More than 80 sixth grade students from Canyon Creek Middle School in Washougal put on their hiking boots and enjoyed the wonder of outdoor school June 6 and 7. Students did not have to travel far to be at two sites rich for environmental study; Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Beacon Rock State Park.
Washougal School District has worked with Friends of the Gorge for the past three years on the outdoor school program. The Friends have sponsored the trip, put together volunteers for each of the sites and planned the daily activities. At Steigerwald students took a nature walk with volunteers who specializes in the projects there and know the land, animals and plants. Students also participate in a Learning Service Project to remove invasive weeds. While at Beacon Rock students visited a variety of stations learning about nature around the Columbia River Gorge including learning about trees, plants, animal tracks, leaves, and Lewis and Clark.
Approximately 150 students from Jemtegaard Middle School in Washougal will have their outdoor school experience June 12, 13, and 14.
