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)

Inclusion of high school leaders in Oregon Outdoor School

Learn factors to consider in developing high school mentoring programs to provide a transformative learning opportunity for participating high school students and vital component for younger students.

Spirit Brooks, Stephen M. Braun, Dan Prince | Oct 2023 | Article

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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

OSU Extension partnership opens traditionally closed door to Tribal students

The New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS) program includes support for Indigenous undergraduates pursing STEM internships, including an additional stipend and mentorship, and a pre-college summer camp at OSU to give Tribal high ...

Henry Carnell | Jul 30, 2024 | News story

Western Extension directors recognize OSU Outdoor School for equity work

The Extension Outdoor School program has been deeply committed to equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion since the program launched in 2017.

Francesca Lear | Jun 25, 2024 | News story

More than 800 Douglas County fifth graders learn importance of Oregon’s forests

After learning hands-on about pplanting Douglas-fir seedlings, students took them home to plant with their families, as well as an instruction cards with information about the state tree and Oregon’s forests.

Alicia Christiansen | Apr 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

Entomology, forestry, meteorology, and more

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

Nov 20

Fall “Just for the Fun of It” statewide event

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm PST Online

Jan 31

Curry County Master Gardener's Greenhouse Grand Opening

Gold Beach, OR

Meet Our Experts

Kristi Backe

Curriculum & Professional Development Coordinator, Outdoor School

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.

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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Is this trillium a rare variant and should it be preserved and studied?

Q: On a run in Portland’s Forest Park, I saw that someone had picked a trillium and hung it on a branch. When I looked closer, I could understand why. It has two sets of three leaves, and nine petals. What do I do with this?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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