OUTREACH
A solid working relationship has been established with the Olympic Park Institute (OPI), a non-profit organization that provides outdoor science education programs to school groups (grades 4-12), and professional development opportunities for teachers, non-formal educators, and citizen scientists. Located on the shore of Lake Crescent, in the Olympic National Park, OPI programs "create memorable and rewarding life experiences for students and adults. Benefits include increased engagement in science, enhanced comprehension of environmental and stewardship issues, improved group dynamics, increased sense of citizenry, and a renewed sense of wonder about the natural world and local communities. 
The natural classroom of the National Park features countless opportunities to study ancient forests, wilderness coasts, and alpine peaks. Programs are experiential, inquiry-based, and aligned with state learning requirements." In partnership with OPI, we have initiated monthly environmental education forays along the river that focus on the impact of dam removal and the importance of understanding the present biocomplexity of the Elwha as a way to assess the value of restoring river ecosystems in general. To date, we have conducted two field events for students and teachers of the Crescent Middle School in nearby Joyce, Washington, one for Native American students of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, one for Clover Park Middle and High School in Lakewood, Washington and an evening event for the Rochester Middle School in Rochester, Washington, Saratoga School in Stanwood, Washington and the largely Native American Wellpinit High School in Wellpinit, Washington. (see U-Week News Article). These monthly events will continue throughout the life of the grant, focusing on a mix of both tribal and non-tribal students as well as local citizen scientists and those seeking continuing education.