Imagine the feel of the wind caressing your face. Recall how a blade of grass feels on your feet. Relive the sensation of being caught in a downpour, the rain drops curling around your eyes. Now imagine the world without these beautiful moments, that simple connection to the natural world around you severed. Terrifying, is it not? Especially if one considers the impact of global climate change, pollution, and the global water crisis. That is the state of the world currently: a crisis. Organizations and institutions around the world are attempting to counter the negative effects on the environment, as well as raising awareness to the general public about why the environment is crucial and how we can protect it.

One such institution that is fighting for the health of the environment and nature is located on Bainbridge Island in Washington called Islandwood. The foundation of Islandwood was rooted in the idea that the natural world holds the power to educate and inspire us holistically. The founder of Islandwood, Debbie Brainerd, wanted to explore the uncharted territory of an outdoor education in the state of Washington. This institution would provide inner city students the experience of learning from the pure outdoors, and would lead to them discovering their own abilities and desires to change their surroundings. An absolutely unique thought proved to become a special experience.

Islandwood was constructed on the foundations of natural components from the surrounding environment, or accurately labeled as sustainable design. Sustainable design is aimed at reducing the consumption of nonrenewable resources, minimizing waste, and creating healthy and productive environments from the natural world. The facilities on Islandwood are made from composted and recycled materials, and the use of alternative energy sources like the Living Machine. This on-site system provides tertiary treatment of waste water to low flush toilets and irrigation systems in Islandwood! Students visiting the grounds are quite literally soaked in the natural world.

The Live Machine at Islandwood.

Inside The Live Machine.

Quite possibly the most enjoyable aspect of Islandwood is the fact that it is open to all communities. Certain communities, organizations, and University partners have collaborated with Islandwood to create a truly unique environment for the city of Seattle. Islandwood offers a School Overnight Program, school and graduate programs, camps, community events, conferences, and celebrations. The possibilities are quite endless! On site there are various creative studios, traditional classroom settings, a dining hall and dormitories. Take a tour of Islandwood and get blown away by the idea that our world and the natural world are not so different.

A traditional classroom.

The dining hall.

An all natural stove for pizza!