In Darrington, STEM branches out into natural world

DARRINGTON — Taryn Tamez, 16, knows how to measure the clarity and flow of river water. She can also recover safely from falling into a river while rafting.

The Darrington teen learned both skills during a whitewater rafting trip Friday.

The excursion marked the beginning of a new Darrington program geared toward hands-on, outdoor education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The Darrington Youth Outdoor STEM Pilot Project grew out of Oso mudslide recovery efforts, providing an opportunity for Darrington-area students to learn about local resources and career opportunities, project leader Oak Rankin said.

On Friday, they studied water quality in the Sauk River, learned basic whitewater rafting and guide skills, and talked about the impacts of the Oso mudslide on water resources and habitats.

The goal is to establish STEM activities that directly relate to Darrington’s natural resources and the town’s economic opportunities, especially in forestry and outdoor recreation. Rankin hopes to incorporate programs into the curriculum at Darrington schools by fall 2015. This summer, and the upcoming school year, are part of a trial run.

“It was cool to learn things I thought I knew but I didn’t really know much about,” Tamez said. “I think the STEM program would be a great thing to start in Darrington schools.”

Cooper Young, 14, agreed that hands-on education would be valuable during the school year. He hasn’t decided what he wants to do after high school, but the rafting trip gave him a chance to learn about some of his options.

“It was a lot of whitewater and a lot of rafts,” Young said. “It was really fun. I would love to do it again.”

The 21 students on the rafting trip were selected because they each contributed to Oso relief efforts, mostly helping with the collection of food, supplies and money.

The programs’s second excursion, a trip to Diablo Dam, is scheduled for Aug. 15 with a different group of teens.

Students do not pay to participate in the program. Organizers are looking to find a long-term source of funding, Rankin said. Current partners include North Counties Family Services, Adventure Cascades, Washington State University Forestry Extension and a consortium of other outdoor recreation and conservation volunteers.

“I think this program will give the kids a chance to connect with this place,” said Brian Pernick, owner of Adventure Cascades. “A lot of kids grow up in Darrington thinking there’s nothing to do and no opportunities for them.”

Knowledge of natural resource management is especially important in rural communities, Pernick said.

He has guided raft tours of the Sauk River for six years and opened Cascade Adventures three years ago. Pernick said he’s wanted to create some kind of outdoor education program for local students since he started the business.

“Since the slide, there’s been a lot of cooperation,” he said.

That cooperation gave Rankin and Pernick the chance to pitch the STEM program idea.

“We’re working to find out what works and what doesn’t, and what engages and excites students,” Rankin said. “Just getting children outdoors and learning has a huge impact.”

This summer’s projects are for 13- to 18-year-olds. Rankin hopes to add activities later this year for younger children, such as nature walks and plant identification.

Tamez said her favorite part of last week’s rafting trip was when the water slowed after the rapids and she could look around at the hills, trees and wildlife. She saw her hometown in a new way.

“Many of us had never gone on the rafting trip before and we’ve lived here practically our whole lives,” she said.

Pernick has high hopes for students who participate in the new program.

“Hopefully they’ll fall in love with their own backyard,” he said.

Kari Bray: 425-330-3439, kbray@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves 2025-26 budget

After facing an estimated $8.5 million shortfall earlier in the year, the board passed a balanced budget Tuesday.

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Auditor: No need for feds to meddle with state or local elections

Garth Fell’s comments were in response to a report of Justice Department mulling criminal charges against election officials.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.