Check out our events calendar!
The Environmental Science Center operates from the traditional and stolen homelands of Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the dxʷdəwʔabš (“People of the Inside” – Duwamish), suq̀ʷabš (“People of Clear Salt Water” – Suquamish) and Muckleshoot Tribe. We recognize and honor the land itself and all tribal members of the past, present and future, including Indigenous teachers and scientists. We are grateful for the ways Indigenous Peoples continue to be caretakers of this land and all that live here, and we acknowledge how their stewardship was disrupted by the theft and colonization of their land. We strive to build reciprocal and respectful relationships with the land and its Peoples, and to be in partnership and solidarity with local Tribes and Indigenous communities. You’ll hear land acknowledgements at the beginning of ESC programs that differ depending on the location, age group and person delivering them. Find out more here.
ESC is committed to becoming an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization engaging our community in environmental education and creating safe and affirming outdoor programs for everyone. We are in the process of developing our racial grievance policy for staff, volunteers, and program participants which will be shared here shortly.
Check out our Facebook page for other news and events!
Remembering Sheri Barr
Join us in honoring Sheri Barr, who passed away last fall.
ESC offers a variety of free community programs throughout the year for everyone to experience nature. From bird walks, to beach explorations, to water quality field trips we serve our youngest explorers to our young at heart. Last year, we had over 1,000 people attend a program with us, both virtual and in person. This year we are on track to triple that number as we bring back in person events!
Your donations go toward providing supplies for youth to explore nature using art, tools for beach cleanups and restoration events, funding additional naturalists to support our programs, and so much more! Consider donating to our #GivingTuesday campaign to ensure the success of these programs at: bit.ly/3VfOZup
For #smallbusinesssaturday consider starting your winter holiday gift buying at Page 2 Books! Shop local this holiday season at Page 2 Books in Burien, and when you do, they will donate 15% of sales back to the ESC!
In the store, mention The Environmental Science Center at checkout or order books, puzzles, games, and so much more via our custom Bookshop site and have them shipped to your home! bookshop.org/shop/esc
We hope you will join us in donating on #GivingTuesday to ensure that we can continue to offer FREE environmental education in south King County. Help support our programs by donating at: bit.ly/3B3bxHp
Last year, ESC worked with 7,662 local students to get outside and build connection to nature. With students we spent:
🌲2,589 hours improving habitats in our community
🦀4,348 hours exploring local beaches
🐟10,045 learning about salmon conservation
Happy Thanksgiving from the Environmental Science Center!
Today we are grateful for our community who participates in our programs, our partners who allow us to continue growing, and to all who donate to help us offer FREE programming in south King County.
Today, and always, we are thankful for the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the dxʷdəwʔabš ("People of the Inside” - Duwamish), suq̀ʷabš (“People of Clear Salt Water” - Suquamish) and Muckleshoot Tribe, whose land we operate on. We are thankful for the example they set for all of us to have sustainable and authentic relationships with nature and be caretakers of this space.
Share with us what you are grateful for this year in the comments!
We have officially expanded to our newest location in the Liberty Park building in downtown Renton for nature learning fun! As many of you know we have been working with Renton Parks and Recreation to bring more environmental education to this great community. With the Cedar River running through the city, there are so many opportunities for exploring nature! From field trips, to community science, to senior learning we have programs for everyone. Be on the lookout for the extra opportunities we will offer this summer and beyond as we grow our outreach!
Want to help us continue offering FREE programs for your community? Consider donating to our #GivingTuesday campaign to ensure environmental education for all: bit.ly/3VfOZup
#GivingTuesday is one week away! This global day of giving is a great way to give back to people and organizations that are working to transform their community. This year all of your donations go toward ensuring ESC can provide FREE outdoor education programs in south King County.
Last year we spent over 28,000 hours providing hands-on opportunities for our community! Consider donating to help us provide even more environmental education at: bit.ly/3VfOZup
#meditationmonday brought to you by Puget Sound in autumn. Waves, wind, and wildlife all contribute to the soundscape of Seahurst Park. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature to help you slow down and relax this holiday week.
To leave the leaves or not leave the leaves? That is the question! 🍁🍂
Falling leaves are great for your yard, as it provides habitat for animals, it puts nutrients back into the soil like a natural fertilizer, and helps with weed suppression.
But this decision is different for everyone. Bagging up leaves for the landfill can cause environment harm, but for most people, the leaves will blow away from your yard before their benefits can be used. Or they clog stormwater drains leading to flooding issues. The best decision depends on where you live, but you can use leaves in compost, break them up as mulch so the pieces are less likely to blow around, create a pile away from the street to breakdown over time, and many others. Take some time to come up with the best leaf plan for your yard to celebrate #stewardshipsaturday!
5th-6th grade students at Neely-O'Brien Elementary School have officially become Salmon Heroes! These students learned what salmon need in order to survive in their classroom, visited the Cedar River to practice their science skills, and have proposed solutions to the threats that salmon face.
These hands-on opportunities for students helps to build connection to salmon and their habitats and help them see themselves as part of the solution. As one student said, "I liked being able to test the water to see how healthy it was for salmon."
#tbt to exploring Seahurst Park during the summer low tides. There is always something cool to find when exploring the intertidal zone!
Mark your calendars for our Moonlight Beach Walks this winter to keep exploring. Do animals act differently at night than during the day? Do they act differently during winter than summer? Learn more on our website at: bit.ly/3V4Gd2u