This Thursday, April 17th, the Hood Canal School Board will hold a special study session highlighting the district’s growing outdoor education programs—an area of learning that continues to thrive thanks to passionate educators and community partners. The presentation will feature BOOTS coordinator Toby Syrett, Science Teacher and BYRDS coordinator Heather Akiyama, and ROOTS instructor Winter Strong, who will share highlights and recent student experiences that showcase why Hood Canal’s outdoor learning programs are truly one-of-a-kind.
From wilderness treks to salmon releases, the past few months have been packed with memorable moments that reflect the spirit of hands-on, place-based learning at Hood Canal. Earlier this spring, our BOOTS (Building Outdoor Opportunities Through School) program embarked on a multi-day backpacking trip into the Skokomish South Fork. Despite nearly nonstop rain and rising river levels, students stayed dry in new outdoor gear—and their spirits remained high. The 10-mile hike tested their limits and left each participant with a powerful sense of achievement and camaraderie built through shared challenge.
Another standout initiative has been the construction of a new outdoor learning space right on our forested campus. Led by Mr. Syrett and supported by volunteers, this project brings students directly into the building process—shaping a national-park-style setting with log benches and natural seating. The new space will be ready soon and used by all classes for lessons, exploration, and quiet reflection outdoors.
Science learning is also taking root through the ROOTS program, where younger students learn about plants and their traditional uses for food and medicine. With hands-on experiences like making and tasting nettle tea, students are discovering the natural world in meaningful and memorable ways.
Outdoor learning at Hood Canal isn’t limited to campus. Students in our BYRDS program took a special trip to Hama Hama Oysters where they learned about forestry, river ecosystems, and oyster farming—capped off with the unforgettable experience of shucking and tasting fresh oysters.
Environmental stewardship is another key theme. Our 3rd and 7th graders recently released salmon they raised in their classrooms, during a field trip organized with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group. In addition to learning about local ecosystems, students rolled up their sleeves to help clean up the area—showing pride in their environment and a deepening connection to the land.
Hood Canal educators are also leading the way in professional development, with several staff participating in hands-on training with the Pacific Education Institute and the Salmon Enhancement Group. Through fieldwork at Theler Wetlands and nature preserves, staff explored ways to integrate science and math into outdoor lessons—ensuring that students continue to benefit from rich, immersive learning experiences for years to come.
Thursday’s board session is a chance to celebrate these efforts, share what’s next, and recognize the incredible staff and partners making it all happen. Hood Canal’s commitment to outdoor learning continues to grow—and it’s helping students grow, too.