Laboratories for Learning
May 13, 2024 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director
Hi Friends,
The other day while on the trails at Pine Street Woods, I happened upon a frequent morning visitor walking her dog. She was hunched down on the trail and didn’t notice my approach at first. When she looked up she declared, “ You have to tap on their shell twice so they release their suction before you pick them up. Otherwise, you may hurt them.” As I got closer I realized the “them” she was referencing was a small snail, potentially at risk of being stepped on or ridden over in the middle of the trail.
As I continued on, my thoughts drifted to how much there is to learn from nature. Every day is different in the woods. New plants blooming, the ground drying out, an interesting fungus killing a tree. Nature is a laboratory for learning, if you take the time to pay close attention.
Forests, farms, rivers, streams, and rocky mountaintops are our learning landscapes in this region. We are so lucky to be surrounded by these fascinating laboratories rich in teachable moments. Here at KLT we take it as our responsibility to be teachers and to connect people of all ages to the world around them.
For the past eight years, KLT has worked hard to provide increasing opportunities for children to experience this rich outdoor education. It started with just a few classes and has now grown to include two professional staff at KLT who serve schools across the district with field trips and outdoor experiences almost every day during the fall and spring. Our staff also support three new school district positions that are dedicated to outdoor education. In addition, KLT provides after school programs where kids put away their gadgets and learn to use their hands to make beautiful and useful objects. We walk the trails and read in the woods with the very youngest. And inspire lifelong learning for all ages with classes at Kaniksu Folk School. And our summer internship program gives practical experience in conservation, outdoor education and nonprofit leadership for post-high school youth.
This work works!
A teacher wrote to us after one of the class days at Pine Street Woods, “This is one of the best programs I have had the privilege to participate in. It is well run, interesting, inspiring, and provides excellent learning and relationship opportunities for students!”
We know that the impacts to physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional health from nature connection and time in the outdoors is considerable. Our work over the past 8 years has proven that these activities lead to improved attendance, decreased behavioral issues, and enhanced attention spans.
Using our natural resources as a learning laboratory is some of the most important work we do here at KLT. It is inspiring the next generation of leaders and doers that will work in the woods, farm the fertile valleys or be strong advocates for nature. But most of all, it helps us learn the smallest lessons to appreciate a walk in the woods just a little more. And next time I will know to tap the shell twice before moving my trail friend to safety.
Send me a note to let me know what discovery in nature was the highlight of your day!
Thanks for listening,
Katie
