Connecting Students to Watershed Stewardship
The Oswego Lake Watershed Council partners with the Lake Oswego School District to provide middle and high school students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to local ecosystems. Through field investigations, restoration projects, and community science activities, students explore topics such as watershed health, habitat restoration, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Learning Through Stewardship
Field-based experiences give students the opportunity to engage directly with the natural world while contributing to meaningful conservation work. Activities may include habitat restoration, native plant studies, ecological monitoring, water quality investigations, and other place-based learning opportunities that support both educational and stewardship goals.
Current Programs
One example is the Pecan Creek Beaver Habitat Restoration & Education Project, where students participate in habitat restoration and ecological learning while helping improve stream and wildlife habitat. As partnerships grow, OLWC aims to expand opportunities for secondary students to engage with restoration, conservation, and watershed stewardship throughout the community.
Building Future Stewards
By connecting students to local landscapes and real-world environmental challenges, these programs help foster environmental literacy, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the watershed.
Get Involved: Volunteer with Our Field Trip Programs
Volunteers play an important role in supporting student stewardship and restoration projects. Whether assisting with habitat restoration activities, helping students learn field techniques, or sharing your enthusiasm for caring for local natural areas, volunteers help create meaningful outdoor experiences that connect students to the watershed and their role in protecting it.
No prior teaching experience is required; just an interest in supporting students and a willingness to spend time outdoors. Training is provided.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Megan Hill, Education & Outreach Specialist, at megan@oswegowatershed.org to learn more about upcoming opportunities.