Our Impact

We’ve connected 42,630 students to nature since 2005

For 19 years, our educators have supported teachers in meeting classroom learning goals and academic benchmarks with curricula designed to reach all learning styles, boost student achievement, and empower stewardship through community engagement.

Post-program surveys reveal more than 90% of our students believe themselves capable of positively benefiting the environment. This is one impact we set out to achieve in 2005 and what we will continue to strive for -- for the love of our Earth!

More than 90% of students who participate in our programs believe themselves capable of positively benefiting the environment.

Students engaged

Our programs impact students' understanding of their connection to the world around them. They develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as they work to understand complex ecological systems and environmental challenges.
Classroom hours

Hands-on, multidisciplinary local ecology lessons keep students engaged, connect the classroom to the community, and inspire them to apply what they've learned where they live.
Field trip hours

We empower students through projects that positively impact their environment and deepen community ties. We immerse them in nature through exploration and inquiry. They learn the importance of stewardship, develop practical skills and a sense of accomplishment.
Teachers supported

Teachers develop professionally through working with ECO educators or our curricula. They gain locally relevant scientific knowledge and teaching skills to deliver ecology programming year after year.

2023 Impact Report

I see students taking more ownership of their environment after ECO lessons. Students begin thinking of our community, our ecosystem, and our planet differently. They begin asking deeper questions and express a deeper understanding of how humans have a responsibility to care for our environment.
— Teacher, Kelly Elementary School
ECO continues to bring educational resources to students with their highly-skilled educators and an incredible team of staff. It is clear they are making a positive impact in the community and are bringing passion for the environment and climate action into the classroom.
— From Great Nonprofits
ECO has expanded on lessons that we create or use already and they have exposed teachers to new ideas and new ways to teach concepts. In addition, they have taught us (teachers) new ways and concepts that kids can learn outdoors and connect to nature.
— Rebecca Hall, Rachel Carson School of Environmental Science
I like ECO because it teaches you about climate and how the things we do affect our future.
— 4th-grade student, Lent Elementary
ECO has been such an important part of our school community for over 16 years. They have guided our students in knowing the world around them and the important role they play in taking care of it. Our students are excited to see the educators from ECO. They know that they will be engaged in a fun lesson inside or better yet, heading outside to our nature garden. Our students know and understand the world around them better because of our relationship with ECO.
— Teacher, Corbett Grade School
Ecology in the Classrooms & Outdoors (ECO) is an essential part of student growth in elementary classrooms. I have watched my students over the past several years become more excited and knowledgeable about science and natural, native habitats through this program. I appreciate greatly the hands-on outdoor activities that ecology experts provide for my third-grade students. My hope is that this program may continue to grow so that more students will benefit from this experience.
— Ron Morgan, 3rd-grade teacher
Talent and Passion and more Talent. ECO is a wonderful team of hardworking, passionate educators and visionaries. They do so much to get children out into nature, and to help kids appreciate and value their wonderful world - my favorite nonprofit in Portland, hands down.
— Donor, Great Nonprofits

Impact archives

Equity in environmental education

Low-income neighborhoods, often the most diverse, have less support for hands-on science instruction, widening inequitable education gaps across socioeconomic status. In under-resourced schools, subjects like science and ecology get overlooked in favor of core subjects (math, reading, and writing).

We prioritize Title 1 schools and deliver our programs during school hours to lessen the opportunity gap. We work to ensure students have equitable access to high-quality environmental education and projects that positively impact where they live and learn.

Read our mission

On average, 80% of our students receive free or reduced lunch.

63% of our students identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color