E3 Washington

Today we're highlighting E3 WA Board Member Chase Buffington's beautiful flower and blueberry garden! Gardens don't always have to feed you, they can also be a bunch of flowers because they make you happy. 🌸🌷🌼

Photographed by Chase Buffington

Proud of our Washington awardees this year!

Good news! Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group The Salmon Center received an EPA Environmental Education grant to support environmental education programs on the Hood Canal Watershed, home to threatened species of salmon and highly sensitive to the increasing effects of climate change. Learn more at: https://www.pnwsalmoncenter.org/

We celebrate this year's awardees!

Congratulations! NSEA - Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association received an EPA Environmental Education grant for their Future Leaders of Whatcom Waters (FLOW) Program in partnership with Western Washington University. The FLOW program aims to develop informed, knowledgeable, and responsible young professionals, while helping promote environmental stewardship for thousands of teachers, students, and community members to ensure that salmon remain to enrich the spirit of the Pacific Northwest and the lives of those who call this place home. https://www.n-sea.org/flow

The Growing Together fall conference call for proposals is now open! Join us! Share your stories, experiences, and expertise at the upcoming collaborative on-site conference at the inspiring Cispus Outdoor Learning Center with E3 Washington and Outdoor Schools Washington! Proposals are due August 19. Go to the link below to submit your session proposal today.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfijZHBrzhPBO5XbaotQTrBMV3j9H6TXsykCgRns12wY2oxDQ/viewform?mc_cid=12eed9f0ec&mc_eid=93b1f8a6cd

E3 Washington and Outdoor Schools Washington present Washington's Outdoor, Environmental, and Sustainability Educators' 2024 Conference: Growing Together 🌱 This will be an in-person event, with lots of space for people to stay in cabins, camp, or attend for a day. Save the date: November 15-17, 2024 at Cispus Learning Center, Randle, WA. See our call for proposals now, and stay tuned for our call for sponsors

https://www.e3washington.org/conference

It's time for our monthly Job Board highlight! Updated consistently, E3 WA's Job Board is a great resource page for new job opportunities in the environmental education and sustainability (ESE) field. The job we're highlighting today is being offered by IslandWood, who is seeking a remote part-time Urban Programs Educator. If you're interested in learning more and applying for this job, or others, check out our Job Board at the link below. Good luck, and happy job hunting! https://www.e3washington.org/ese-jobs

Director of School Engagement at Outdoor Schools WA, Shelley Barker, just released a blog post Outdoor School WA's founding mission and how they've gotten closer than ever to their goal. Read more at the link below. 🤗

https://www.e3washington.org/blog/2024/6/7/advancing-outdoor-education-in-washington-state-a-year-of-growth-and-progress

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Schools WA

What are you harvesting this July? E3 WA Board and Conference Committee Member, Roberta McFarland, is harvesting lots of yummy fruits and veggies! From Raspberries and strawberries, to rhubarb and garlic! Share your bountiful garden harvests by using or comment below. 🍓🥬🧄

Photographed by Roberta McFarland

In the heat of summer, sometimes we forget to double check the ingredients of our sunscreen to ensure that it doesn't harm marine life while we're enjoying our time at a beach or lake. By not using reef-safe sunscreen, we expose living creatures to harmful chemicals. For example, exposure to sunscreen chemicals can harm coral by inducing bleaching and damage their DNA, impairing growth and photosynthesis in green algae, and even decreasing fertility and reproduction in fish. Now, how do we find reef-safe sunscreen? Unfortunately terms like "reef friendly" and "reef safe" are not regulated, so you can't always trust products with this wording. Instead, check the ingredients on the label and see if they match up with any chemicals that Surfrider lists. You don't want Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, and even microplastics (exfoliating beads). Thanks for doing your part to keep both yourself and ocean life healthy! Now, enjoy cooling off in the water. 🌊🐠🪸🌿

https://www.surfrider.org/news/your-guide-to-reef-friendly-sunscreens?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google_Search_DSA&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4530688483&hsa_cam=1621151447&hsa_grp=62268573795&hsa_ad=677150770481&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgopyS1QcBvY2huqynTutVI0XGKiMw_pAC4wieWwoz9fGk_Y1fUKHWgRoCTJEQAvD_BwE

Photographed by Francesco Ungaro

Have you been on the lookout for a conference on climate change education? Or have you been wanting to learn more about how community gardens can involve bilingual families? Check out our New Events page featuring fun activities, webinars, and more! In this post we're featuring a conference hosted by the Summer Insitute for Climate Change Education and a webinar on Bilingual Family Engagement. Learn more at the link below. 🌎🌿🗣️ http://e3washington.org/

The Fourth of July has been a complicated holiday for many Indigenous Peoples, as there is a dark history with America and patriotism. The Smithsonian Magazine shares that many Indigenous Peoples spend the holiday remembering their ancestors, continuing Indigenous ceremonies, and immersing themselves in family culture. How do you celebrate the fourth? If you're interested in learning more about how a holiday dedicated to American Independence is observed by Indigenous Peoples throughout the United States, check out this article by the Smithsonian. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2020/07/01/do-american-indians-celebrate-4th-july/

Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian

Last week, the E3 WA board gathered at Flaming Geyser State Park to meet and to enjoy the day! E3 WA’s board includes members from across the state and from various facets of environmental, outdoor, and sustainability education. Meet us all: https://www.e3washington.org/board-members

We're excited to share the new learning course being offered by The Outdoor Learning School & Store. Taking place from October 2024 to May 2025, this course will serves as support for participants to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. If you're interested in registering or learning more about this course, head to the link in our bio.

Photo credit to Outdoor Learning School & Store

Happy Orca Action Month! During all of June, community members along the Pacific Northwest will be taking action to protect the Southern Resident orcas and salmon. Taking action to protect these beautiful sea creatures can look like anything from volunteering your time at a salmon habitat restoration project to writing a letter to Governor Inslee urging him to support protection of orcas. Interested in taking action to protect the Southern Resident orcas and the salmon they rely on? Go to the link below to support our local marine life. 🪸 orcamonth.com/act

Photographed by Tim Cole

We're excited to highlight the garden of Rochelle who is the Co-Chair of E3 WA's Communications Committee! Right now, Rochelle is harvesting cilantro, green & red leaf lettuce, and mint! What are you harvesting? Comment below! 🐛🥬🌿

Photographed by Rochelle Gandour-Rood

As we honor Juneteenth on this day, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Americans in the United States. During the entire month of June, the Smithsonian museum is embracing the rich history of Freedom Day each day of this month. Do you know the story of ? Learn more and join in the celebration with https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth ✊

Are you interested in joining educators across North America at the Summer Institute on July 15th - 19th this summer? This professional development opportunity is open to both formal and non-formal educators of all specialities. Join at the link in our bio!

Photo credited to Climate Generation

On our final day of MuseumWeek, we're excited to highlight the Burke Museum () in Seattle. The Burke Museum is full of dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art, and plant and animal collections from across the globe. The Burke Museum is unique in the sense that they have working labs that you can see into during your visit. The galleries are filled with curiosity and conversation while being friendly-family. Plan your visit to the Burke Museum at https://www.burkemuseum.org/visit 🦕🌱🔭

Photographed by Aaron Leitz

On day six of , E3 WA is sharing about the Museum of Culture and Environment run by Central Washington University (CWU) located in Ellensburg, WA. The Museum of Culture and Environment explores our diverse and changing world through a variety of exhibits and public events. This museum works with diverse communities to create opportunities for lifelong learning that fosters self-discovery, global citizenship, and environmental stewardship. Plan your visit at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/museum/index.php 🌎🌱🌼

Photo credited to Central Washington University

On day five of , E3 WA is highlighting the Langley Whale Center located on Whidbey Island. Just 13 mins off the Mulkiteo/Clinton ferry, the Langley Whale Center gives visitors and residents of Whidbey Island a chance to learn more about the endangered Southern Resident orcas and the North Puget Sound Gray Whales. With a shy unique population of 10-12 Gray whales who find substenance in the waters of Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound seasonally from March-May. Dive into the world of whales and marine life at the interactive Langley Whale Center. Plan your visit at https://www.orcanetwork.org/langley-whale-center 🐋🪸🐚

Photographed by Olivia Vanni of The Herald

On day four of , E3 WA is excited to share the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute located in Pendleton, OR, not far from Walla Walla, WA. Through interactive exhibits, special events, and a Living Culture Village, the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute celebrates the traditions of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes, whose traditional territories span the region. The institute holds facinating and historically-rich exhibits, renowned artwork, and fun events year-round. Plan your visit to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute at https://www.tamastslikt.org/ 🖼️✨⛰️

Photo credited to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

On day three of , E3 WA is highlighting the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane. The Northwest Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate cultivating and preserving the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life. Plan your visit to the Northwest Museum at https://www.northwestmuseum.org/ 💫🖼️🌲

Photo credited to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

On day two of , E3 WA celebrates this week by highlighting the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center in Vancouver, WA. Though this feature is more unconventional, Columbia Springs can be seen as a hands-on Museum. The Museum is the outdoors in this case, which is just as important as viewing historical artifacts indoors. Columbia Springs is a 100-acre urban natural site an outdoor educational center offering events, programs, and workshops to teach people of all ages about stewardship and environmental science. Plan your visit to the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center at https://www.columbiasprings.org/ 🌿🐛🔬

Photo credited to Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

E3 WA is excited to celebrate by featuring seven wonderful Washington based museums all week long! On day one, we're highlighting the@whatcom_museum in Bellingham. The Whatcom Museum holds nearly 30,000 art and history objects, primarily showcasing art from the 19th century forward, with a focus on works that were created in or about the Pacific Northwest. The Whatcom Museum also has a Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) that has a family-friendly art studio and cross-cultural, scientific, and innovative actives. Plan your visit to the Whatcom Museum at https://www.whatcommuseum.org/ 🔬🖼️🧑‍🎨

Photo credited to Whatcom Museum

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

Photographed by Aiden Craver

We encourage folks to add their comments!

Based on feedback from our applicants and advisory committee, RCO and Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission are considering changes to the No Child Left Inside grant program and we’d love your comments! The changes would include changing scoring criteria, allowing grants to cover some indirect costs, and adding criteria focused on program outcomes and budget.

Review the changes and provide feedback: https://rb.gy/boh0ha

We're here to remind you that the presentation proposals for Washington Science Teachers Association Conference this October are due! Right now they are accepting proposals for workshops is due 6/1! Submit your proposals now to have the chance to share your knowledge at the annual Washington Science Teachers Association Conference! .scienceteachers

What are you harvesting this May? We're starting to harvest lettuce, radishes, green onions, and peas at this time of year. Let us know in the comments below. 🥬

Photographed by Erda Estremera

We're excited to highlight the podcast Brown Girl Green hosted by Filipina American climate activist, Kristy Drutman. In the podcast episode The Need for Energy, Equity, & Justice, Kristy holds a conversation with Daphany Rose Sanchez, a community organizer and expert in climate and housing. They discuss how to address energy justice in energy insecure communities, and share the policy needed to achieve energy justice. Stream this episode of Brown Girl Green on your podcast streaming platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.).

School Garden Support Organization - SGSO - Network has some great webinars coming up, including Supporting Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth in Outdoor Spaces next week on May 22!