Exploring Cedar Mill: History, Nature, and Community
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Course Number SS419s/SS519s 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This new course explores Cedar Mill, from historic sites and Heritage trees to present-day parks and neighborhoods. We’ll tour the Cedar Mill Creek Greenway, Foege Park, and the Cedar Mill Wetlands which provide modern recreation options for all ages. Later, we’ll visit the Cedar Mill Library and explore past and present historic sites along NW Cornell Road, such as the John Quincy Adams Young House, one of the oldest buildings in Washington County, three Heritage fruit trees from an early orchard, and Cedar Mill Falls, the site of the original lumber mill that gave this area its name. We’ll end the day with a tour of the Union Cemetery of Cedar Mill. Discussions and lesson ideas will include local history, geography, writing, math, science, and plant/wildlife identification. K-12 educators in every subject will find teaching ideas to use inside and outside of the classroom.
This class has been created and will be taught by Melissa Juska. Please contact Melissa at mjbros200@gmail.com for more specific information and to reserve a spot in the class.
Western Columbia Gorge and Troutdale
Monday, July 13, 2026
Course Number SS413R or SS513R 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Trace the natural and human history of the western section of the Columbia River Gorge (on the Oregon side) with visits to natural and historic sites from Fairview to Bridal Veil. Our study will take us to scenic viewpoints, gorgeous waterfalls, and historic sites along the Sandy River and historic Columbia River Highway. We'll discover dozens of tree and plant species, the geology of the area, and public art works along the way. Ideas will be discussed for bringing the study of the Columbia Gorge and Troutdale to your classroom, in a variety of curriculum areas.
Exploring Skamania County
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Course Number SS412Z or SS512Z 1 credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and diversified class, we will tour Skamania Lodge and the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. We will learn much about the area's history, art and natural history. In the afternoon, we will hike the Beacon Rock Trail, and other points of interest on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.
Exploring Southwest Portland and Dunthorpe
Friday, July 17, 2026
Course Number SS410f or SS510f 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Explore natural woodlands, manicured gardens and beautiful estates, where science, architecture and history intersect. We’ll begin with a visit to Tryon Creek State Park, at 640 acres, the largest state park in an Oregon metropolitan area. Here, we’ll discover the accessible Trillium Trail, where dozens of plant species can be found. Later, visits to Lewis & Clark College, Foothills Park in Lake Oswego, and the Bishop’s Close will provide us with a look at beautiful estates and exquisite gardens. Along the way, we’ll stop to discuss ways to incorporate this information into history, science, math and language arts activities in grades K-12.
Exploring Silver Falls
Monday, July 20, 2026
Course Number SC415k or SC515k 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Explore one of the most magnificent hiking trails in America, the Trail of 10 Waterfalls, within Silver Falls State Park. Through a nine mile hike, we'll discuss the area's geology, plant and animal life, and the human history of the area. Along the way, we'll discuss ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas. We'll also visit the historic South Falls Lodge, where we'll discuss the craftmanship of CCC workers and we'll explore recreation opportunities.
NOTE: This class features a 9-mile hike at a leisurely pace. Although we will stop frequently for discussion and exploration, it is important that you arrive in relatively good shape!
Central Columbia River Gorge and Hood River
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Course Number SS417X/SS517X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting class, we’ll explore the natural and human history of the Central Columbia River Gorge, from Starvation Creek to Hood River. We will examine the amazing geology of this area, with hikes along the Starvation Creek Trail and along the Columbia River. We will also focus on human impacts here, discussing Native American history, pioneers to the area, the building of the historic highway, and modern industries, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. We’ll also learn about Hood River’s public art program on a Downtown walk. Along the way, discussions will focus on ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas.
Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Course Number SS415Q/SS515Q 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover the variety of educational opportunities available at the Oregon Zoo. We will visit diverse habitats, where we see more than 100 animal species from five different continents. Our extensive stay at Zoo will provide participants with information and ideas that can be implemented with students across the curriculum. In addition, our visit to the World Forestry Center will provide us with information about local, national and international forests, and how we can implement environmental education with our students.
Hillsboro's Parks & Natural Areas
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Course Number SS419u/SS519u 1 Credit $140 (Class taught by Melissa Juska)
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This new course visits four distinctive parks within the city of Hillsboro. In Hidden Creek Park East & West, discover sculptures, fountains, playgrounds, and sports fields next to the Hidden Creek Community Center. The paths in Dawson Creek Business Park near the Brookwood Library wind through a variety of habitats and natural areas. A tour of Shute Park shares the history of Hillsboro and its Cultural Arts District, including nearby facilities like Shute Park Library, the SHARC rec center, and Hillsboro Community Senior Center. Last, Noble Woods Park provides a study of native trees, plants, and wildlife. Each location offers a unique variety of community spaces, recreation options, public art, natural areas, and educational opportunities.
K-12 teachers in all subjects will discover teaching and field trip ideas for history, science, native plants & wildlife, writing, math, and art to bring back to their students. There will be opportunities for discussion, reflection, and networking with other educators throughout the day.
This class has been created and will be taught by Melissa Juska. Please contact Melissa at mjbros200@gmail.com for more specific information and to reserve a spot in the class.
Exploring Bonneville & Eagle Creek
Monday, July 27, 2026
Course Number SS412y or SS512y 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
We'll begin with a two mile leisurely hike to Wahclella Falls. Later, we’ll tour Bonneville Dam to learn more about its history and its impact in providing hydroelectric energy for the Portland area. We’ll also look at salmon populations and recreational opportunities in the area. An additional visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery will enable us to study sturgeon, trout, and salmon. A study of the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks will also be included. We may see salmon spawning in Eagle Creek and hatchery fish awaiting spawning at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery.
Upper Hood River Valley and Parkdale
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Course Number SS417v/SS517v 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting and informative new class, we’ll explore the natural and human history of the Upper Hood River Valley, and the NE slopes of Mt. Hood. We will examine the unique geology of this area and we’ll discuss native flora and fauna on two high elevation hikes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. We’ll also look at the area’s cultural sites with visits to Cooper Spur Resort and the Hutson Museum in Parkdale. Along the way, discussions will focus on ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas.
Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.