6th Graders Explore Forest Ecology and Wildfires at Columbia Breaks Interpretive Center

Wenatchee 6th graders recently visited the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center (CBFIC) in Entiat for a STEM field experience, despite the lingering smoke from nearby wildfires. Living in North Central Washington, students are all too familiar with the common occurrence of wildfires. During their visit, they gained a deeper understanding of the historical impact and ecological role of wildland fire, its interaction with human culture, the role of wildland agencies in fire management, and how the public can prevent and reduce wildfire impact.

Along the Columbia Breaks interpretive trail, volunteers and wildland fire prevention professionals led hands-on learning activities. These activities helped students develop a deeper understanding of how wildfire has shaped forest ecosystems and how people, both past and present, respond to this wildfire environment.

Andrea Kuntz, the WSD Science Resource Center field experience coordinator, highlighted several key aspects of this year's trip to CBFIC. Students learned about forest ecology and the unique characteristics that allow local plants to survive and thrive in a wildfire-prone area. They also discovered how fire spreads by building simulated "Matchstick Forests" and observing them ignite, which demonstrated how land management can reduce the frequency of large fires. Additionally, students had the opportunity to speak with past and present wildland firefighters, learning about the equipment and routines used to combat fires.