Removing two dams, restoring over 70 miles of riverine habitat and 12 miles of nearshore habitat are still just the tip of the iceberg with the story of the Elwha River.  For more information and opportunities, the following links are provided (education and science connections):

Education Connection

Olympic National Park is actively involved in research and education about the restoration project.  This Elwha specific website is filled with information to better understand the story behind the restoration and includes: natural and cultural history information, past documents, photos, timeline and history, and lessons to learn more.

The Olympic Educational Service District (OESD) supports teachers and classes throughout the Olympic Peninsula region.  Their new Elwha website ElwhaRiverEducation.org is an outstanding location for classroom curriculum, opportunities for students to explore the project’s background, and opportunities for your class to get involved.

The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has been living along the river for thousands of years as stewards of the forests and salmon.  Now this local tribe is actively involved with studying the restoration and creating cultural curriculum for all to share.  Their site includes a timeline, curriculum, description of the history, and information about their management and research.

American Rivers is a national river conservation organization and a leader in restoring rivers through dam removal.  Visit their site and view extensive background information, see time-lapse animations of the dam removal and see what a restored Elwha River will look like.

The National Parks Conservation Association's mission is "to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations."  Our goal is to help the Park Service secure the resources necessary to enhance and protect the Elwha River watershed, allowing us all to learn from this historic restoration.  Connect with us to actively remove invasive species and plant natives.

Science Connection

The Center of Excellence at Peninsula College serves as a center for education, training, consulting, and research that explores the interactions between the natural resources and environment of the Pacific Northwest. Among other activities, the Center serves as a coordinator for Research and Research Education associated with the Elwha Restoration Project, including an NSF-supported Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

The United States Geological Survey provides access to flow records for the middle section of the Elwha River, as well as measurements just above the upper reservoir.  In addition, USGS scienctists are researching ecological changes in the river and nearshore. See newsletter.

NOAA's Fisheries Service has created a one page research brief through their Northwest Fisheries Science Center.  This site links to information about their research, restoration work, and has a link to education activities.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, research and education. Visit the Surfrider Foundation's Elwha website to find visual documentation of changing coastal conditions in the Elwha drift cell through maps, historical documents and photographs.

Check back......more links to come!