Natural Resource Field Day Provided Outdoor Learning Opportunities
By Linda McLean
ANR/4-H/FRTEP Educator
WSU Colville Reservation Extension
The Colville Tribes Natural Resources Field Day was held Friday, June 5, 2025, in a rural field near Nespelem, WA. Two hundred twenty-eight Kindergarten - third grade students from Lake Roosevelt and Nespelem schools traveled to participate in hands-on learning out in the environment. Youth learned about a variety of natural resource topics, and of course, the day would not have been complete without a visit from Mt Tolman and Smokey Bear!
This year's line-up boasted fifteen different hands-on stations: (listed by program, topic.)
- Land Operations (CCT & BIA) Rangeland Readiness
- Fish & Wildlife (I) Furs & Skulls
- Fish & Wildlife (II) Native/Non-native plant ID/Scavenger hunt
- Fish & Wildlife(III) Mini Scaffold Fishing
- Mt. Tolman Smokey Bear
- Forestry Forestry tools/ Tree ID
- Pacific Seafood Salmon cycle and Froot Loop Fish Thread activity
- WA DNR Forestry/Dendrochronology
- Bee Atlas Native Bees
- WSU Colville Reservation Extension Soil Texture by Feel
- WSU School of Biological Sciences The hidden life of plants
- WSU School of Biological Sciences Tools of birds
- WSU School of Biological Sciences Life cycle of salmon
- WSU School of Biological Sciences Fish built for speed
- WSU School of Biological Sciences Living in water
- WSU School of Biological Sciences Why this tastes bad!
This event is a collaborative effort, coordinated and facilitated by CCT/BIA Land Operations, CCT Fish & Wildlife, CCT Environmental Trust, and WSU Colville Reservation Extension Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) & 4-H Positive Youth Development program. The Natural Resource Field Day began as a follow-up to the Seed Bomb project, which stemmed from the aftermath of the Chuweah Creek Fire of 2021. This was a citizen science project where students created seed bombs with native seeds and then dispersed them onto the burned field. The Natural Resource Field Day is a chance for students to visit the field to see the results of their efforts. The field day showcases natural resources and provides hands-on educational activities to help spark students? interests in the environment, STEM, and natural resource fields of study.
The 4-H Positive Youth Development program strives to engage youth in their own learning?, stated Linda McLean, Colville Reservation WSU Extension Director. By exposing youth to environmental issues and fun topics, in an outdoor setting, we hope to spark their interest in caring for the environment and possibly exploring natural resource fields of study and careers.
If you would like more information on this or other Extension programs, please contact Linda McLean, Colville Reservation Extension Director, (509) 634-2305.
