"Discover the Forest" is an outdoor environmental education program conducted in the beautiful 48 acre Yost Park in Edmonds. The Park is mostly mixed second growth forest, with the Shell Creek Nature Trail meandering through it's riparian valley.

During the 11/2 - hour long interpretive program, students are accompanied by Ranger-Naturalists down the Shell Creek Nature Trail where they'll learn about the natural history of the forest community. Students learn about edible and poisonous plants and berries, their former uses by Native American residents of the area, mammals and birds common to the park, and the natural forest succession set in motion by logging in the early twentieth century. A variety of hand-on activities are used to encourage exploration and demonstrate natural processes. A free teacher resource booklet is included for first-time registrants.

Teachers may also choose the science inquiry-based program, in which the Ranger-Naturalists facilitate an exploration and inquiry into the health of the Yost Park forest.

Both the interpretive and the science inquiry-based programs are aligned with the standards of the Washington State Science EALR’s. Both programs address Science EALR 1, “SYSTEMS”, and promote a better understanding of the properties, structures, and changes within and among natural systems, living and nonliving. The science inquiry-based program also provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to do scientific inquiry which will help them to meet the standard of Science EALR 2, “INQUIRY”.

"Discover the Forest" is offered in the Spring and the Fall to schools in the Edmonds School District, as well as other public and private schools, and youth organizations. The target age range for the program is K-6, but program content may be adjusted to accommodate older students.

Fall registration begins in September. Spring registration begins in January.

 

 

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