(Photo | Courtesy of The Environmental Center)
Applications are currently being accepted for two new education programs with The Environmental Center. Staff has shifted the in-classroom programs this fall and will provide their education program at their facility at 16 NW Kansas Ave. in Bend. Parents of students entering fourth and fifth grade are invited to apply for the free education program on either Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday from 2-5pm. Students will be placed in a small stable group of ten. They will work through the EarthSmart program and learn about recycling, composting, food systems, water conservation and healthy eating.
“The downtown Bend location will allow students to explore sustainability in their community and is a great springboard for visiting parks and having healthy, safe and distanced social interaction,” said Sustainability Education Director Jackie Wilson.
Fall outdoor school programs are not happening though schools this year, but The Environmental will provide Forest Explorers Outdoor Days on Wednesdays. The staff will host small groups of ten at Skyliner Lodge to provide students an opportunity to connect with nature and detach from screens for a day. Students will need to be transported up to Skyliner Lodge (about 15 minutes outside of Bend). They will learn about predator and prey interactions, habitats, stewardship and developing a sense of connection to nature.
Parents with students K-5 are invited to apply. The fee for this program is $40 per day. Scholarships are available.
“We are so excited to get back to the woods and work with students in a beautiful setting,” said Becca Gilbert, sustainability educator.
Learn more and apply for both programs at envirocenter.org/programs/youth-education/2020-21-programs.
