Description

This workshop is designed for informal educators and teachers working with K – 12 students.

Explore the fresh water and marine habitats of the Elwha River Watershed in Olympic National Park with your colleagues in an invigorating, hands-on learning environment. Participants will:

• Explore the Elwha River watershed’s evolving landscapes and habitats unveiled on newly drained reservoirs.
• Design an individual field study to investigate the plants, soils and water of the dynamic Elwha River watershed.
• Observe succession of vegetation in the riparian zones and identify plant adaptations that make some native species successful.
• Learn about the challenges involved in revegetating hundreds of acres of sediment and the solutions reveg teams designed to promote the growth of native vegetation.

Receive resources about STEM-related career choices to share with your students in the classroom.

Date and Time

Location

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the sleeping arrangements? Participants sleep in heated dorm-style historic cabins with three bunk beds in each bedroom. Three to four adults will be assigned to each room.
2. Do the historic cabins have bathrooms? All historics have a sink and toilet. Showers are available in the nearby bathhouse with group and individual private bathrooms.
3. Can I choose my roommate? Yes. Please give your preference when you register.
4. Are the cabins locked? No, historic cabins do not have a lock.
5. Are linens provided? Yes. NatureBridge provides fitted and flat sheets, pillow case, pillow, comforter, and one towel. Some participants strongly prefer bringing their own bedding for personal comfort.
6. Can we pitch tents or park RVs on campus or in the parking area? No. The closest campgrounds are at Fairholme, Shadow Mountain, and Log Cabin Resort.
7. What is the weather like at the NatureBridge campus on Barnes Point? Campus has a moderate marine climate with pleasant summers (50 – 70 degrees F) and mild, wet winters (35 to 45 degrees F). Average rainfall is more than 60”/year.
8. What clothing should I bring to be comfortable? Participants may be outdoors from 9 am to 4 pm with extended hiking and standing activities. Bring comfortable hiking/walking shoes, non-cotton socks, and three layers of clothing: base layer, insulating layer, and outer/weather resistant layer. Participants receive a detailed packing list prior to arrival.
9. What is the alcohol policy for adults on the NatureBridge campus? No alcohol is permitted when student groups are on campus. Nearby, Lake Crescent Lodge, open April through October, has a full bar open to the public.
10. What is the smoking policy on the NatureBridge campus? All buildings are no smoking areas. Smoking tobacco is permitted only in the general campus parking lot. Marijuana products are not allowed on federal land, which includes NatureBridge campus.
11. What do we need to know about safety? The workshop introduction includes a safety briefing for participants. NatureBridge educators have Wilderness First Responder certification. Calling 911 from cell phones or campus land lines alerts local resources. The nearest hospital is in Port Angeles, 30 minutes from campus.
12. Is there cell phones reception on the NatureBridge campus? Yes, most cell phones work on our campus. The landline is located in the Rosemary Inn Fireside Room.
13. Does NatureBridge have wifi with Internet access? Wifi is available in the main buildings where workshops take place; however, wifi is not available in the standard cabins where participants sleep.
14. Can we bring pets? Our campus does not allow pets in any of the buildings. Dogs can be on leash on the NatureBridge campus and on certain designated trails; however, they are not allowed on any major trails in Olympic National Park.