Oregon Garden Natural Resource Education Program

The Oregon Garden Natural Resources Education Program is a partnership between the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and Oregon Garden Foundation, which aims to provide Oregon 4^ththrough 6^thgrade students with an appreciation for our natural resources and the impact they have on our daily lives.

Students will explore our wetland habitat and Rediscovery Forest, where they will encounter living – even breathing! – examples of the lessons being taught. This hands-on program provides a one-of-a-kind, experiential environment for students to learn about Oregon’s forests, wetlands and wildlife.

Natural Resources Education Program at The Oregon Garden

OFRI Natural Resources Education Program at The Oregon Garden

Scheduling

The Oregon Garden Natural Resources Education Program is open to all Oregon 4^th through 6^th grade students. We can accommodate up to three classrooms per day; space is reserved on a first come, first served basis. Most groups arrange their field trip several months in advance.

Spring is our busiest season. While we do conduct field trips throughout the school year, winter trips are discouraged.

The program typically takes four hours to complete, including a half hour for lunch. Start and end times are flexible based on travel schedules.

Program lessons are tailored to each school and will cover two or three of the topics listed below. Each of our hands-on, science based lessons last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Program Cost

There is a $3 per student program fee. Teachers and chaperones are free.

100% of funds generated by the program are reinvested back into it, providing for materials, top-tier educators and helping to improve accessibility by offering program scholarships and transportation reimbursement. Additional financial support is provided by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and Oregon Garden Foundation.

Because we believe in the value of this program, scholarships are available to Title 1 schools – please check the appropriate box when completing your program request form.

Transportation reimbursement is available on a first come, first served basis. You may request reimbursement when submitting your program request form.

Logistics

Schools are responsible for arranging transportation to and from The Oregon Garden. Transportation reimbursement is available on a first come, first served basis. Please request reimbursement when completing your program request form.

Students should pack sack lunches, and will eat lunch either inside our classroom or under a covered picnic area.We require a minimum of one chaperone for every five students. Students must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Our property features ample places to sit, drinking fountains and covered areas. Note that all programs occur rain or shine. While there is some flexibility to account for inclement weather, students should come prepared to be outside.

Accessibility

The Oregon Garden contains many trails to explore, which are variably accessible by wheelchairs or mobility aids, including paved asphalt, concrete, bark chip and gravel surfaces. All of our facilities including restrooms and classrooms are ADA accessible. Please let us know if you have any specific concerns.

Because we believe in the value of this program, scholarships are available to Title 1 schools – please check the appropriate box when completing your program request form.

Lesson Plan

All of our lessons are designed to best suit 4th through 6th grade students. If your group has a topic that you would like to cover but do not see listed, please let us know, as we may be able to accommodate your request. Our environmental educators have extensive knowledge in all of the covered subjects; we affirm their right to modify lessons based on availability and appropriateness.

Many accompanying publications are available at www.oregonforests.org. As always, students learn best with advance classroom preparation of subject and vocabulary. We are able to provide pre- or post-lessons if requested.

Lesson	Description
Wildlife Habitat	Using interactive science lessons, students learn about the relationships between plants, herbivores, carnivores and decomposers in different habitats. Use track molds, animal signs, and other visual aids to identify signs of wildlife and then venture into the Rediscovery Forest to find the real thing.
Food Webs in Ecosystems	Identify and model a food web in the forest ecosystems. Use science inquiry to observe and collect data about decomposers, consumers, and producers in different forest types.
Plant and Animal Adaptation	Really investigate plants by looking at their structure. Complete a scavenger hunt based on the plants adaptations. Students examine a variety of “seed” packages” and their strategies for seed dispersal. Students hone their observation and analytic skills while observing and discussing the structural and behavioral characteristics of tadpoles.
Healthy Forest	Students will learn about the benefits of forests. How they provide clean air, water, shade, habitat and forest products. They will learn what trees need to survive and why some forests are managed. They will use hands-on forestry tools used by foresters every day, while discovering jobs that the forest sector has to offer.

Registration

Ready to register? Click the button below to submit a program request form. Program registration must be completed online. After a review of your application, participants will be contacted to finalize the details of their trip. All participants receive an electronic packet with a confirmation letter and additional information. Please notify staff of any special requirements your group may have.

Contact Us

Please contact Rikki Heath, heath@ofri.org, 503-799-4792, if you have any questions about the Natural Resources Education Program.