Connecting Washington youth with special places in their backyard

We are 4 interns from the Student Conservation Association working with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle, WA. Our project is aimed at informing urban youth about the opportunities available for them in the National Parks and other cultural areas around Washington. We are especially focused on middle/high school students who are old enough to start being independent, but young enough that they may not have the means to coordinate large trips or outings without assistance.

Interns - Claire Parchem, Sophie Turnbull-Appell, Sarah Dunn, Natasha Way

Other Team Members - Kelseyanne Johnson, Leila Mirhaydari, Jimi Hightower

Friday, July 25, 2014

ORIC - Information Right at REI

Waterfall at the Seattle REI
This week, the interns were lucky enough to be able to spend a whole day at REI shadowing the USFS and NPS employees at the Outdoor Recreation Information Center (ORIC) at REI in downtown Seattle. I've always seen the ranger station at our local REI, but I'd never really thought much of it. I just assumed they sold passes and might be able to hand out pamphlets and such about hiking and camping. I was right, but I completely underestimated what a treasure trove of knowledge the ORIC rangers really are.

Natasha and Sarah holding sockeye salmon after pricing them
People who shop at REI tend to be outdoorsy (obviously), but it turns out that the Seattle REI - being the flagship - also attracts a lot of tourists right from the airplanes who are planning outdoors trips through the USA. A couple showed up from France planning a bike trip down the West Coast. A Polish man showed up seeking out biking directions around Seattle. Some folks showed up planning to climb Mt. Rainier, while others just wanted a suggestion for a hiking trip that's kid friendly around Seattle. No matter what the question was or how knowledgable the customer already was, David and Ed had all the answers. When people asked about burn bans or road closures, they knew exactly where to find the right information, and when people needed to contact specific ranger stations around Washington, David was able to quickly write down the phone number without even having to look it up. 
Claire and Sophie at the Desk

ORIC really is a fantastic resource for any Seattlite wanting to get outside and I highly recommend that people utilize their huge amount of knowledge. However, it is definitely advisable to visit them in person. They will return your phone call when they get a chance, but the sheer volume of visitors means that it might take a while. Also, their vast supply of maps and information are great to see in person. Plus, you get to visit REI, which is sort of like Disney World for those of us that enjoy the outdoors!

Transportation
From Klondike - Bus #s 590, 594, or 595
From Ballard - Bus # 40
From Columbia City - Bus #s 7 or 9
From West Seattle - C line
From the U-District - Bus #70


Cost - $1.25-$2.50 (Bus) or FREE (walking/biking)
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