Arlington Elementary, a South Tacoma school full of big hearts and bright minds, is the center of Wildlife Champions, a collaborative partnership of Metro Parks Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools. This innovative program is designed to bring together community educators to teach empathy for wildlife and environmental stewardship through nature-based science. Wildlife Champions educators are in the classroom every week teaching Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) using animals and nature as inspiration; but the most powerful part of the program comes once a month when every student gets to leave the classroom and learn about science among the Douglas firs, big leaf maples and endangered Garry oaks in nearby Oak Tree Park.

The trees of Oak Tree Park, a 25-acre natural forested prairie across the street from Arlington, play an essential part in each student’s education. The students get to watch the trees grow and change season to season, year to year, just as they do. They compare and contrast the dispersal styles of pinecones and acorns. They learn about animal homes and habitats through exploration. They practice their stewardship skills by removing invasive species and planting native replacements. Throughout the year students observe the seasonal changes in foliage as well as the accompanying species diversity and activity. They have developed a relationship with the park that has the power not only to encourage scientific inquiry and discovery, but also to foster empathy. Empathy for the squirrels racing through the trees in their neighborhood; empathy for the camus flowers and acorns the students plant; and empathy for one another.

Written by Megan Soland, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Wildlife Champions Education Programs Specialist & Instructor