David Brownell, the tribal historic preservation officer from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, led Windward School students recently on a guided field trip to Tamanowas Rock in Chimacum. The visit was timed to coincide with a month-long learning project on the Coast Salish people, their culture and history.

Brownell talked to students, ages 5-13, about the history of the Chimacum Tribe and the importance of Tamanowas Rock to the people who lived here before European settlers. He gave insight into what the lands might have looked like prior to the spreading of cedars and other trees, more than 10,000 years ago.

Windward students and families from Sequim and Chimacum classes were invited to this field trip and took part in the activity. After learning from Brownell, teachers Nicole Terry and Pan Greenwood led a hike to the top of Tamanowas Rock and the overlook of the Chimacum valley. Students hiked more than 3 miles, had lunch among the cedars and learned a great deal about the history of the area

A daytime enrichment program with classes in Chimacum and Sequim, Windward focuses on science and arts for homeschooled and alternative schooled children.