You are here

A Day For Students To Be Nature Detectives On Hurricane Ridge In Olympic National Park

Share

Published Date

March 18, 2020
Middle school science at Olympic National Park/John Meyer

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is an ideal location for a middle school science program/John Meyer

By John Meyer, Washington’s National Park Fund, Board of Directors

“BIRD!,” exclaims a 13-year old boy, his voice full of enthusiasm. Standing high up on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, his job was to keep an eye out for any feathered friends passing overhead. The bird he saw was an ordinary gray jay — a common campground bird with a keen eye for store-bought snacks — but the excitement and seriousness with which he reported the sighting was palpable.

That same excitement and seriousness was evident in the three girls who measured the snowpack, and another boy whose furrowed brow expressed deep thinking when asked by the ranger: “What organisms might be affected in a low-water year in the Elwha River?” All were part of a unique science-based field experience offered by Olympic National Park and Stevens Middle School to every 7th grader in Port Angeles. That amounts to about 270 kids per year. 

“This opportunity gives students a sense of ownership of our public lands,” says Park Ranger Jared Low. “It helps them see that this is their national park, it’s in their backyard, and ultimately helps create stewards of this land for the future.”

Park rangers work with the middle schoolers to help them under the science of ecosystems and climate change/John Meyer

The program is geared toward science learning and centers around the question: “How is changing snowpack, due to climate change, going to affect park ecosystems and surrounding communities?” Students help rangers, teachers and scientists collect data at Hurricane Ridge —5,000 feet above sea-level — to help answer that question, taking their measurements back to the classroom to add to other data that has been collected over the years.

“They get to come up here and see that what they are learning in the classroom is real,” says Susan Dekreon, science chair and teacher at Stevens Middle School. “It brings home the reality of what’s happening in a low-water year.” The students are keenly aware that Port Angeles drinking water comes from the Elwha River, and snowpack on the ridge directly impacts the water that’s available. Coming up to Hurricane Ridge lets them see that connection firsthand.

And it’s not all climate focused. They listen to native stories, learn to spot avalanche danger, identify animal tracks in the snow, go on a ranger-led snowshoe outing and talk about glaciers. They get to be nature-detectives for the day. “These kids get to interact with their teachers in a different way up here, and get to engage hands-on with the curriculum,” says Olympic National Park Public Affairs Officer Penny Wagner.

Beyond the chance to engage in immersive science, the day serves another purpose. About 60% of Port Angeles students come from low-income households, and have never been to Hurricane Ridge even though it is essentially in their backyard. This program — supported in part by Washington’s National Park Fund — makes sure kids have the transportation, boots, snowshoes, mittens, hats and lunches to spend the day in the park. For some students, the experience is life-changing.

“A kid last year looked at me during our day,” says Dekreon, “and told me: ‘This is what I want my career to be; I want to be a park ranger.’ I told him to keep aiming high and he could do it.” 

Related Stories:

Stories about:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

The Port Angeles Education Foundation is proud to provide funding for this program.  www.PA-EF.org


I am so grateful to get to share some Klallam stories with all of the student.  


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.