School & Group Environmental Science

Morning: Gather in the dining hall for breakfast, pack backpacks, and prepare for the day.

Instructional Day on Trail: Spend the day in small learning groups led by a professional NatureBridge educator. Students engage in collaborative, authentic scientific learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. These experiences are designed to support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and student’s social and emotional development.

Sample Activities

• Investigate old growth forests to evaluate the diversity of its living organisms.
• Bring earth science and geology to life through rock identification and interpretation of geologic maps.
• Paddle a traditional Salish-style canoe on Lake Crescent.
• Explore the Elwha River watershed to learn about environmental restoration and recovery.
• Hike to Mt. Storm King’s Lake Crescent lookout and observe impacts of altitude on a forest ecosystem.
• Study the waters of Lake Crescent and Barnes Creek to determine the health of the watershed.

Afternoon/Early Evening: Return to campus to reflect, relax and unwind while school chaperones supervise. Family-style dinner in the historic Rosemary Inn gives everyone a chance to share their trail stories.

Evening: NatureBridge educators facilitate evening programs selected by group coordinators that could include a short night hike, Native American storytelling or a town-hall style meeting on a current environmental issue. Students then return to the cabins and get ready for bed.

Forest Ecology: Students explore a rich, old growth forest ecosystem and gain an understanding of the interconnections that make this system so unique.

Watershed Science: Students bring aquatic and terrestrial systems to life by examining watershed health from the banks of Barnes Creek and the shores of Lake Crescent.

Earth Science and Geology: Students illuminate the complex geologic history of the Olympic Peninsula by examining rock properties, exploring different geologic regions of our campus and working with geologic maps.

Marine Science: Students learn about the unique Pacific Ocean ecosystem and how human actions can impact the health of our oceans.

Elwha River Restoration: Students find inspiration while learning about one of the largest restoration and recovery projects in human history. Students observe the changes rippling through the river’s ecosystem and the project’s cultural significance to the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.

NatureBridge environmental science educators bring our programs to life. Our skilled and passionate educators provide inclusive and culturally responsive programming that challenges students to step out of their comfort zones and connect to themselves and one another. Our staff have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work and training experience, cleared background checks and are certified to manage risk in the field. 

The energy and passion our educators have for engaging with youth and the natural world is a vital element of our success.

Connect to SCIENCE + NATURE + SELF AND OTHERS: Students experience personal growth, build interpersonal skills, gain science knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills and learn to act as environmental stewards. NatureBridge strives to create an impactful and lasting educational program for every student.