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The Leavenworth area is a picturesque landscape of snowcapped peaks, towering trees, and winding rivers. Here, you stand a decent chance of looking out a window to see deer or even the occasional bear in the front yard. There is little separation between nature and people, the two live together.
“One thing that really stands out to me about Cascade School District’s application is that they worked with the community to find out what was important to them,” said OSPI Environment and Sustainability Education Program Supervisor Elizabeth Schmitz about Cascade’s Washington Green Ribbon Award application. “The natural world came through as a community value.”
The Cascade School District’s commitment to the environment is partially why they were named a 2025 Washington Green Ribbon School. Applicants are evaluated on three pillars, including reduced environmental impact and cost, improved health and wellness for students and staff, and integrated environmental and sustainability education.
“What the integration part refers to is the environment being used as a context for learning across different subject areas, so we’re integrating science and social studies with math and language arts, which is demonstrated to improve learning outcomes for kids,” said Schmitz.
When it comes to environmental education, Cascade offers multiple opportunities for students both in and out of a traditional classroom setting. Elementary school students participate in the Traveling Naturalist Program with the Wenatchee River Institute where they learn about erosion control, fire ecology, and macroinvertebrates, among other topics. Middle school students engineer miniature wind turbines and audit household appliances to measure energy conservation, and starting later this year, high school students will be able to take a college-level geology class.
This focus on environment and sustainability extends to other aspects of the school district. The district is transitioning from diesel-fueled buses to ones powered by propane, which burns cleaner and produces no ozone-damaging emissions. Cascade also partnered with the Chelan County Department of Natural Resources to remove a section of grass on one of its campuses and replace it with a rock garden with drought-resistant plants.
“The journey to becoming a Washington Green Ribbon School District began many years ago, driven by the dedication and values of our students and staff,” said Cascade School District Superintendent, Dr. Tracey Edou. “This recognition is the result of years of collective effort from every school and department, with students, staff, families, and community partners working together.”
Launched in 2012, the Washington Green Ribbon Schools Program is a partnership with various organizations, including the Washington School Principals Education Foundation (WSPEF). The program is one part of OSPI’s larger work on environmental and sustainability education that also includes different resources, including Outdoor Learning Grants. Cascade received a grant and used part of the funds to build the rock garden mentioned above.
“Congratulations to Cascade School District for being recognized as Washington state’s Green Ribbon Schools recipient,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “This achievement showcases the dedication and hard work of everyone in the district promoting environmental sustainability and connecting students to the natural world. The district's innovative programs, from teaching local ecosystems to outdoor learning and renewable energy practices, are truly inspiring. Cascade School District is setting an amazing example, and their commitment to environmental education is making a significant impact.”
Green Ribbon recipients are awarded a certificate and $10,000 in funding from WSPEF to continue their environment and sustainability work. Cascade celebrated this achievement on May 6th with an event that featured local and state leaders.