At the Palouse Nature Center in Moscow, Idaho, excitement filled the air as children gathered for the release of a Western screech owl, rehabilitated at Washington State University. This event marked the conclusion of a session for Palouse Roots, an outdoor nature program designed for kids aged four to seven, organized by the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI).
Tom Lamar, the executive director of PCEI, emphasized the educational benefits of outdoor learning. “As we keep seeing from study after study, learning outside is the best way for kids to learn,” he stated, highlighting the program’s focus on connecting children with nature.
Caitlin Sanchez, a parent attending the event with her daughter, shared her belief in the importance of outdoor play. “It’s important for my daughter to keep playing as she gets older and to be outside as much as she can,” she said.
Palouse Roots integrates a strong STEM focus—science, technology, engineering, and math—while also emphasizing restoration and the arts, a combination Lamar refers to as “STREAM.” The program also instills the principle of “leave no trace,” teaching children to minimize their carbon footprint. For adults, this might involve biking to work instead of driving, while for kids, it translates into actions like not littering.
The impact of this education often extends beyond the program, with children becoming advocates for environmental responsibility at home. Lamar noted, “Kids oftentimes become the best teachers of their parents,” encouraging them to adopt practices like conserving water by turning off taps while brushing teeth.
Dr. Marcie Logsdon, a veterinarian at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, underscored the significance of engaging young people in wildlife rehabilitation. “Instilling in some of these kids a respect and wonder for nature is what’s going to keep wildlife here in the future,” she explained.
As the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, Dr. Logsdon opened the door to a small wooden cage. After a brief pause, the Western screech owl took flight, disappearing into the surrounding woods. The children also had the opportunity to observe a Northern saw-whet owl and a Northern pygmy owl, enhancing their connection to wildlife.
This event exemplifies the commitment of regional nonprofits like PCEI to foster environmental awareness and appreciation among the next generation.
