Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
North Portland...Naturally
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Course Number SS410x or SS510X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
On this diversified tour of North Portland, we will visit a variety of parks and wetland areas. We will begin with a visit to Smith & Bybee Lakes, one of the areas largest wetland parks. We will also explore the Peninsula Crossing Trail, McCoy Park, the Columbia Children's Arboretum and the Whitaker Ponds Natural Area. You will gain lots of ideas for integrating native flora and fauna into your curriculum.
Exploring Tigard and Tualatin
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Course Number SS419G 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll follow the Tualatin Artwalk and Tualatin River Greenway on foot to access Tigard and Tualatin’s best natural and cultural resources. Along the way, we’ll discover native and introduced trees and plants, and dozens of public and private artworks. We’ll also discuss the geology of the area and its importance in shaping the geography and the economy of the region. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of art, nature, local history and culture to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
East Portland...Naturally
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Course Number TBA 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll discover some of East Portland’s newest and most important natural, historical and cultural sites. Along the way, we will learn about local geology and how to identify a variety of native bird species while exploring Powell Butte Nature Park. Later, we will visit newly created Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park to see its exciting new artwork. We will also visit Luuwit View Park and brand new Gateway Green Park, where we will discover a variety of recreational and cultural learning opportunities for students. During the day, we will learn to identify dozens of plants and trees as we explore the trails of each park. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of nature, art, local history and culture to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
The Foothills of Mt. Hood
Monday, June 19, 2023
Course Number SC417z 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This class is not available to those who have already completed Mt. Hood's Western Slopes
In this fun and informative course, we will examine the natural environment of the Sandy, Oregon area, and the lower slopes of Mt. Hood. We’ll begin with an examination of the flora and fauna along the gorgeous banks of Tickle Creek, and then we will visit an old growth forest along the Salmon River. Later, we’ll explore native salmon populations, wetlands species and recreational opportunities in the area with a visit to Cascade Streamwatch and the Wildwood Recreation Area. We will conclude with a visit to a magnificent waterfall and a walk along an abandoned section of the historic Mt. Hood Highway. Our field study and discussion can be adapted to science, history and art curriculum for all K-12 classes. As a result of this course, you will be prepared to teach about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the human impacts in the region, past and present.
NOTE: We will walk about 5-7 miles during the day, so it will be important to arrive in relatively good physical shape. Our pace will be leisurely, and will focus on exploration, discovery and discussion. The materials packet should not exceed $10.
Exploring Southwest Portland and Dunthorpe
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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.
Studying Portland's Trees
Thursday-Friday, June 22-23, 2023
Course Number SC403U or SC503U 2 Credits $235
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Learn how to identify nearly 100 tree species by studying leaves, fruit, seeds and bark. Along the way, we’ll explore scenic parks, unique college campuses and historic neighborhoods on both sides of the Willamette River. This two day class is designed to provide valuable teaching ideas for hands-on art and science activities that can be implemented in grades K-12.
Wildwood Trail and Pittock Mansion
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Course Number SS416W/SS516W 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 explore more than five miles of the Wildwood Trail, discovering dozens of native and introduced tree species. We will also learn the human history of the area, with visits to the Hoyt Arboretum, and Pittock Mansion. Participants will leave the course with lots of teaching ideas that can enhance science, social studies, writing, math and art lessons.
Hidden Clackamas County & Happy Valley: Natural & Human History
Monday, June 26, 2023
Course Number SS517F1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this diversified new class, we‘ll explore two beautifully designed Metro parks and two Happy Valley city parks, where there are dozens of learning opportunities for students. In addition, we’ll look at local art and history.
Portland’s Parks: Science and History. Lessons Just Waiting to Happen
Wednesday-Friday, June 28-30, 2023
Course Number SS403T or SS503T 3 Credits $340
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Find beauty and serenity within the spacious parks of Oregon’s largest city. We’ll begin with visits to the Hoyt Arboretum, the International Test Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Later, we’ll visit the Portland Audubon Society, Pearl District Parks, Mt. Tabor Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Rocky Butte and Cully Park. Along the way, you’ll develop dozens of ideas that you can incorporate into science and history lessons for your students. Appropriate for teachers of K-12.