Each student receives 5-10 hours of outdoor instruction aligned with science standards taught in the classroom, with lessons ranging from investigating stream health to managing school gardens. This innovative approach to programming leverages several local groups to bring unique curriculum at each grade level, starting with local outdoor experiences on or near school grounds and building up to off-site excursions to the North Cascades National Park or Camp Saturna.

A 4th grader from Harmony Elementary plants a Cedar Tree along Squalicum Creek.

Students participate in an activity to learn about native plants and their role in an ecosystem.

Students make wishes for the Salmon before releasing into creek.

A 4th grader from Harmony Elementary plants a Cedar Tree along Squalicum Creek.

Thanks to the efforts of Representative Alicia Rule, the Connections Program has secured two years of funding to continue programs in Mount Baker and Blaine School Districts.

“During this pandemic, I knew it was going to be critically important to get kids outside. Kids need to get outdoors for not just their physical health, but their mental health.”
- Representative Alicia Rule




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