yakona learning center

Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center works to promote and facilitate formal and informal educational opportunities that allow people of all ages and abilities to observe, discover, and research local cultural history and natural ecosystems. Yakona centers “students as scientists” – all are actively engaged in experiential learning through climate science monitoring and data collection. We work in partnership with several school districts, the local community college, universities, and local tribes to link curricular objectives to the land, with student activities in science, art, and history reinforcing concepts and knowledge attainment at each grade level. The overarching goal is to restore and preserve native forests and wildlife while educating youth and the community about the importance of the Sitka-spruce mixed forest ecosystem and its role in mitigating the climate crisis. Teaching students, youth, and families the importance of Oregon's native coastal forest while engaging them as scientists creates empowerment, responsibility, and opportunity for this and future generations, which is why Yakona exists.

For more information or to schedule an educational visit, contact our Education Director, Anna Rodgers -Anna@yakonaoregon.org.