Exploring Silverton and the Oregon Garden
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Course Number SS413D or SS513D 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover more than a dozen beautiful murals in Silverton, as we trace the town's history through its artwork. In addition, our visit to the Oregon Garden will enable us to learn about native and introduced plants, wetlands, forests, and garden establishment. Most importantly, ideas will be discussed for integrating art, history, and plant study with other curriculum areas, both in the classroom, and on field trips.
Exploring East Clark County
Sunday, May 4, 2025
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 Clark County’s most important natural, historical and cultural sites. Along the way, we will explore Washougal Waterfront Park, and we’ll visit Captain William Clark Park, an historic site visited by Lewis & Clark on their historic expedition of 1805-1806. In addition, will follow the Washougal Public Art Tour route, to discover more than two dozen locally created public artworks. We will also learn to identify dozens of native plants and trees on forest hikes along the Lacamas Creek and Round Lake Trails. 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.
Exploring Silver Falls
Saturday, May 10, 2025
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!
Hillsboro's Parks & Natural Areas
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Course Number SS419u/SS519u 1 Credit $140
This class taught by Melissa Juska
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.
East Portland…Naturally
Saturday, May 24, 2025
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 beautiful and historic Leach Botanical Garden, with its newly created elevated Tree Walk and gorgeous garden trails. 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.
Western Columbia Gorge and Troutdale
Sunday, May 25, 2025
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.
Beaverton's Parks & Natural Areas
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Course number SC418g or SC518g 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 fun and informative class, we’ll explore both historic and natural sites in and around Beaverton, where we’ll discover unique architecture, gorgeous parks, natural wetlands, and an abundance of flora and fauna. We will begin with a visit to the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge area, home to a variety of native Oregon waterfowl. Here, we’ll learn to identify native birds in their natural habitat. Next, we’ll visit the historic Jenkins Estate. Later, we’ll visit Tualatin Hills Nature Park, a 215 acre treasure in the heart of the city and then Commonwealth Lake. Throughout the day, classroom lesson field trip ideas will be discussed that can be easily implemented with students at a variety of grade levels.
Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.