Nathan Cook, WDFW, supports students with learning about waterfowl adaptations.
On a bright spring morning, the Coulee City Campground buzzed with excitement as students from Coulee City Elementary and Almira Elementary gathered for a one-day outdoor learning event. From kindergarteners to fifth graders, kids were eager to spend the day outside exploring nature alongside classmates and new friends from a neighboring school.
The event was centered around two important themes—pollinators and waterfowl—and brought together educators and experts from across the region. Three interactive stations were set up around the campground, each hosted by a different organization. Staff from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Columbia Basin Conservation District, and the Almira-Coulee-Hartline High School Natural Resources Class led the students in hands-on learning.
Students draw their creatures with unique adaptations to survive their environment.
At the pollinator station, students used special nets to catch and release bees and butterflies that flitted among the wildflowers. They examined the tiny creatures closely before setting them free, learning how pollinators play a vital role in growing the food we eat. The migration station was equally exciting. Through a migration simulation, students pretended to be birds navigating long journeys between nesting and feeding grounds. Laughter and learning filled the air as they flapped their arms, dodged “hazards” like predators and resource limitations, and discovered the challenges real birds face each year.
Student runs to show the pollinator he has captured.
Another station focused on waterfowl adaptations. Students explored how different beak shapes assist in feeding. With models and live demonstrations, students began to understand how nature equips animals to survive and thrive. They finished the station by drawing their own creatures with adaptations they felt would help their creature survive living in the wild.
After a picnic lunch under the trees, students returned to Coulee City Elementary for an afternoon of continued exploration. Inside and outside the school, new stations awaited. With help from Washington State Parks, students learned about the Columbia River watershed and how water connects communities and ecosystems. Pieces by Parrott offered a creative activity—wildflower bouquet making using native plants—which brought smiles and a splash of color to the day. Meanwhile, school staff led leadership activities that encouraged teamwork, communication, and confidence.
By the end of the day, students had full minds and happy hearts. The outdoor learning event at Coulee City Campground had done more than teach science—it had sparked curiosity, built friendships, and inspired a deeper connection to the natural world around them. Thank you Cloudview Bakery for supplying the treats and goodies for the students.
