Backyard Nature PNW is a community based organization that provides nature education classes to Albany, Scio, Corvallis, Lebanon and Salem.
Michelle Shula is a mother of two wonderful redheads and a naturalist with a degree in Natural Resources from OSU. She has been working in the field of Environmental Education for over 15 years, and has worked for many organizations, including The National Park Service, The US Forest Service, Local Metroparks, Student Conservation Association, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Utah State Parks, and Corvallis Audubon Society. She currently lives in Albany and is the creator and CEO of Backyard Nature PNW.
About Us
An organization created to connect us all
Backyard Nature PNW was created to connect families with their local natural world through hands-on learning opportunities, adventures that are memorable, and outdoor classes that delight and engage. We work with homeschool families and schools as well. We are working to provide a nature-based outdoor learning center and hiking trails managed for education and conservation as a service to our community on a property in Salem.
Our Partners
We are partnering with Village Home in Salem to provide monthly workshops to families and teaching with their Voyagers Outdoors program. And we are excited to announce a partnership with Dome Theatrics, a non-profit in Salem! Dome Theatrics has a beautiful wooded property that is full of natural wonders and will be the future site of our Nature Center and Programming!
Why build a Nature Center?
Provides connection to community
Building a center will provide the community with a meeting place, a quiet piece of nature within the city limits, and an outdoor classroom for nature education.
Creates memories for your family
Adventures like night hikes, animal meet-and-greets, one-of-a-kind experiences and nature walks create lasting memories and provide outdoor connections.
Promotes healthy living
We plan to create hiking trails and nature play spaces for families to enjoy, promoting more outdoor time and healthier bodies!