Since it opened in 2024, the University of Washington Bothell’s Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement has continued to grow its activities and programming around environmental education for students and for the regional community.
It now has a busy and robust schedule of public events throughout the year, and this summer is no exception.
“Free, family-focused events — whether a nature walk with Washington State Parks, a habitat restoration project or another opportunity to learn and act together — are central to CoSEE’s mission,” said Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan, CoSEE director. “These experiences are not simply about bringing communities into nature. They are about broadening who has the knowledge, access and opportunity to help make decisions with and for our human and ecological communities.”
CoSEE is headquartered in the Environmental Education & Research Center, a state park facility that opened in 2022 at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, Washington. The park location allows the center to serve as a bridge between UW Bothell and nearby communities, inviting residents and other community partners to engage in their local ecosystem.
“Through shared learning and participatory action, we create space for more voices, experiences and ways of knowing to shape how our natural communities are understood and cared for,” said Cassone McGowan. “We are deeply grateful to the community partners and participants whose knowledge, time, care and collaboration make these programs possible and successful.”
Instrumental to these events are CoSEE’s student interns. Nearly all of the collaborative’s events are either led or supported by students. This summer, CoSEE welcomed its largest cohort to date with 22 interns.
This summer, CoSEE’s public events include a wide range of activities — from decorating the latest installment of the Native Plant Garden to volunteer opportunities for hands-on restoration work in the forest.
“These experiences are not simply about bringing communities into nature. They are about broadening who has the knowledge, access and opportunity to help make decisions with and for our human and ecological communities.”
Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan, CoSEE director
Help Decorate the Native Plant Garden
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1-3 p.m.
CoSEE interns spent this past spring relocating and planting native species in the EERC’s Native Plant Garden. On Aug. 12, CoSEE will celebrate this latest installment by inviting participants to paint the bricks that border the pollinator section of the garden. Open to all ages, this event will showcase the history and recent updates to the garden.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Wildlife in Your Neighborhood
Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
In this family-friendly event, CoSEE invites community members to learn more about the wildlife that call Saint Edward State Park and the nearby area home. Participants will have a chance to view trail camera imagery from the park, learn how to spot signs of wildlife and create animal track molds to take home. There will also be a guided nature walk.
Space is limited so tickets are required. Learn more and get your free tickets here.
Summer Nature Walks
Saturdays, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This monthly series, held on the third Saturday of each month throughout the summer, is co-led by staff from CoSEE and Washington State Parks. These guided forest walks explore a different trail each month, where participants can learn about the park’s unique landscapes, ongoing restoration and research efforts, and the many plants and animals that inhabit the area.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Outdoor Storytime
Saturday, Aug. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
This live storytime at the EERC will showcase CoSEE’s Adaptive Library Initiative — a project designed to make climate and environmental learning more accessible for learners of all abilities. At this all-ages event, participants will learn how basic adaptations allow books to be more interactive and inclusive for all ages. There will be a reading and a gallery walk of the adapted books in CoSEE’s collection.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Restoration Work Party
Sunday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
These year-round events are volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting local natural spaces. Rain or shine, participants help remove invasive species such as English holly and cherry laurel. This restoration work is vital for ensuring the health of the park and its rich flora and fauna.
Engineering Outdoors: Boat Building
Friday, Aug. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the children’s book, “Iggy Peck, Architect,” this event invites young engineers and their families to design, build and test their own boat — all using natural and recycled materials. Participants will learn about the design and creation process, as well as how nature can inspire innovative solutions.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
To learn more about CoSEE and other events hosted at the EERC, visit its website.
