DNR Youth education program

“So much of the work we do at the [Department of Natural Resources] is to leave our forests in better shape than we found them so that future generations enjoy all that makes us the Evergreen State,” says Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz.

That’s why the state’s natural resources overseers (DNR) launched Youth Education and Outreach Program (YEOP) in 2023 – to connect kids with real experts on subjects like climate and wildfire resilience, environmentally sound recreation, and sustainable, equitable stewardship of natural spaces. In one year, the program has developed more than 4,500 hours of educational programming. Program tools include:

classroom activities
field-based learning
career fairs
Internships
And professional learning opportunities for teachers

A fast-growing program

“The impact and rapid growth of our program shows how much of a need there is to connect Washington youth with the best experts and learning experiences possible,” Franz says.

This year, the DNR is asking the Washington legislature to include $1.65 million for the program in proposed House and Senate state budget bills expected to drop soon. Funds would be used to hire more staff, create a gear library to support equity in outdoor education, and develop educational opportunities for students and teachers at the local level.

What the money would be used for

Included in the legislative request is funding for:

Educator workshops ($12,000): professional learning opportunities to explore the complexities of natural resource management and introduce available curriculum resources
The Educator Natural Resource Conference ($5000): a weeklong professional workshop that provides experiential learning on the practices and professions in natural resources.
DNR Youth Education Webpage Redesign ($15,000): the website will host curriculum and other resources to support natural resource workforce development.
Field trips on DNR-managed lands ($80,000): Field experiences are the most powerful tool for promoting environmental stewardship and inspiring interest in natural resource careers. The program would use this money to reimburse schools for transportation, substitute teachers, and other necessary resources to ensure program equity and access for all students, including those with specialized needs and physical disabilities.
Gear Libraries ($75,000): Funds would build gear libraries in each of DNR’s 6 regions to provide teachers and organizations with materials to support equitable outdoor learning. Libraries will include the basics like boots and ponchos, in addition to resources to improve access for students with disabilities and tools to support forestry, geology, and aquatics education.
The Youth Natural Resource Camp ($5000): For the development of a weeklong experience for high school-aged youth interested in careers in natural resources.
Regional Funding ($180,000): Money would help tribes, community-based organizations, and education non-profits collaborate in the design of career professional development and career-connected field experiences for youth.
7.0 Ongoing FTE ($1.17 million): The DRN would hire 5 regional coordinators to meet student needs across Washington as well as a curriculum specialist.

“Washington youth care deeply about issues related to our natural resources and changing climate,” said YEOP Program Manager Clare Sobetski in a news release this week. “Many of them are also unsure about how they can make an impact now or in the future. This program is their gateway to affecting positive changes in their communities and exploring the many career opportunities in natural resources.”

To learn more about the Department of Natural Resources request to lawmakers, go to the program’s funding request information page. To learn more about the Youth Education and Outreach Program, go to the program website.

Take action

Let your lawmakers know how you feel about the Youth Education and Outreach Program (YEOP) and the DNR’s request. Contact your lawmaker about any bill and ask how you can make your voice heard: