Since the fall of 2015, Capitol Land Trust has hosted Olympic Middle School 7th graders at Bayshore Preserve in Shelton, WA. Students visit the preserve to gain a connection with the local landscape and participate in hands-on lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (FieldSTEM®). In collaboration with Pacific Education Institute, Shelton School District, and Puget Sound Estuarium, the program serves 300+ students each year. The FieldSTEM program is designed to supplement classroom learning and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Students explore hands-on topics in stream ecology, stream flow, tidal ecosystems and the effects of salinity on vegetation while also learning about local conservation efforts and environmental restoration.

Be a part of our dedicated team of community volunteers! We provide a field training and ask that volunteers sign up for at least one field day.

Introduction training
This training is set up for first-time volunteers who want to learn more before participating in the field training.

Tuesday, September 25
Puget Sound Estuarium, 309 State Ave NE, Olympia
6pm – 7:30pm
To sign up for this opportunity, click the following link: here.

In-depth field training (required)
Wednesday, October 3
Bayshore Preserve. 3800 WA-3 N, Shelton
9am – 2pm
To sign up for this opportunity, click the following link: here.

STEM instructors are community volunteers who have completed the field training. As part of the training, volunteers sign up to lead or assist activities on student field days. After attending the training, volunteers can sign up to teach and assist in lessons about local ecology, conservation, and restoration.

Student Field Days
October 23, 24, and 25
November 6, 7, and 8

All volunteers are required to complete and submit a signed document found at the following link: Background Check Authorization Form

Contact AmeriCorps Restoration Coordinator Mary Birchem with any questions, email: mary@capitollandtrust.org.