The Real Learning Real Work Restoration Engineering Program provides teachers with year long educational programming directly targeting state curriculum requirements for STEM.

In addition to meeting Washington state learning requirements, the program aims to inspire students to think about further study and careers in natural resources, such as engineering, project management, biology, ecology, forestry and environmental science.

In order to promote long-term stewardship of our natural resources, it is important to educate and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. The Real Learning Real Work education program provides students with place-based learning opportunities in their local community to develop a better understanding of healthy ecosystems and foster an intimate relationship with their local salmon streams.

Using actual restoration sites and engaging students with professional biologists and restoration practitioners inspires a deeply meaningful framework for learning essential skills and lays the foundation for a broad stewardship ethic. Students walk away each year with applied skills in both critical-thinking and problem solving that are hard to develop in a classroom setting.

We are now entering our fifth year of providing this valuable program to local schools within our region and we continue to refine our curriculum to meet the long-term goals of the program.

Kids learning about restoration through hands-on learning. (All photos by Charles Espey)

The project creatively combines outdoor learning with classroom STEM ideas.