Putting down roots at the Nichols Natural Area

Students learn, plants grow, and community roots dig deep at the Nichols Natural Area.
Read more to learn about recent developments with our education program and flourishing riparian habitat.

Putting down roots at the Nichols Natural Area

Thank you for inviting our class to Nichols Basin. My favorite thing was to play the game of the night herons because I learned that those heron’s hide their nest from predators. Another cool thing was that we were having a lot of fun. Sincerely, Jocelin 2nd grade Westside Elementary

Student Group, Nichols Natural Area
The Dalles 4-H River Explorers visit Nichols Natural Area

This spring we hosted over 600 students at the Nichols Natural Area, including 2nd graders like Jocelin all the way through college-age students. Students learned about riparian zone function, tested water quality, studied native and invasive species, explored restoration techniques, and connected with the wildlife that use the space through games and activities. We also held two community events. Our Spring Planting Party was a huge success with over 50 volunteers planting 175 native shrubs. And at our Happy Hour for Habitat, 20 volunteers helped to weed, mulch, and maintain the site. The site is thriving. Each volunteer and student participant knows they helped transform this space.

Ubaldo Hernandez, our Community Organizer, visited over a dozen schools to conduct classroom presentations and connect with students. Ubaldo has become a bit of a celebrity in the elementary school and middle school world: students recognize him as the guy that visits their classroom and teaches them about the Nichols Natural Area and the Columbia River in a funny, engaging, and inspiring way. Many students are delighted to speak to Ubaldo in their native language, Spanish. 

We love helping students and community members connect with the river and this once overlooked space. The feedback from teachers is consistently positive, and we are gearing up this fall for a group of students who will be visiting the site for their third time. The best feedback is that the teachers are excited for students to return and build upon what they learned in previous visits. 

Below are a few photos and quotes from letters we received from local 2nd graders that illustrate
some of what the students experience when visiting the sites: 
 

Nichols student art lg 2019.08
"Thank you for inviting us to the riparian zone. I like the games. My favorite game was the heron game. I also like measuring the water temperature and pH. I really want to work at Columbia Riverkeeper when I grow up. Your friend, Ronin"
 
"Thank you for teaching me the heron game. My favorite game was Pollution and Plants. I learned that we need to take care of the Columbia River. You are nice, funny, and playful. Love, Diyora"
 
 "Thank you for inviting our class to Nichols Basin. My favorite thing was to play the game of the night herons because I learned that those heron’s hide their nest from predators. Another cool thing was that we were having a lot of fun. Sincerely, Jocelin"
Spring planting Party, Nichols Natural Area
Student Artwork
Nichols Natural Area

Learn more about the Nichols Natural Area