Growing tomorrow’s earth stewards at Pacifica
Written by:
Vanessa Redding
The future of our planet depends on children who know it, love it, and understand how to care for it. At Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous, we believe children develop that connection by climbing over logs, catching fish, exploring creeks, watching birds, creating with their hands, and discovering the wonder of nature for themselves.
This past summer was a beautiful reminder of what happens when children are given the opportunity to learn outdoors. It was also a season of generosity, exciting projects, and meaningful progress for Pacifica.
Over the summer, Pacifica hosted seven camps, welcoming more than 50 students for engineering, creativity, science, art, and outdoor adventure. Thanks to a generous donation from the Siskiyou Audubon Society, we awarded more than $600 in camp scholarships. Audubon members Lee Webb and Frances Taylor taught students about local birds and their nests before helping them build birdhouses.
Twice this summer, Pacifica welcomed the Boys & Girls Club for fishing adventures. More than 20 students caught their first fish. After each first catch, instructor Tyler Ravencroft asked, “Do you want to kiss the fish?” Some students bravely did, while others laughed, “No way!” It’s a memory they’ll never forget.
Community generosity continued as Sisters on the Fly chose Pacifica as the host site for their annual Northwest Gathering. More than 150 women gathered at Pacifica and raised more than $15,000 to support Pacifica’s mission. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and especially thank Anita Yager, Oregon’s Wrangler for Sisters on the Fly, whose leadership and volunteer hours made the gathering possible.
Another meaningful gift came from the P.E.O. Sisterhood, who purchased children’s raincoats for Pacifica’s outdoor programs, helping more children stay warm and dry as they enjoyed learning outdoors. Pacifica is still working to build a complete collection, especially in larger sizes. A donation of just $35 provides one raincoat for a child. To help, email education@ pacificagarden.org to purchase and ship a raincoat directly to Pacifica, or donate through our website and note “Child’s Raincoat” with your gift.
Visitors to Pacifica’s Natural Playground will discover the new two story Wish Tree. Come Construction for Pacifica classroom space, makerspace, and nature center. Photo by Vanessa Redding. add your name, a wish, or a dream to a colorful fabric leaf and fasten it to the branches. As more leaves are added, the Wish Tree will grow as a colorful display of the hopes, dreams, and memories of those who visit.
This fall, through a generous donation, Pacifica will install 19 championship-level disc golf baskets, replacing the course’s totem pole targets. This exciting upgrade will create a more professional playing experience for players of all skill levels. We look forward to celebrating with a grand opening disc golf tournament next spring.
Perhaps the most exciting news of all is Pacifica’s newest chapter. Three new buildings are being installed to provide dedicated classroom space, a makerspace, and a Nature Center. For 26 years, Pacifica has shared every available indoor space, with the Great Hall and even the office serving as classrooms. The project is being completed in phases. Phase One—purchasing the buildings, moving them to Pacifica, and securing permits—is complete. Phase Two— installing the buildings—is underway, while Phase Three will complete ADA accessible ramps, interior finishes, classroom furnishings, makerspace equipment, and learning spaces for students. It takes a community to build a community space. Join us in bringing these new learning spaces to life. To help, donate through Pacifica’s website and note “Classroom/Nature Center” with your gift.
The excitement continues inside these new learning spaces. This fall, Envision and Siskiyou Roots are partnering with Pacifica to launch a new three-day-per-week academic enrichment program. Students will experience science, history, language arts, and math across Pacifica’s 420 acres—exploring forests and creeks; creating in studios for art, ceramics, and woodworking; conducting scientific investigations; and working on hands on projects. They will enjoy outdoor adventure, creativity, friendship, and real-world learning rarely found in a traditional classroom. Learn more at pacificagarden.org/education/ community-workshop-classes.
As Pacifica continues to grow, so do the opportunities for children and families. Every project reflects Pacifica’s commitment to curiosity, creativity, stewardship, and lifelong learning. Together, we’re creating a place where people don’t just learn about the natural world—they build a connection to it.
Vanessa Redding
Image 1: Construction for Pacifica classroom space, makerspace, and nature center. Photo by Vanessa Redding.
Image 2: Merik Gillispie at Pacifica’s Engineering Summer Camp. Photo by Vanessa Redding.
