Port Blakely Teaches Forest Stewardship to Thurston County Kids

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Port BlakelyA class of fortunate fourth graders spent a crisp, autumn morning outside, not at recess, but at a tract of Port Blakely forestland for an environmental education field trip. Kelly Stanley, coordinator of the program and lead guide, turns students into wildlife detectives as they wander through a mile-long trail.  Stanley, an enthusiastic educator, shares her passion for forestry and the outdoors through an action-packed tour that keeps the kids active and engaged.

Port Blakely Tree Farms, whose forestry business is based in Tumwater, started the environmental education program in 1991.  The company offers free, educational tours to fourth grade classes within driving range of the tour site.  Approximately 60 schools are served at both the Olympia and Oregon tour sites.  Port Blakely pays for all costs associated with the tour, including bus transportation fees.  The giving does not stop at field trip expenses, though.   On our tour day, Stanley was prepared for the cool temperatures and pulled a bin of coats and gloves from her car to share with kids that needed an extra layer on a brisk day.

In the past 20 years, over 51,000 students have visited Port Blakely land.  In 2011, the company expects to serve almost 2,000 students.  Fourth graders were identified as the target audience because of their exuberance and ability to grasp the concepts of forestry and ecosystems.  “Kelly started this program and even after all these years, she is still tweaking the program to keep it fresh.  She brings so much energy to the tour – it’s like it’s brand new every day,” said Teresa Loo, Port Blakely’s Director of Communication.

Port Blakely“Inevitably, when I am out in the community and wearing Port Blakely gear, I will run into an adult who went on the tour as a kid.  It blows my mind that they remember the field trip and will tell me about their favorite highlight such as eating an apple in the forest,” said Stanley.

One week prior to the tour, Stanley visits the classroom and leads the students through four learning stations that encompass material related to the upcoming tour.

“Some of our tours come from areas where Port Blakely owns forest properties and others are from urban neighborhoods where kids have never visited a forest.  This program gives us a unique opportunity to give back to the communities,” described Stanley.

“Our goal is for the students to have a positive experience being in the forest,” explained Loo.  “We hope to open the door so that the students continue to have an interest in natural resource issues,” Loo continued.

Today, Ms. Miracle’s fourth grade class jumped off the bus and immediately started playing in the bigleaf maple leaves and throwing helicopters (maple seed pods) into the air.  Miracle, who has been bringing her students for 16 years, said that this program is very important to her class.  “Students learn better outside.  During the tour, kids that have been outside with their families have a chance to shine.  These may not be the same kids that excel in the classroom so it’s wonderful as a teacher to see this transformation,” explained Miracle.

Port Blakely“My favorite part of the tour is getting the kids out in the forest,” stated repeat parent chaperone Rick Mack.  Christine Billings, another parent volunteer, remarked that her older daughter, who is now a junior in college, is still talking about the tour.  “It’s a good lesson that encourages the kids to investigate more,” stated Billings.  “My favorite tree is the western hemlock,” stated fourth grader Layla.  “I can now easily identify it because of its drooping top,” she explained.

Starting in January, Port Blakely will offer a grant program for schools that have participated in the field trip program.  Schools can apply for the $2,000 grant to be used for environmental education or science programs.

Simply put, Jason, another fourth grader, summed up what the field trip means to students.  With a huge smile on his face and arms raised to the sky, he exclaimed, “I love this day!”

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