Bayshore Preserve: Outdoor Education

In the first week of February, we hosted 7th grade students from the Olympic Middle School in Shelton at our Bayshore Preserve. Over the course of one week over 250 students joined us in the field for some hands-on science education!

The students divided into two groups upon arrival – freshwater and saltwater. One group worked along Johns Creek to study how our restoration efforts are affecting the freshwater habitats. The students looked through water samples from Johns Creek in search of macroinvertebrates. Depending on which macroinvertebrates were found in the water, the students could roughly determine the water quality of Johns Creek. The students found stoneflies, caddisflies and many other critters!

The freshwater group was also tasked with measuring the streamflow of one of the newly constructed side channels in Johns Creek. They did this by taking measurements of the creek; how deep it is and how wide it is. Then, by throwing floats into the channel and timing their movement, the students could calculate how much water was flowing through the channel.

The saltwater group focused on the estuaries and the new tidal channels along the edge of the old golf course and Oakland Bay. When the students reached the tidelands, they discussed what an estuary is and the importance of the Oakland Bay estuary for salmon, shellfish, and many other animals and plants which depend on this environment.

The students then worked together to observe and discuss the changes that have taken place since the seawall dike was removed. This involved observing and recording some of the various macroinvertebrates (sand worms, oysters, clams, mud snails, etc.) and plants (glasswort [Salicornia], seashore saltgrass [Distichlis], sea lettuce [Ulva]) that grow in the estuary/tide flats.

Photo by Bruce Livingston

Before leaving the preserve, both groups walked through the preserve in search of invasive plant species. They found Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, and Scotch broom and discussed the impact of invasive species. By the end of the day, all the students had gotten a chance to explore a wonderful restoration site as well as the chance to engage in hands-on environmental learning activities!

Photo by Bruce Livingston