Hands on the Land

Our travels down the West Coast of USA revealed the vast and diverse nature of this spectacular country as the landscape changed from the northern forests of Alaska through the spectacular forests of Washington State down through Portland, Oregon, then to the very different landscapes of California, from San Francisco to San Diego. But what was similar in every location and program we visited was the commitment and dedication to bring to young people the experience, understanding and love of their special individual environments. These people certainly gave a clear insight into the way young Americans are encouraged to take up a life time of stewardship to preserve each wonderful and unique environment.

Our first stop on our long journey down the West Coast was to meet Dave Zelenka, our first contact person from ‘Hands on the Land’ without whose help this wonderful opportunity would not have eventuated, and enjoyed lunch in the garden at Dave’s home. It was not surprising to learn Dave also works in his locality and school encouraging young people to learn about their local forests and marine life.

From Port Angeles we travelled by ferry down this spectacular coast learning on the way about the wonderful environmental program operating on Bainbridge Island which brings under privileged children from cities to experience nature in this beautiful place. This I learned from a fellow traveller and a volunteer in the program.

Portland an Environmental Experience not to be Missed.

A final train ride to Portland saw us arrive at our next programs on our itinerary, the Alder Creek Children’s Forest and The World Forestry Centre. Our meeting with Jim Proctor, revealed the work being done to develop curriculum to formalise environmental education in schools and colleges. Jim’s work in not only developing Alder Creek as an outstanding environmental education centre for many schools and community groups to utilise and enjoy, but his work to develop an environmental studies curriculum was our first opportunity to discuss this very important step to over coming nature deficit for many children across the planet. Hopefully, once established in school curricular, many teachers will be more confident to take their students into the outdoors.

The World Forestry Center was our next Portland experience. What a spectacular program bringing sustainable forestry to schools and the wider community. Rick Zenn, the director, generously gave some of his valuable time to explain the role of the Forestry Centre and its substantial array of exhibits. The World Forestry Center is an icon in its field of self exploration to discover the complex nature of sustainability in the management of forests. Its high tech exhibits invite visitors to take self guided tours to discover modern forest management that not only meets the demand for timber, but actively maintains this precious American environment.

Rick is passionate in his resolve in bringing the outdoor experience to all students. His goal is to make this process happen in small increments that begin by making children comfortable just being in the outdoor environment. Then to divide the learning experience into parts with messages pertinent for each year group before they tackle the large issues which politicise the forest industry. The World Forest Center and its director, Rick Zenn and Jim Proctor director Alder Creek Children’s Forest, certainly provided many thought provoking considerations in my research of environmental education. I believe these programs should definitely be considered when visiting Portland.

Judith Hill (An Aussie Observer)