LCNN partners are ready to host another year of Take Learning Outside! for educators, students, parent/teacher orgs, and school communities who are excited to support students outside for play, learning and wellness.

This FREE event is an Open House format so show up at a time that works best for you!

Join and meet community partners who work to support educators, school staff and school programs with learning outside. Partners will be tabling with their program information and opportunities to work with schools. Some will have activity ideas, curriculum, in-class room programs, etc.

RSVP for this event HERE.

Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban ecosystems.

Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers multiple sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington. Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple! All sessions are free to register and offer STEM Clock Hours upon completion.

Lead by experts in outdoor learning, including ESD112, Washington Science Teacher Association, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens and other area experts.

Learn more about upcoming Take Learning Outside workshops:

• Session 1 - November 20, 2025 @ Battle Ground Community Event Center (5:30-7:30pm)
  Rooted in Nature: A Taking Learning Outside Gathering
  Theme: Building Your Outdoor Learning Network

• Session 2 - December 9, 2025 (4:30 - 6:30pm) Laurin MS
  Birds as a Window to Science: Observing, Understanding, and Teaching the Local Avian World
  Theme: Birds, Habitat, and Native Planting

• Session 3 - January 21, 2026  (4:30 - 6:30pm) - On-line
  Beyond the Classroom: Planning Outdoor Spaces that Support Learning
  Theme: Designing Features on Your Campus

• Session 4 - February 26, 2026 (4:30 - 6:30pm) @ Good Year Farms
  Planting with Purpose: Native Species and Pollinator Connections
  Theme: Native Planting and Ecosystems

• Session 5 - mid-March 2026 @ _______ Elementary School
  Spring Into the School Garden: Planning, Planting, and Growing Together
  Theme: Garden Planning & Vegetable Planting

• Session 6 - April 22, 2026 (4:30 - 6:30pm) @ Pioneer ES & Frontier MS
  Branching Out: Exploring Trees and Urban Ecosystems
  Theme: Trees, Mapping, and Urban Forestry

• Session 7 - May 21, 2026 (4:30 - 6:30pm) @ Northlake Elementary
  Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students, and Community
  Theme: Garden Maintenance & Community Support