Our Green Jobs Interns have hit the ground running and are mentoring youth in the Portland region and connecting them to the natural beauty of Forest Park.
FPC has partnered with the nonprofit organization Elevate Oregon to work with students from Parkrose Middle School through a series of classes and presentations. Elevate Oregon’s mission is to build relationships with youth to promote education, self-reliance, and leadership and we are so excited to partner with them this year.
The FPC Green Jobs Interns worked together to develop a curriculum that includes learning about Forest Park, the Forest Park Conservancy’s work, and important topics like the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Last week, the intern’s visit included a discussion of how to plan ahead and prepare to spend time outdoors, and the students identified what you would bring along in your backpack when going on a hike.
In the coming weeks, students will also learn about riparian areas in Forest Park, about native plants and animals, and they will, of course, spend time in the park learning about some basics in trail etiquette, like staying on designated paths.
The curriculum is entirely student-led and was developed by the FPC Interns Selena, Jonathan, Joseph and Ahmed. A questionnaire of the Parkrose Middle School students showed an interest in getting outside, seeing streams and water, and hopefully getting to see some wildlife.
If you see the students on the trails in the coming weeks, make sure to say hello!