WSU Extension 4-H field day draws more than 300 youth for experiential outdoor learning

Hands-on learning and fun proved to be a 4-H formula for success during the fourth annual Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT) and Washington State University Extension Natural Resources Field Day earlier this month.

More than 300 kindergarten through third-grade students from five elementary schools traveled to Owhi Lake near Nespelem, Washington, for a day of outdoor exploration. Attendance reached a record high this year.

"Learning at an early age how to care for and manage our natural resources is beneficial to the students and the environment," said Linda McLean, director of WSU Colville Reservation Extension and longtime 4-H educator. "This type of early exposure is so critical."

Students, teachers, and chaperones rotated through nearly 20 interactive stations led by representatives from outdoor organizations and agencies. Students examined animal skulls to learn species identification, practiced geocaching and orienteering skills, observed insects up close, and explored a variety of other interactive exhibits. Topics included fish and wildlife, forestry, rangelands, wildfire, and conservation.

"The planning team was committed to providing meaningful natural resources experiences that help young people understand rangeland wildfire rehabilitation and conservation," McLean said. "So many of our children and families witnessed firsthand the destruction of the Chuweah Creek Fire in 2021. It's more important than ever to host field days that provide hands-on exposure to natural resources management."

Owhi Lake provided an ideal outdoor classroom with an abundance of trees, shoreline vegetation, and wildlife.

Misty Krohn, a kindergarten teacher at Lake Roosevelt Elementary in Coulee Dam, Washington, said the experience left a lasting impression on her students.

"What an amazing experience!" she said. "They enjoyed the tall evergreens, the walks through the park, and being close to nature. The CCT and WSU Extension staff worked hard to provide a memorable day."

The event was coordinated and facilitated by the CCT Fish and Wildlife Department, the CCT Bureau of Indian Affairs Range/Land Operations Departments, and WSU Colville Reservation Extension 4-H program staff.

"Immersive outdoor learning sparks curiosity and fosters opportunities for discovery," said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. "Through WSU Extension 4-H, young people engage and connect with science, agriculture, their communities, and the natural world in ways that can inspire lifelong interests and future careers."

Learn more about 4-H

WSU Extension 4-H provides learning opportunities that develop leadership, skills, and civic engagement. Through activities ranging from horsemanship and robotics to public speaking and community service, youth build expertise and confidence while working and learning in partnership with caring adults.