BY JILL HARDING, CHIEF OF VISITOR SERVICES
Park education staff met with approximately 150 Astoria elementary and middle
school students over three days early in July to run mini-camps in person at the
South Netul Landing park unit. This was in lieu of a virtual camp, and at the
request of schools that have federal funding for summer enrichment programs.
Northwest Youth Corp (NYC) interns, and Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
lead, Adam joined Education Specialist Cathy, and rangers Zachary and Izzy, to
provide five activities a day for different age groups. COVID masking and
distancing protocols were in place. Staff practiced and evaluated each activity and
used materials that otherwise would have been used for camps. It was a success!
Summer students from Hawaii enjoyed part two of their “virtual” road trip to
Pacific Northwest parks. This is the second year that we have served them
virtually. Approximately 15-30 students and instructors participated.
Six Upward Bound students and one staff through a Clatsop Community
College program hiked the Fort to Sea Trail. Training preceded the five-hour
experiential hike. Everyone had a great time being outdoors and in person with
students, and under safe protocols.
The Dragonfly monitoring project session at the Sunset Beach pond collected
valuable data. The crew included YCC and NYC interns.
Other NYC crews hosted at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (LEWI)
included: American Sign Language crew who worked at LEWI and with
Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated tribe at Neacoxie pulling invasive plants;
Rainbow crew, busting Scotch broom out at Yeon/Sunset Beach Education
Center; and in August NYC Tribal Steward crew.