Recently, Orcas Island Elementary School’s fifth-grade class worked with the San Juan Nature Institute, represented by Fiona Norris, in collaboration with the Center for Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea (KWIAHT) in a study of the Cascade Creek Watershed as it enters Buck Bay.

The project was funded by a grant to the San Juan Nature Institute from The Russell Family Foundation. With Russel Barsh of KWIAHT leading the field trips, Marilyn Storey’s students tested and collected data on the health of Cascade Creek, its estuary, and beach.

Norris worked with Storey’s students in the classroom as they studied the water cycle, soil samples, and models of topographical maps, watersheds, ground water, and urban runoff. With the help of these scientists and the hands-on experiences they provided, the students have a new understanding of the importance of watersheds. “Our students have learned it is of highest priority that we respect water as an essential resource and that we protect our watersheds,” Storey said.