By Liz Schallon, 2nd Grade Teacher
Our 2nd-grade students recently embarked on an exciting and educational adventure at the Skokomish Estuary! The day began with an ethnobotany hike, where students identified a variety of native plant and tree species, including snowberry, salmonberry, thimbleberry, bitter cherry, Oregon grape, bigleaf maple, vine maple, forest plantain, and cottonwood. Winter Strong, our ROOTS outdoor learning educator, joined the hike and shared her deep knowledge of local plants, helping students connect even more meaningfully with the natural environment. Several parent chaperones, including botany enthusiasts, also shared their expertise, enriching the experience for everyone.
After the hike, students had a blast “smelling their way home” just like sockeye salmon—using scent cues in a fun and memorable activity that illustrated how these incredible fish return to their birthplace.
Next, students enjoyed lunch on the beach, with beautiful spring weather offering spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the shimmering waters of Hood Canal. As they explored the shoreline, students spotted signs of wildlife: bald eagles soaring overhead, tree swallows darting through the air, seagulls and ravens nearby, and even a raft of curious sea lions watching from the water.
A final highlight was making “estuary soup”—a hands-on activity where students combined saltwater, freshwater, billions of phytoplankton, and millions of zooplankton. To finish it off, they added a pinch of detritus—the decaying bits of plants and animals that help fuel the estuary’s food web.
Thank you to the Skokomish Tribe and the Mason Conservation District AmeriCorps for making this outdoor learning experience possible! We also deeply appreciate the many chaperones who joined us and contributed to a safe, fun, and enriching day for all.
Enjoy the photos below and find many more on Facebook here.
