Final Report

Click Here to view student journal entries from the River Reflections Station.

Click Here to view student drawings from the Plant ID and Biodiversity Station.

Together the Canopy Connections team and the participating middle students gained practical knowledge, while cultivating a connection to place and culturing a deep respect for old growth forests.

Outputs

The Canopy Connections team invested over 1,800 hours between winter and spring terms to create and facilitate environmental education field trips, reaching 230 students. We served 6 middle schools, which included Fern Ridge, McKenzie, Prairie Mountain, Ridgeline, Roosevelt and Siuslaw. Our team designed and implemented a pre-trip lesson and 4 field stations. We designed field riddles and a conclusion survey as measures for evaluation. The riddles quizzed students on the learning objectives from the previous station and the conclusion surveys asked students about their overall view of the field trip, their facilitator’s individual teaching methods, and evaluated short-term knowledge acquired. Questions included “Describe your personal experience in the tree. What did you like and/or dislike about the teaching methods of your group leader? As a result of this field trip did your perceptions of old growth forests change? Please explain. On a scale from 1 to 10, how much did you learn today?”

Outcomes

While each field trip held the same content, every student left with his or her own distinct experience. One student from Siuslaw Middle School said, “I liked that it was more hands on type of learning.” Students were inspired to get their hands in the soil, feel the texture of a tree and pick up organic debris to build a shelter. Results showed that 90% of students loved the field trip, 75% of students are likely to show their support for environmental protection in the future, and that the majority of students learned a lot from the experience. From what students said to their engaged participation, these students will be more environmentally aware than they would have otherwise and will continue to develop as stewards of the natural environment. As environmental educators we are motivated to pursue careers in environmental education and work to nurture a healthier, beautiful environment for generations yet to come.

Student Quotes

“When I was going up, my surroundings were very cozy and I felt determined to get to the top. When I reached the top, I felt like I was a part of something bigger.” Laura

“I liked that it was more of a hands on type of learning.” Aviv

“…I was able to close my eyes and take in the air around me. There was a soft breeze against my face, and In that moment I was able to completely appreciate the world and its beauty.” Lydia

“I learned a lot about old growth (forests) that I didn’t know before, and I think I am more likely to participate in activities taking place there.” Sander

Teacher Quotes

“It was wonderful to see the change in the kids and watch them bond in their groups throughout the day. They had fun, learned about forests, and were made to be comfortable in the woods.” Chad Heidtke

“Today was the best experience we've had with Canopy Connections, and they've all been good. The curriculum was challenging and interesting. That was key! Middle schoolers are smarter than we give them credit for. They want to be treated as capable. Your crew did a great job. I didn't feel the need to intervene, not once. I just sat back and soaked it in, and took pictures (which I'll share). Thank you and the crew for an amazing learning experience.” Jon Labrousse