Inspire Shasta, Episode 16: Rebuilding Wonder — The Past, Present & Future of Whiskeytown Environmental School

Guests:Nathan Fairchild, Science Director, Shasta County Office of Education; Director of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES)Dr. Melinda Kashuba, President, WES Community (Nonprofit Partner)Hosts: Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb🌲 Episode SummaryFor more than 50 years, Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) has been a beloved rite of passage for Shasta County students—a week of cabins, night hikes, creek explorations, and unforgettable outdoor learning. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders at the heart of its rebirth: Nate Fairchild, SCOE’s Science Director, and Dr. Melinda Kashuba, president of the nonprofit WES Community.They share the remarkable story of WES—from its origins in the 1970s environmental movement, to the devastation of the 2018 Carr Fire, to today’s extraordinary community-driven rebuild. You’ll hear how thousands of donors, volunteers, and partners have rallied to bring this outdoor school back stronger than ever—fully accessible, environmentally thoughtful, and ready to serve new generations of students.This episode is filled with history, hope, and heartfelt stories about the power of nature-based learning and the community that refuses to let WES fade away.🌟 Topics CoveredOrigins of WES: How environmental legislation in the 1970s created a nationwide need for hands-on outdoor educationThe WES experience: Cabins, night hikes, nature immersion, and the magic students remember for a lifetimeImpact of the Carr Fire: Damage, safety concerns, and the long path toward recoveryThe $7.5M rebuild effort: How five volunteers and a community of supporters raised nearly $6M so farPartnership with the National Park Service: Unique land use, shared planning, and the long-term visionWhat’s being rebuiltFuture programmingWhy it matters: Belonging, curiosity, resilience, and access to nature for every studentHow the community can help: Funding, volunteering, advocacy, and engaging in school district LCAP planning💬 Memorable Quotes“We’re not in the ‘if’ phase anymore. WES is coming back. The community has made sure of it.” — Nate Fairchild“We stand on the shoulders of greatness. The leaders who protect and educate about our natural world inspire us to keep going.” — Dr. Melinda Kashuba“Students deserve the chance to connect with nature, to be curious, and to see a future for themselves—even if home isn’t peaceful.” — Dr. Melinda Kashuba“If kids leave WES feeling connected to the Earth and understanding how to make sense of it through science, we’ve done our job.” — Nate Fairchild🏕️ What Makes WES Special?It’s one of the last remaining outdoor schools still operating on National Park Service land.More than 155,000 students have attended since 1970.It offers rare access to creeks, trails, forests, and wildlife—all within minutes of Redding.It creates lifelong memories and deep emotional connections to nature.🌱 Final ThoughtsWES is more than a camp—it’s a transformative experience that shapes how students see themselves, their community, and the natural world. Thanks to relentless volunteers, dedicated educators, and a generous community, Whiskeytown Environmental School is on its way back—stronger, safer, and ready for the next 50 years.