Tina Niels, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at Simpson Elementary in Montesano, has spent over 15 years engaging her students with the Chehalis Basin Education Consortium. Recognized as a “Watershed Hero,” Tina emphasizes the importance of environmental education, taking students outdoors to learn about local ecosystems and the Chehalis River.
Each year, her students participate in a two-week unit on salmon, which includes trips to Schafer State Park to witness salmon spawning and engage in conservation work, such as removing invasive plants. Tina’s class has also planted hundreds of trees along the Chehalis River Discovery Trail, learning about environmental stewardship and the benefits of native vegetation.
Tina collaborates with local organizations, receiving grants to support initiatives like a native plant garden at the school. She integrates real-world environmental issues into her curriculum, including discussions about plastics and climate change, and encourages creativity through programs like “River of Words.”
Her teaching philosophy centers on experiential learning in nature, leading to improved mental well-being and academic performance among her students. Tina believes in the importance of empowering future generations to become environmental stewards, stating, “They might be the ones that change things.”
