Spring 2025 Newsletter
Amphitheater Update
During the final week of October 2024, our beloved amphitheater was dismantled, and its concrete was recycled into roadbed material for the road leading to the Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area. Kudos to Hayden Oilar, Rotarian and owner of Oilar Land Management, along with his dedicated crew who worked tirelessly over two weekends. Their work was partially funded by a Rotary International grant, and Hayden further gifted WES Community with additional in-kind support to show his love for Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES). A huge thank you to Hayden and his crew!
Work on the refurbished amphitheater kicks off in early summer, when the kids are off campus. During this period, the summer day camp program will be held elsewhere at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. For any questions about the Summer Day Camp, please reach out to Cathy Brighthaupt at Project SHARE at (530) 245-7830 or via email at cbrighthaupt@shastacoe.org.
McConnell Foundation Grant
We’re thrilled to announce a generous $1,000,000 grant from the McConnell Foundation’s Project Development Fund! This incredible support will help rebuild Whiskeytown Environmental School and includes an endowment grant dedicated to maintaining our student housing for many years to come.
Previously pledged anonymously, the full details are now unveiled, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the Board of the McConnell Foundation for their generosity and forward-thinking commitment to our community.
Spring & Fall Field Trips Continue at WES
Teachers can register by clicking an open date on the calendar for Field Labs at the WES page on the Shasta County Office of Education's website. This year staffing has increased to serve up to 80 students per day for a three hour field trip. Spring is filling up, so plan ahead for Fall! Teachers, Sign Up Here →
Restore the Pond & “Make a Splash in the Pond” Update
Our Giving Tuesday effort on December 3 spotlighted the restoration of the Nature Study Pond adjacent to Hatcher Hall. Under the expert guidance of our fantastic Treasurer, Kathy Hill, we raised an impressive $23,093 by December 31, 2024—what a splash! Thank you to the sponsoring businesses for the matching funds!
Jeff Alderman of Alderman Engineering, our trusted Pond Engineer, is busy redesigning the pond. Preliminary plans have already been submitted to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Environmental Assessment documentation. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated to this project.
Work is ongoing, and we continue to accept gifts for this essential restoration. The pond is a vibrant, hands-on science hub for our lower K–4th graders, and our goal is to transform this seasonal water feature into a healthy, biodiverse freshwater ecosystem once again—especially after its water source was disrupted by the Carr Fire. Dive in and help us by donating today!
WES Volunteer Days Return with a Special Celebratory Twist!
On February 8, our first Volunteer Day of the year kicked off with a special twist, led by Greta Davis, the new Volunteer Coordinator at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Twenty dedicated volunteers braved a sunny but brisk morning to spruce up the Willow Trail and extend it to our amphitheater, clearing invasive blackberry vines and other trip hazards along the way. A big thank you to the National Park Service for providing gloves, clippers, rakes, safety goggles, and vests for the day.
Not only does volunteering at a WES event beautify our campus, but it also earns you credit toward our “6 for 60 Stewardship Challenge.” Complete any 6 activities from the 16-item checklist and win a special prize! Pick up your checklist at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Visitor Center, located at 14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive. Turn in your completed checklist by December 31, 2025 to receive your prize and celebrate your contributions to our community.
Get Ready for S’more Fun at the Back to Camp Event October 25, 2025 – Shasta District Fairgrounds
Gear up for an unforgettable evening where nostalgia meets adventure at our Back to Camp event! Whether you’re a proud WES Camp alum, a cherished teacher or staff member, or simply a lifelong friend who believes kids deserve the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors, this is your chance to relive those cherished memories and create new ones. Join us in keeping the WES legacy alive for future generations!
Never experienced the magic of WES Camp? Now’s your time to shine! Enjoy a lineup of thrilling activities—from a mysterious Night Hike and an energetic Dance Night to a playful Skit Night. Wander through an original WES cabin that still echoes with laughter and wonder. Alumni – send us your photos and artifacts to share those heartwarming moments, and you might just catch a glimpse of a slimy banana slug or the elusive Earth Ball!
With live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks setting the perfect backdrop, this adults-only (21+) celebration is one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for ticket details and more surprises!
