Councilmember Strauss proposes amendment to Every Child Ready Initiative

6/10/202518:10

Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) joined advocates at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park today to advocate for fully funding Seattle’s renowned Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning program.

For decades, the Seattle Parks’ Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning program has provided kids and families an opportunity to visit Seattle’s parks, forests, and beaches to learn about nature. In 2024 alone, the program and its 93 volunteers were able to serve 5,385 students from 65 different schools as part of the field trip program. Many of those were under-resourced Title 1 schools. Thousands more kids and families were served through nature activations, guided walks, and community partnership programs.

Due to the city’s budget deficit, the program is scheduled to run out of funding next year. The current version of the Every Child Ready Initiative would only restore 38 percent of the funding for the Environmental Learning Program. The other 62 percent, including funding for the paid volunteer coordinator, would be cut.

Councilmember Strauss is proposing an amendment that would fully fund the environmental learning program for kids and families. This will ensure that the program continues to serve Seattle’s kids at its historic levels.

Speakers include:

Councilmember Dan Strauss, Seattle City Council

Maggi Johnson, Environmental Education volunteer, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Melanie Wienecke, Environmental Education volunteer, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Laurie Roback Farmer, Environmental Education volunteer, Seattle Parks and Recreation

2092501