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Spokane County Water Resources reports record outreach in 2024; Wetland Explorers program wins teacher buy‑in
Summary
County Water Resources reported 2024 outreach that reached 9,163 contacts and 14,307 contact hours, highlighted the Wetland Explorers program for fifth graders, and invited county officials to visit the new Doris Morris Learning Center.
Spokane County Water Resources presented its 2024 annual education report on March 10, saying the program produced record contact hours and expanded outdoor learning partnerships with local school districts.
Laura Goff, Water Resources education specialist, said the County’s Water Resource Center, the newly opened Doris Morris Learning Center and traveling programs reached 7,583 youth and 1,537 adults for a total of 9,163 contacts and 14,307 contact hours in 2024. Staff attributed the increase to more efficient programming, volunteer support and district partnerships that allowed a larger number of students to participate per day.
Goff described the Wetland Explorers program, funded by a $75,000 Recreation and Conservation Office “No Child Left Inside” grant, which trained 55 fifth‑grade teachers from Central Valley and East Valley school districts. The program includes teacher professional development, pre‑lessons aligned to fifth‑grade standards, a four‑hour field experience in waders with water‑testing and macroinvertebrate sampling, and post‑lesson integration. Participating teachers received a $250 stipend; the districts provided substitute time and a Central Valley district coordinator and support staff.
County staff said the program served 15,65 students through the Wetland Explorers season and provided roughly 6,260 student hours outdoors; staff noted many teachers reported improved student engagement and stronger science learning because of outdoor, hands‑on activities. Goff invited county officials to visit the Water Resource Center and Doris Morris Learning Center and to observe field activities.
Water Resources also reported broader partnerships with school districts and organizations across the county, described interactive new exhibits at the Water Resource Center (including an aquifer exhibit), and emphasized that the education program supports local NPDES permit compliance for stormwater and wastewater education requirements.
Commissioners praised the program’s teacher buy‑in and community partnerships; staff said Central Valley’s decision to fund substitutes and a coordinator greatly increased teacher participation. The presentation did not include a request for new county funding but asked commissioners to note the program’s reach and value as the county plans future education and outreach work.
