Elk Meadow Elementary students discover art in the field with local artist, Paul Bennett!

Elk Meadow Elementary students discover art in the field with local artist, Paul Bennett!
Elk Meadow Elementary students create art by the river with Paul Bennett

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Field days are on the way

Hello Ryan Meadow project partners and friends! I just wanted to let you know that the Deschutes National Forest and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council had a very productive and enthusiastic meeting with Bend High teacher Paul Hutter yesterday. In addition to diving into the exciting details about how we will be working with Bend High School's amazing International Baccalaureate (IB) and Biology programs, we have also selected some initial field dates for the fall. If you would like to hear more about the field days or are interested in volunteering, please email me at kyake@restorethedeschutes.org.

Bend High students will be working with specialists from Deschutes National Forest and DiscoverYour Northwest to begin to explore and learn about Ryan Meadow. IB environmental systems students will be participating in a year-long Student Stewardship Project with The Freshwater Trust and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. Winding through the seasons, the students will use the site as a research area and will eventually apply their knowledge toward the creation of unique projects that will be presented at Students Speak: A Watershed Summit in May. Through interdisciplinary activities in art, writing, science, and hands-on stewardship, students will learn about the history, ecology, and future vision of Ryan Meadow.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Ramping up for Fun Fall Projects!

If you haven't already heard, local partners are busy putting great minds together to get local students outside and out to explore Ryan Meadow on the Deschutes River! In collaboration with the Deschutes National Forest, Discover Your Northwest, Bend-LaPine Schools, and The Freshwater Trust, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is coordinating Student Stewardship Projects to help students connect to the Deschutes River.

Fortunately for all of us, swarms of students will soon replace the swarms of mosquitoes along the Deschutes. Our new Education Assistant, Laura Campbell, will work with Forest Service scientists to guide students through hands-on field studies in ecology, hydrology, geology, and art. Stay tuned for more photos and updates soon!!

Cheers,
Kolleen Yake
Education Coordinator