Environmental Education

Last night was the annual Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) facilities tour. The BAC is a volunteer group of citizens who advise PBOT on how transportation policies and projects impact bicycling. Each year, they leave their usual City Hall meeting room to get an up-close look at bike infrastructure. Last year we explored east Portland, and this year the focus was on downtown and the inner eastside — a part of town the city commonly refers to as the central city.

It’s not just that Premium Rush is an hour and a half of intense observational overload, it’s that it explores the human power of observation as well as any film I’ve seen lately.

This lesson is based on the highly engaging book Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, by biologist Thor Hanson. The book is one of the winners of the 2012 SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. SB&F, Science Books & Films, is a project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Due to the normal demands on class time, you might want to consider using this lesson with an advanced group of students, or as extra credit for highly motivated and focused students.

From Rafe: Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

Every July and August these walks and programs are offered free to the public, covering an amazing variety of topics through the years – animal tracking, plant identification, edible and medicinal plants, forest ecology, amphibians, birds, mushrooms, trees, deer, moose, bear, beaver and more. New educational director Bridie McGreavy, following Harding’s retirement, is adding new programs. Read the full story

Raising awareness about issues such as indoor air pollution is why C3 sponsors these do-it-yourself events said Kristen Pratt, C3 Student Clubs Project Coordinator and WRD environmental consultant. She said that the organization supported a green cleaning class because many people do no realize that household items contribute to worsening indoor air quality. “Anything that requires you to open the window when using it probably isn’t good for your health,” Pratt said. Read the full story

Looking for affordable summer fun with benefits to last a lifetime? Go outside and connect with nature! Exploring nature offers you healthy exercise and fresh air, and can strengthen your spiritual, intellectual, and family life. See the full list