Rooted in the land — how outdoor learning shapes the next generation

Students actively learning at Beebe Springs Outdoor School

Tucked along the Columbia River near Chelan, the Beebe Springs Wildlife Area Unit is a gem hidden in plain sight. While drivers zipping down Highway 97 might spot the deep-red steel sculpture that marks its’ entrance, only those who stop and wander discover a place where nature and a cultural heritage with deep roots come vibrantly to life.

“I want to tell my mom to bring me back,” a smiling fourth grader from Mansfield tells a classmate as they line up to board the bus. For Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff, hearing this is more than just heartwarming — it is evidence of success.

Students actively learning at Beebe Springs Outdoor School

Over the past two springs, WDFW joined forces with a wide range of local and statewide partners to connect more than 900 students with the land, history, and biodiversity of the Beebe Springs Wildlife Area Unit. This collaborative outdoor school experience reflects a shared belief: it takes a community to care for our public lands and inspire the next generation of stewards.

Importance of partnerships

Approximately 80% of students who participated in the outdoor classroom this spring had never been to Beebe Springs — despite living less than an hour away. Through hands-on activities rooted in both science and tribal knowledge, students explored how public lands are shaped by people, wildlife, and time. They considered how Beebe Springs has changed, who calls it home, and what it means to be a good steward of the land.

In an age of nature deficit disorder, where fewer youth spend time outdoors and feel disconnected to the natural world, these partnerships offer students a meaningful outdoor experience that sparks curiosity and connection.

Students rotated through engaging, hands-on stations that brought the landscape to life. Popular stations included a lively relay game, which demonstrated how beavers engineer ecosystems; wildlife viewing opportunities; and biodiversity exploration. At the cultural plants station, students observed traditional rope-making from native plants and practiced using diggers to gently harvest roots, deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and land stewardship.

In reflection, one third grade teacher from Eastmont School District said, “We had lots of students asking questions, especially students who normally don’t ask questions, which was awesome!”

Students at the Beaver Station at Beebe Springs Outdoor School

Partners invested in this project, working together to build a stronger, more connected future for both people and place include:

· Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

· The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

· Cascadia Conservation District

· Trout Unlimited

· Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement

· Foster Creek Conservation District

· United States Fish and Wildlife Service

· Recreation and Conservation Office

· Pacific Education Institute

· North Central Educational Service District

“None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners and volunteers,” said Leia Althauser, WDFW’s Community Involvement and Education manager. “Each person’s commitment to outdoor education and willingness to share their unique expertise made this program truly special. We are grateful for the continued collaboration and passion for connecting young people with the natural world.”

Buses parked on day 3 of at Beebe Springs Outdoor School

The uncertain future of the program

This program was made possible by financial support from a No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant. WDFW used the $24,000 grant to cover critical expenses such as stipends for non-profit partners, materials, bussing costs, substitute teacher salaries, translation services, portable restrooms, and more.

While funding for the No Child Left Inside grant program has fluctuated over the past decade, its recent impact has been significant — reaching approximately 150,000 Washington youth and providing more than 5 million hours of outdoor experiences between 2023 and 2025. However, in the upcoming 2025–2027 biennium, funding will drop sharply from $7 million to just over $1.1 million.

This reduction appears to be part of a broader trend. Other major state-supported outdoor education programs such as the Outdoor Learning Grant through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Career Connect Washington, ClimeTime, and FieldSTEM have been fully eliminated. These cuts come at a time when the benefits of outdoor education — for students’ academic growth, physical health, mental well-being, and connection to place — are more important than ever.

The long-term impacts on Washington’s youth, families, and communities remain uncertain. Yet, the need for equitable access to high-quality outdoor learning continues to grow.

Students actively learning at Beebe Springs Outdoor School

WDFW remains committed to finding creative, collaborative ways to offer access to outdoor learning for both teachers and families. We know that when young people are given the chance to connect with nature, it can spark a lifelong sense of curiosity and stewardship. That’s why WDFW remains focused on several programs that support young learners, including:

· Wild Washington lesson plans

· Stewardship at home

· At home family educational resources

If you’re interested in supporting WDFW’s programming, you can do so through donating to our Youth Outdoors account, or by volunteering for education opportunities near you.

Media inquires can be directed to Nicole Jordan, North Central WA communication specialist, at nicole.jordan@dfw.wa.gov.

Sculptures at Beebe Springs Wildlife Area Unit