Gorge Ecology Institute

PROGRAMS

School Programs
- SECRETS Elementary Classroom Curricula
  A ten-week program for upper elementary classrooms, this life-science unit meets the Oregon benchmarks and Washington EELR standards using either the forest ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest or the shrub-steppe ecosystem of the Inter-Mountain West.
- Forest Explorers
  The after-school programs complement the science inquiry component of the academic SECRETS programs while also giving upper-elementary school students the opportunity to increase their academic achievement
- Branch Outdoor School
  We are developing effective outdoor school programs to provide more students access to an outdoor school. With local and foundation funding support we plan to host outdoor school programs for all Gorge kids at the Snowden Wetlands facility.
Summer Camps
Spend a week with Gorge Ecology Institute naturalists, learning and exploring our local forest ecosystem. Observe the diverse plants and wildlife of the amazing Columbia River Gorge while participating in hands-on activities and team-building initiatives.
Highschool Internships
The Institute welcomes motivated high school students in its volunteer training programs. Students attend training seminars where they increase their science knowledge and develop teaching skills, and then visit local elementary classrooms as a SECRETS instructor.
Community Education
We offer fun weekend activities for the entire family (for those of you wishing to hear more about the SECRETS your child brought home from school), organize continuing education workshops for adults who want to learn more about the ecosystems of the rainshadow region, and arrange meaningful volunteer service days for active citizens.

Professional Programs
This training workshop introduces teachers and educators to the SECRETS curricula by reviewing science concepts covered throughout the program and creative ways to build hands-on learning into the classroom lessons.
Naturalists On Call
Professional Naturalists are here to provide educational services to your group or organization. Topics are not limited to, but may include: Gorge Natural History Tour, Geology of the Gorge, Wildflowers, Wildlife Programs, Volunteer Stewardship Projects, and more.
Conferences