This fall, things are changing! While ECO educators bring curiosity and discovery to life in classrooms across the Portland metro area, teachers of many stripes across Oregon will be unboxing ECO Place-Based Units (PBUs) and begin delivering our hands-on ecology lessons to their students. 

The growth of PBUs into new parts of the state is one of the most exciting developments this year. In the North Clackamas School District, every elementary student will have the chance to explore the ecology of their community through ECO PBUs, thanks to the support of Clackamas Water Environmental Services. To the east and west, we're partnering with the Sherman and Wheeler County Soil & Water Conservation Districts to bring PBUs to classrooms in Eastern Oregon and along the coast. And, Unitus Credit Union has signed on to bring a co-branded unit to classrooms in the watershed around their headquarters. 

What began as a small pilot program in Portland has now grown into a statewide initiative. Years of refinement, piloting, and partnership have shaped PBUs into something both adaptable and fun. Each unit centers on a key ecological concept—like habitats, soil, water, or interdependence—and extends that learning across subjects, weaving science into math, English language arts, social studies, and art. This integrated approach not only makes science stick but also helps students see connections between their everyday lives and the natural systems around them.

At ECO, we believe every student deserves an education that reflects their local landscape and culture. From Portland classrooms to rural schools east of the Cascades, we are working to ensure that Oregon’s young people grow up with the tools, knowledge, and imagination to care for the places they call home. If you’re a parent, teacher, district leader, community organization, or funder interested in learning more—or in bringing PBUs to your region—we’d love to connect.

ECO is turning 20!

Thanks to our community, we are celebrating 20 years! We have connected over 44,000 students to nature through hands-on ecology in the classroom and experiential learning outdoors. Our mission sparks curiosity and empowers students through action. Join us!



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