Dispatches
Oregon
February 22, 2010
The first stop in the New Year was Newport, 
Oregon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Some people may know of this aquarium because it is famous for housing the orca whale from the movie “Free Willy.” The aquarium lies right on the water in a quaint forest with trails that meander between the organic shapes surrounding each tank. Each species at the aquarium also represents the local wildlife
of the area, thus creating a unique bond between the visitors and their surroundings.
Wow, it’s no joke that the Pacific Northwest is the place for rain…and you can tell when you’re not a local because you’re the only one to use an umbrella! After a few days we settled into the weather and made our way to Laurelhurst Elementary. You have to hand it to teachers these days, when they are passionate, their students truly benefit. We visited Laurelhurst for two days, each day presenting to 
multiple 6th & 8th grade classes. Thanks to Tracy, her classes started a composting project and are helping to develop new sustainable initiatives!
Over the weekend we had the chance to visit some local hot spots. Our “must see” was Multnomah Falls. It’s more than 600 ft. tall and is just the beginning of a beautiful trail that leads through bright green moss covered trees along
the river with fall after fall, each one more exquisite than the last. We were also lucky enough to get a local tour from our friends and take a canoe ride through the farmlands in Hillsboro.
Moving on, we were very fortunate to get the unique experience of presenting at Bridlemile Elementary School. As part of a collaborative school effort, Bridlemile began conducting “Green Team” as an afterschool program. Run by parent volunteers, each week children from Kindergarten through fifth grade 
gather to learn about and participate in sustainability issues for their school and community. This was a great group of students who exemplify how beneficial it is to have several age groups working together!
Our next visit was with Skyline Elementary School. As you can imagine, they are located on the top of a large hill, which takes multiple switchbacks to get to, and is surrounded by beautiful farm country. Skyline was unique due to the PTA’s involvement. After applying for, and receiving a grant, Skyline hired a green coordinator to establish sustainable practices in the school and integrate a sustainable curriculum. After meeting the coordinator, talking with the students, and having the press at the school to document their success in sustainability, I’d say we could all look up to Skyline!
