Washington State Parks: State Parks Offers Unique Learning Opportunities For Students And Children

Press release from Washington State Parks:

October 12, 2021

Programs are offered in-person and virtually

OLYMPIA – Oct. 12, 2021 – Washington State Parks offers unique learning opportunities for children and students in person and virtually throughout the year. 

Interpretive staff have developed pre-recorded lessons that are accessible through Flipgrid. The lessons have been designed to help students learn about Washington state parks virtually at their own pace. The platform encourages students, families and educators to engage in virtual discussions. Current video topics include Geology 101, the Naming of Deception Pass, a Nature Observation Virtual Walk, What is a Marine Mammal and more. Parks currently offers 26 unique videos on Flipgrid, and the agency plans to create additional videos throughout the year. 

At select parks, live virtual field trips are offered by interpretive staff. They provide real-time programming produced onsite in the park. The field trips allow students to experience the park in a way that helps simulate an in-person educational adventure. Virtual field trips are currently offered by staff at Cape Disappointment, Deception Pass, Gingko Petrified Forest, Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and Surrounding Area and Central Whidbey Area parks. Virtual field trip lessons can be tailored to meet specific educational goals and requirements. Visit our website for more information and booking contact information.

Since 1953, Washington State Parks has offered educational programming through the agency’s Interpretive Program. Traditionally, interpretive staff developed learning opportunities that were only offered in-person. Attendance was limited to those who were able to visit the parks or attend a classroom visit. 

The program delivery model shifted in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when interpreters began producing virtual lesson plans and field trips. The change offered a different way for children to access important historical, cultural and science-related programs. This development has helped reduce participation barriers.

“We want to create park experiences and educational opportunities that are accessible to everyone,” said Ryan Karlson, Interpretive Program Manager. “Our in-person programming is great and offers hands-on experience through educational programs. However, we know not every student can easily visit our parks. Geographic and socioeconomic barriers have kept youth from participating in the past. The new, virtual offerings help remove those barriers and provide easier access for interested students throughout the state. We’ve even been able to expand our reach and connect with individuals across the country.” 

Karlson emphasized that in-person opportunities will continue - and grow stronger - because of the supplemental virtual programming.

“As pandemic restrictions began to relax, we resumed offering modified in-person learning activities,” said Karlson. “We are happy to have visitors back at our parks, and our staff enjoy interacting with students, children and families. However, our virtual programs provide valuable opportunities for broad audiences, and we will continue to offer those experiences, hopefully for years to come.”

In-person learning opportunities range from exhibits and lessons at interpretive centers to tidepool talks, guided hikes, campsite chats and more. Visit individual park webpages to learn more about offerings and upcoming events.

Additional learning opportunities offered by Parks include:

To learn more about all offered learning opportunities, please visit our website. 

News media contact:Amanda McCarthy, Communications Managermedia@parks.wa.gov 

About the Interpretive Program

The Washington State Parks interpretive program was created in 1953 to provide positive, memorable experiences that connect everyone to Washington’s diverse human and natural heritage. The virtual learning program is supported by WA State Parks license plate sales. Information about WA State Parks license plates is available on our ­­website. 

About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. 

News release number: 21-062

This press release was produced by Washington State Parks. The views expressed here are the author’s own.