OLYMPIA – The Port of Olympia and the Puget Sound Estuarium recently collaborated on a series of field trips for fifth-grade students from local school districts. From September 25 to October 13, a total of one thousand students had the chance to participate in hands-on learning experiences focused on Olympia’s waterfront.
During these field trips, students were able to explore the natural wonders of Puget Sound and gain a deeper understanding of estuaries. They had the opportunity to investigate the various plants and animals that inhabit Budd Inlet, while also learning about the importance of environmental stewardship.
The time spent included engaging activities such as oyster dissections, landform modeling, and discussions about the Budd Inlet project. Students were able to learn about the history and how the clean up and restoration of Budd Inlet is providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore the environment, improve water quality, address sea level rise, and provide better water access and recreation opportunities for our entire community.
The collaboration between the Port of Olympia and the Puget Sound Estuarium resulted in numerous learning opportunities and unforgettable experiences for our local youth. By providing hands-on experiences and education about the working waterfront, this partnership aims to inspire the next generation to become stewards of the environment and appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings.
