Children Learn The Importance Of Natural Resources Thanks to WSU

More than 300 young students got a hands-on lesson in natural resources earlier this month during the fourth annual Natural Resources Field Day near Nespelem, WA.

Kindergarten through third-grade students from five schools gathered at Owhi Lake for a day of outdoor learning hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Washington State University Extension. Organizers say attendance reached a record high this year.

“Learning at an early age how to care for and manage our natural resources is beneficial to the students and the environment,” said Linda McLean, director of WSU Colville Reservation Extension and longtime 4-H educator. “This type of early exposure is so critical.”

Students rotated through nearly 20 interactive stations, learning about fish and wildlife, forestry, wildfire recovery, conservation, and rangeland management. Activities included identifying animal skulls, studying insects, and practicing navigation skills.

“The planning team was committed to providing meaningful natural resources experiences that help young people understand rangeland wildfire rehabilitation and conservation,” McLean said. “So many of our children and families witnessed firsthand the destruction of the Chuweah Creek Fire in 2021. It’s more important than ever to host field days that provide hands-on exposure to natural resources management.”

“Immersive outdoor learning sparks curiosity and fosters opportunities for discovery,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Through WSU Extension 4-H, young people engage and connect with science, agriculture, their communities, and the natural world in ways that can inspire lifelong interests and future careers.”