The Applegate Outdoor School Program was developed as part of APWC’s Education & Outreach Program. It is implemented by fully trained APWC field instructors; all of whom are knowledgeable and dynamic individuals who love sharing their love of nature with students on a daily basis.

This program is a day-only outdoor school experience for 5th & 6th grade students. It consists of pre and post classroom visits and four consecutive field days at Cantrall Buckley County Park. The curriculum is comprised of six place-based field studies focused on terrestrial, freshwater, and fire ecology.

The four field days take place at Cantrall Buckley County Park located at 154 Cantrall Rd. Jacksonville, OR 97530. This park’s 88 acres is located along the Applegate River and provides a beautiful locale for students to experience nature in a hands-on, site-specific approach.

The Applegate Outdoor School runs weekly in April and May on an annual basis. Each class attends four consecutive field days at Cantrall Buckley Park and the pre & post classroom visits are scheduled around the needs of the school. Two or more classes from the same school may register and attend together. We can accommodate up to 75 students per week.

Outdoor School can have a tremendous impact on students, even after they return back to the classroom. According to Braun (2020), “outdoor school has a positive influence on students’ educational outcomes” (p. 13). These include, but are not limited to:

• Students learn at Outdoor School.

• Students’ interest and motivation to learn increase because of Outdoor School.

• Students further develop purpose and identity because of Outdoor School.

• Students develop a connection to and appreciation for their Outdoor School site/location.

• Students’ 21st Century Skills (e.g., critical thinking, communication, innovation) are increased because of Outdoor School.

• Students are more likely to perform environmental stewardship behaviors because of Outdoor School.

• Students are more likely to positively engage with their school (e.g., pay attention in class) because of Outdoor School.

Read the full study by Braun here.

Measure 99 provides funding for each Oregon student to attend Outdoor School in 5th or 6th grade. This means every student can attend Outdoor School at no cost to families or schools. Schools and their districts apply for these state funds through the OSU Extension Service. Contact your school administrator or district representative to discuss the funds allotted for your school and/or class. More information regarding these funds can be found here.

The cost to attend Applegate Outdoor School is $315 per student; this includes all programming expenses and food. Once registered, teachers will work with their school administrator and/or district representative to apply for the Measure 99 funds to cover the program cost for every 5th or 6th grade student.

District applications for Measure 99 funding must be completed through OSU Outdoor School Extension Services by mid October, 2023.