Greenhouses and more

Thanks to the dedication of a few passionate teachers and many public agencies the CASEE campus is a shining light for STEM education in Southwest Washington!

Greenhouses

The CASEE campus includes two greenhouses with heating and water systems allowing students to grow plants year round. Greenhouse activities include native plant propagation, growth condition experiments, bare root plant potting and vegetable seed starting for the organic garden.

CASEE students maintain their own native plant stock for restoration work and inventory for a plant sale fundraiser every spring.

A view of a greenhouse with various plants displayed inside.
People walking on a gravel path with shovels in their hands, under a sunny sky.
Several people are standing around an indoor greenhouse, examining the plants and pots.
A person kneeling on the ground, tending to plants with gloves on.

CASEE Creek

The CASEE campus is separated into an east and west sides by a ravine containing a creek. The creek begins as a seep at the southeast corner of campus and runs all the way to Salmon Creek a the northwest corner. Students conduct water quality analysis and wildlife camera studies on CASEE creek.

Ponds

There are two man made CASEE ponds on the site that are used by students. The ponds are accessible from the gravel path adjacent to the CASEE greenhouses. Both the large and small ponds are utilized for egg mass surveys by the Biology classes and amphibian surveys by the sophomore classes. The ponds are habitats for salamanders, frogs, macro-invertebrates, birds and mammals on the CASEE campus.

Students conducting water quality analysis at CASEE pond.

A man and a woman examining an underwater scene through a small window.
A group of people standing near a body of water, with some fishing and others observing.
A person standing in a shallow river, fishing.
A group of people wearing waders are measuring the depth of a flooded area with sticks.
Two people enjoying an outdoor activity together in a scenic area.
A young girl is standing in a shallow body of water, holding a small fish.
A young couple standing near a river, with one person holding a fishing rod.

CASEE forests and trails

CASEE campus’ East forest includes several loops through an old growth forest.

Three girls jumping in the air with joy and excitement.
Person holding scissors, cutting a red ribbon on green mossy tree.
People hiking on a forest trail.
Forested trail with sun filtering through the trees and casting dappled shadows on the path ahead.
Map of hiking trails within a protected nature reserve.
Several people gathered around a man in an orange vest, who is showing them something.
Two people standing in a dirt field, both kneeling and tending to plants or soil.

Arboretum

The CASEE Arboretum is a collection of both native and cultivated trees established to allow students to see living examples of the trees they will not see in the forest.

A serene park with a carpet of freshly fallen leaves under the sun.
A group of people posing for a photo in an outdoor setting.
Aerial view of a small community garden with raised beds.
A tranquil scene of apple trees laden with blossoms, standing amidst a verdant field.
three students measuring a tree

CASEE Gardens

The inspiration for CASEE came from a science teacher and an agriculture teacher asking why are we teaching these subjects separately. The concept has expanded to integrating physics and engineering curriculum and the current pairing of microbiology and biotechnology but CASEE’s roots will always be in agriculture. The campus includes a large two acre garden where students grow a variety of heirloom and modern vegetables. There is a smaller garden near the greenhouse for temporary storage of bare root plants and experimental plots. Our partners, the NatureScaping of SW WA, maintain several ornamental gardens designed to be both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife.
Students harvesting corn from the two acre organic garden on the east side of the campus

A yellow sign in a garden, reading 'Wildlife Botanical Gardens'.
A vibrant garden with a variety of colorful flowers.
A serene garden filled with a variety of vibrant flowers and plants, inviting relaxation and enjoyment.
A lush garden with a path leading through it, featuring vibrant flowers and greenery.
A tranquil garden oasis featuring a central fountain surrounded by colorful flowers and bordered by a peaceful pond.
A charming garden path, inviting exploration amidst nature's beauty.
A winding garden path surrounded by blooming flowers, inviting a peaceful stroll.