Columbia Springs

Our on-site education program worked with the two largest local school districts in Clark County, with a required field trip for all 5th grade students in those districts. These students experience a full day of experiential learning opportunities where they participate in activities that support nest generation science standards, while providing an opportunity to see themselves as successful scientists and belonging in nature. This programming also provides a series of week-long summer day camp experiences for area students; 10 percent of the students participate via a scholarship program.

Salmon in the Classroom (SITC) is a program of Columbia Springs in partnership with Clark Public Utilities. It was created in 1991 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide students for hands-on environmental education. By studying salmon, their habitats, and water quality, students discover the interrelationships of species within their local watershed. Students ultimately learn how to care for the health of their own environment by learning how to protect salmon habitat. All schools, public and private, throughout Clark County are eligible to participate in the Salmon in the Classroom Program. In 2024, we served over 40 schools throughout the County which included in person lessons and fish release events.

Repair Clark County is a program that is supported by grant funding and powered by volunteers. Partnering with local agencies, Repair Clark County (RCC) organizes events at local community spaces throughout the County where anyone can bring broken household items to be repaired by a team of skilled volunteer fixers. These free community events often include multi-lingual interpretation to ensure accessibility for all participants. After pausing in 2023 due to a shortfall in grant funding, the programs was redesigned and successfully relaunched in 2024 as a volunteer-led initiative.