Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
Exploring Washington County's Hidden Parks: Geology, History, Native Flora and Fauna
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Course Number SS419J 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Note: This class will be taught by Melissa Juska
In this exciting new class, we will discover some of Washington County’s most important parks and natural sites. Along the way, we will learn to identify more than a dozen native bird species while exploring the Koll Center Wetlands Park, and we’ll visit Cooper Mountain Nature Park, where we will discover Northwest volcanic history. In addition, we will learn to identify dozens of native plants, trees and art works on our walks through Rood Bridge Park and Orenco Woods Park. Most importantly, we will discuss ways to bring the study of nature, art, local history 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.
Bicycling the Columbia River Greenspace: History, Art & Science
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Course Number HI406B or HI506B 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 informative class, we will ride bicycles to learn more about natural systems, local history, water usage and transportation options.We’ll begin with a tour of the I-205 bike trail, and then we’ll parallel the Columbia River, focusing on native plants, recreation and transportation opportunities. Eventually, we’ll study the Interstate Bridge, and we’ll make our way across it into Washington. Once in Vancouver, we’ll explore Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Renaissance Trail, Old Apple Tree Park, Marine Park, Wintler Park and the Water Resources Center. Along the way, we’ll discover intriguing artwork, beautiful green spaces and historic sites. Ideas for classroom lessons and field trips will be discussed.
North Portland...Naturally
Saturday, June 15, 2024
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 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.
Studying Portland's Trees
Thursday-Friday, June 20-21, 2024
Course Number SC403U or SC503U 2 Credits $250
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.
Portland's Willamette River Greenspace
Sunday, June 23, 2024
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 fun and informative new class, we’ll discover both the natural and human history of the Willamette River Green Space, as we explore both sides of Portland’s waterfront. Our journey will take us to the site of “The Clearing,” where Native Americans flourished and early pioneers settled. We’ll explore Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where history, memorials, public art and recreational activities abound, and we’ll visit the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade and North America’s longest floating walkway. Included will be a discussion of Portland’s bridges, urban wildlife, and transportation options. As you explore the green space, you’ll develop lesson ideas for integrating Portland’s geography, history, bridges and art throughout the curriculum.
Portland’s Parks: Science and History. Lessons Just Waiting to Happen
Wednesday-Friday, June 26-28, 2024
Course Number SS403T or SS503T 3 Credits $360
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 Bird Alliance of Oregon, 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.
Wildwood Trail and Pittock Mansion
Saturday, June 29, 2024
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.