Life Sciences & Ecology

Forest Ecology: Investigation of Olympic National Park’s old growth forest inspires a deep understanding of the components and intricate interconnections of forest ecosystems. Our microscope and skins and skulls laboratories provide opportunities for detailed, hands-on discovery of soils and animal adaptations.

Marine Science: In-depth studies of coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to rocky shores to muddy tide flats, teach students how their actions affect the ocean, no matter their distance from it, and how in turn the ocean affects all of us. Whether exploring the whole watershed from our campus on Lake Crescent or conducting hands-on investigations at one of our many coastal field sites, students will come face to face with critical marine issues.

Watershed Studies

Watershed Science: From the Elwha River to the Sol Duc hot springs to the coastal tidelands, the Olympic Peninsula offers many opportunities for students to learn about the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and the role of water in terrestrial systems. We have a variety of field- and lab-based experiments and activities that can include: water quality studies, modeling a watershed’s natural and human-built features, investigating diversity in the marine intertidal zone, and exploring riparian zones.

Elwha River Restoration Discover the intriguing story that is unfolding as the Elwha River is restored – returning sacred lands to local Native American tribes and allowing salmon to run freely for the first time in 100 years. In September 2011, the first concrete pieces were removed from two dams on the Elwha River as part of the largest dam removal and the second largest watershed restoration project in U.S. history. Participation in long-term monitoring of such an historic event will spark student engagement as they relate what they learn in Olympic National Park back to the urban, suburban, and rural places from which they come. This understanding is critical for participants to understand their role in the environment on a local, regional, and global scale.

Earth Science & Geology

Students engage their science process skills and discover why the Olympic Peninsula has developed over geologic time to have its unique character and how these lessons apply to their home communites. Topics can include: plate tectonics, geologic time, the rock cycle, erosion, glaciation, soil formation, primary and secondary succession and other processes. Students construct the story of how the Olympic Mountains were formed as they investigate interconnections among biotic and abiotic systems. The soil lab, modeling experiments, and fossil casting complement an array of hands-on outdoor experiences.