Environmental education (PreK-12)

Check out the Outdoor School programs!

OSU Extension works in collaboration with schools, partners, and communities to support and grow the statewide Outdoor School program, building on a legacy that began in 1966. Outdoor School programs offer immersive educational experiences and support equitable, culturally responsive, and interdisciplinary opportunities for Oregon's youth.

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Latest Resources

Don't move firewood

Buy it where you burn it during camping season. Firewood is a major pathway for invasive species. Transporting firewood can potentially lead to new infestations of invasive insects and diseases, which can lurk in firewood. See the pest list for Oregon species.

Apr 2024 | Online resource

Fire Bright: A Curriculum for High School Educators

This curriculum package teaches students to help protect their communities from wildfire. They also learn about careers in natural resources.

Kara Baylog, Jennifer Payne, Herb Johnson, Yasmeen Hossain, Christopher Adlam, Ben Ho | Mar 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Episode 32: Tree School

In this episode, Scott Leavengood visits the 33rd annual Clackamas Tree School to interview Sarah Cameron and Glenn Ahrens about what the event is and why it's so beneficial.

Scott Leavengood, Sarah Cameron, Glenn Ahrens | Apr 2023 | Podcast episode

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Exploring Water Habitats: Wetlands, Streams, Oceans

By Virginia Bourdeau

This curriculum introduces youth to the science and function of wetlands, streams, and oceans, and how human activities affect climate and environmental function and health.

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Photo Credit: Danita Delimont - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

Oregon Sea Grant research cruises hook students on marine science

Oregon Sea Grant Extension and the Oregon Coast STEM Hub selected students and high-school teachers to join a three-day Oregon State University research cruise.

Tracy Crews | Apr 2024 | Impact story

OSU Extension provides leadership for statewide Outdoor School

The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program, created in 2017, crafted the program’s mission and vision, which is grounded in equity, diversity, access and inclusion.

Spirit Brooks | Mar 2024 | Impact story

Environmental Leadership for Youth introduces Indigenous and migrant students to science and college

As of the end of 2023, about 90 Hispanic students and nearly 30 Indigenous students have gone through the program.

Guillermo Giannico | Mar 2024 | Impact story

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More Outdoor School Resources

Outdoor School: Making Nature Observations: When we pay attention to our surroundings, we notice things with our senses, learn how here. New activities every week.
Outdoor School: Journaling in Nature: Nature journaling is a great way to explore what you see outside. Learn some easy to use tips on how to write and what to look for. (Spanish: Outdoor School: Actividades para escribir diarios sobre la naturaleza)
Outdoor School: Lessons and resources for Teachers, Families, and Kids: Explore the many ways to engage in nature through a variety of activities-There's something for everyone! (Spanish: Outdoor School: Recursos en línea)

Try these Extension opportunities

Natural science projects

4-H Natural Science Projects help youth become better acquainted with the outdoors by providing opportunities to see and learn about the physical and biological environment. Youth can explore bugs, critters, plants and rocks; ...

4-H Youth Development

OSU Environmental Leadership for Youth (ELY) Short Film - 2018

This video is about the OSU Environmental Leadership for Youth (ELY) program that invites a diversity of students from 8th to 12th grades in the Willamette Valley to be inspired by natural areas, watershed science and community engagement.

Feb 2019 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Upcoming Events

May 2

Not all Flame is the Same: Oregon’s Diverse Fire Ecology

11:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT Online

Jun 1

Open garden: Invertebrates and vertebrates

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Portland, OR

Meet Our Experts

Rita Bauer

Outdoor School Operations Manager

Contact for Outdoor School questions or support.

Kara Baylog

Forestry and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Kristopher Elliott

Interim Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement, Interim Director of OSU Extension

Contact me with questions about the Division of Extension and Engagement and OSU Extension Service.

Aaron Groth

Regional Fire Specialist, Coast

Contact me with questions about fire preparedness and response in Coastal Oregon.

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Bats in my attic—what should I do?

Q: Before sunrise, I sit on my deck and a couple of times recently, I've seen a bat fly into the eves and not come out. I can see there is a separation where a bat could squeeze in. I am wondering what to do to get rid of the bats and not put my family at risk of disease.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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