SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition hosted this year’s Wonders of Water and Environmental Education (WOWEE) field trip for 240 of South Tahoe Middle School’s 6th graders to Echo Lake. This trip allowed the students to spend a full day outdoors, engaging in hands-on learning and environmental restoration.
The event brought together local organizations and educators to lead students through four interactive stations focused on real-world environmental topics. Students rotated through each station in small groups, spending about 35 minutes at each, allowing them to fully engage with the lessons.
One main highlight of the day was the tree planting station led by the Sugar Pine Foundation. Students learned about forest health, the impacts of wildfire, and threats like white pine blister rust before planting western white pine and Jeffrey pine seedlings. By the end of the day, students had planted approximately 300 trees, directly contributing to the reforestation of areas impacted by the Caldor Fire.
Students were especially engaged during the planting process, taking their time to make sure each tree was planted correctly because they wanted it to grow successfully. Many paid close attention to proper planting techniques, including holding the roots straight to avoid J-rooting during backfilling and using the “tree dance” to firmly compact the soil around the seedling. Students also asked how long it would take for their trees to grow, showing genuine interest in the long-term impact of their work and a real connection to the reforestation process.
Additional stations included defensible space and fire prevention, led by Tahoe Resource Conservation District and South Lake Tahoe Fire; Keep Tahoe Blue and Tahoe Rim Trail Association, led a water-use and threats obstacle course to foster collaboration and communication among user groups; the obstacle course simulates the challenges that water users face to ensure enough clean water for all, and a hands-on “wetland in a bottle” lesson led by South Tahoe Public Utility District where students learned how natural systems filter water before it reaches Lake Tahoe. Each station helped connect classroom learning to real-world environmental issues in the Tahoe Basin.
The structured rotation of stations, along with built-in lunchtime and movement between activities, kept the students moving and engaged throughout the day while giving them a full experience of different aspects of environmental stewardship.
For many students, especially those who experienced the Caldor Fire firsthand, the day felt meaningful. Being able to contribute to reforestation efforts and learn about protecting their community made the experience more personal and impactful.
The WOWEE field trip continues to show the importance of getting students outside and involved in work that matters. Through collaboration among local organizations, educators, and the community, students can better understand their role in caring for the forests and ecosystems around them.
