Environmental Engagement SPPWorkshop Series
In 2024, SPP began offering science, nature, culture, and art workshops within several Washington State Prisons after pausing during Covid. In 2026, SPP established monthly workshop series at Stafford Creek Corrections Center and the Washington Corrections Center for Women. We also continue to offer “one-off” workshops to other facilities. These workshops have been focused on a variety of topics including marina biology, tree top ecology, nature drawing, and indigenous practices.
A group of students shows off their work during a climate resilience workshop at SCCC. Photo by Erica Benoit.
An SPP workshop participant shows off her artwork at a nature drawing workshop at WCCW. Photo by SPP Staff.
An SPP workshop participant looks at a preserved octopus at an SPP workshop at SCCC. Photo by SPP Staff.
Glimpses into our workshops where experts from the community share their knowledge and expertise with prison staff and students. Photos by Emily Passarelli.
More than 250 guest scientists & practitioner
More than 250 guest scientists and practitioners from more than 140 organizations have shared their expertise in the program: see our Thank You page for recent guest experts. Scientists and community members active in science and sustainability are invited to share their passion and knowledge with incarcerated individuals at one or more facilities.
Typical workshops last about 90 minutes. Topics have included climate change, energy and biofuels, animal track identification, wetlands, environmental justice, green building, native plant identification, butterflies, composting, and scientific illustration, just to name a few. We advertise each topic ahead of time so that students can prioritize attending the sessions most interesting to them.
Most successful engaging workshops
The most successful and engaging workshops offer lots of time for discussion — our students ask great questions! Other welcome offerings include hands-on activities, specimens to examine, writing, diagramming, drawing, handouts, worksheets, audio or video clips, photographs, and demonstrations. Think about varied ways to share your own excitement for the topic, and be ready to challenge them and have a great time. If you’d like more guidance on developing a workshop, please see SPP’s guidelines for prison workshops.
To learn more about the workshop series, or if you’re interested in providing a workshop, please contact spp@evergreen.edu.
Students talk with guest expert Dr. Barb Toews during a workshop on the value of contact with nature. Photo by Erica Benoit.
Read More
Once a year, SPP reports on all things sustainable happening in Washington State Prisons.