he shared that what rocked about his day was "being able to express myself through poetry." Teary eyed, it warmed my heart to know he not only had the courage and confidence to share his work with our trail group, but also that he had an opportunity to follow his passions at NatureBridge. Experiences like this remind me how our programs can make a lasting impact, or are made to last—just like the cedar tree of Cade's poetic affection. 

In Washington State, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root, aiming to transform education by connecting students with the wonders of the natural world and increasing access to outdoor spaces in places like NatureBridge in Olympic National Park.

Olympic board member Kim Sager-Fradkin has been leading evening programs at NatureBridge Olympic for over 25 years, sharing her expertise as a local wildlife ecologist with multiple generations of students. Today, she continues to support NatureBridge’s programs and students with dedication and excitement, noting that the ripples of NatureBridge’s impact stretch far beyond the Olympic Peninsula.