Aves Compartidas has officially completed its first year with ECO! Students from Oregon and Guanajuato connected across borders through migratory birds. Throughout the year, these young learners engaged in conservation and restoration efforts in their local landscapes and deepened their sense of place.

(Above left) In the community of San Franco, elementary students explored Peña Alta, a local protected natural area, for a birding walk along the reservoir. (Above right, below) Aves students at Candy Lane wrapped up the school year with a vibrant day exploring the Boardman Wetlands and discovering the local wildlife in this urban oasis. From macroinvertebrates to ducklings, they learned adventure and discovery await just steps from home.

In a heartfelt exchange, students in San Franco, Mexico, read letters from their peers at Riverside Elementary in Portland. When Carina Zehr, ECO's Aves instructor in Oregon, asked the class what they had learned about their friends in Mexico, students shared enthusiasm about the favorite colors, food, and animals they had in common and the kindness in the letters they received.

“Great trip! Fabulous experience all around. From the letter writing to the exploration of bird anatomy, migration, and pollinators your program is a thorough success when it comes to student engagement and enthusiasm.” --Third-grade teacher at Alder Elementary School

Nothing says summer like gardening! Students were excited to see Griselle Lopez, an Aves educator with Audubon de Mexico. They excitedly asked that gardening be part of their activities. They prepared beds, tended their plants, and reaped their radish rewards.

At Powell Butte Nature Park, Alder Elementary 3rd graders got up close with pollinators and birds, and 5th graders dove into the importance of water conservation. Portland Water Bureau led a presentation about the important role Powell Butte plays in the region’s drinking water systems.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our community partners and funders in Oregon and Mexico, whose partnership is essential to the success of our Aves Compartidas program:

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation, Portland Water Bureau, Portland State University’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), The University of Oregon's Environmental Leaders Program, Audubon de Mexico, and Salvemos al Rio Laja.