Celebrating Education
Celebrating REACH Summer School 2025 Adventures
Earlier this summer, we had the joy of hosting students from Washington’s REACH Summer School programs on two unforgettable field trips.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
We kicked things off with Lyle Summer School by heading to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, where students got to spice up their sack lunches by grilling up some s’mores. Older students hiked into the lush, hidden beauty of Wahclella Falls, while younger ones got to meet Hermann the Sturgeon, feed the fish, and soak up the green, leafy of the west side gorge. A little bit of learning happened, sure; but mostly, we all got to escape the heat, and just enjoy something beautiful together.
Next, we joined Wishram Summer School at Maryhill State Park for a field day full of exploration. Thanks to a generous donation of fishing poles from the local Trout Unlimited chapter, and with tackle and coaching from our team, students practiced casting on the lawn before trying their luck on the river bank; unfortunately, no fish were caught. We rounded out the afternoon with watercolor painting under the cottonwoods, a round of frisbee golf, bug hunting, and being introduced to all that our public lands offer.
We’re already looking forward to working with this crew in the upcoming school year. But before then, here’s to more summer days spent discovering, learning, and loving where we live.
Wildflower & Watershed Festival:
A Weekend Rooted in Wonder
Our first annual Wildflower & Watershed Festival bloomed into life this June; and what a beautiful beginning it was. Over three inspiring days, more than a dozen partners and hundreds of community members came together to celebrate the living landscape that defines Wasco County and the Columbia River Gorge.​
Friday night, we were captivated by the incredible James Cassidy; soil scientist, educator, and self-described “soil enthusiast” whose dynamic talk grounded us in a powerful truth: we are all of soil, and we will all be of soil again. Through humor and clarity, he connected the dots between soil health, community well-being, and the vitality of our watershed.
Saturday’s open house overflowed with activity and joy. Families wandered through a bustling museum filled with hands-on stations and partner exhibits; from OSU Master Gardeners, Oregon State Parks, to local children's author Ashley Erdely, and our own newly unveiled Pacific lamprey tank. A highlight for many families was our interactive stream table, where students got to play with flowing water and witness firsthand how rivers carve valleys, shape soil, and transform landscapes over time.
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That evening, Kevin Gorman, Executive Director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge, offered a powerful keynote. Through history, humor, and a compelling call to action, Kevin reminded us what it means to live within a nationally significant scenic area; and how we can all be stewards of its future.
Sunday’s workshops closed the weekend with a quieter kind of transformation. With help from partners at Humble Roots Nursery, The Dalles Art Center, and the U.S. Forest Service, participants explored native seed saving, practiced wildflower-inspired painting, and joined a botany walk through the landscape itself. Each experience was an invitation to see our place anew.​
From soil to seed to scenic vision, the Wildflower & Watershed Festival is now firmly rooted. We can’t wait to grow it again next year.