Education - Explorer Packs
Our Outdoor Explorer Packs will provide your little ones with everything they need to have an engaging, valuable, and treasured outdoor learning experience.
Planning for a Drier Future:
WWCCD Launches Project to Draft a Drought Preparedness Plan
Over the past decade, drought emergencies have been declared in Walla Walla County five times, with statewide declarations occurring as recently as 2024. In response, the Walla Walla County Conservation District (WWCCD) is leading a collaborative initiative to develop a Drought Preparedness Plan for the Walla Walla River Basin. This plan aims to help our communities, farms, and ecosystems better prepare for and respond to future droughts by addressing the environmental, social, and economic impacts that may result from drought conditions.
Why the Walla Walla Basin Needs a Drought Plan
Drought conditions include declining snowpack, earlier snowmelt, higher temperatures, and lower summer precipitation, all of which reduce the amount of water available for people, farms, and our rivers. These changes have a particular impact on:
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Agricultural producers through reduced yields and irrigation challenges
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Municipalities facing water shortages and infrastructure strain
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River habitats and wildlife that depend on consistent flows
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Community-Driven Planning
WWCCD is committed to inclusive engagement, and our planning process includes:
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Workshops with agricultural producers, municipalities, and industrial providers
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Public outreach through informational handouts, newsletters, and social media posts
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In-person outreach at events, such as the Return to the River Salmon Festival and the Walla Walla Watershed Strategy Open House
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A survey of agricultural producers to understand how drought is affecting agricultural operations across the Walla Walla Basin
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Future workshops and open houses to share draft recommendations
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The plan is funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and aligns with the Walla Walla Water 2050 Strategic Plan, which includes goals to improve basin-wide drought preparedness and coordination.
Get Involved
We want to hear from you! Whether you're a farmer, city resident, or concerned community member, your input matters.
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Attend a Community Event: Keep an eye out for updates on upcoming workshops and outreach opportunities.
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What's Inside
Each pack was carefully curated to encourage kids grades K-12 to put their learning and self-inquiry skills to work and learn more about the natural environments around them.
Included in the packs:
Activities, tools, and materials that pertain to the packs theme that will promote observation and investigation on the subject.
Guides to help discover the natural world around them.
Maps of suggested areas to explore within Walla Walla County.
Citizen Science Connection opportunities.
Please Note: These packs are housed at the Walla Walla Public Library. If interested in using the packs please visit the local library for further information.
Request a Backpack
Please contact Walla Walla Public Library to check out a backpack.