What Teachers Say

Testimonials

Naturalist-Led Field Trips And Adventures
Kim Powell is a favorite of our students grades K-12. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and totally fun personality have our students and families requesting Kim year after year. Her professionalism really impresses us as well. She is always prepared with fabulous lessons that include hands on activities. She is extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of a number of ecosystems in our area. Her lessons meet many of the science content standards and the kids love learning science. Kim has led our students on hikes through redwoods and on beaches. She has taken us kayaking numerous times. Kim gives a lot of bang for the school buck. She is fabulous through and through.

Rebecca Haifley
Environmental Science Teacher, Pacific Coast Charter School
I have been bringing my students on Blue Water Ventures trips to Elkhorn Slough for 8 years. Kim and her staff do a great job of teaching the kids kayak safety and operation and the importance of team work and conservation in the context of kayaking in Elkhorn Slough. We see a number of marine mammals, including harbor seals and sea otters, a huge variety of birds including Snowy and Great Egrets, Blue herons, sandpipers, willets, pelicans and cormorants to mention just a few. Kim and her staff teach the students about the slough environment, the Marine Mammals Act and the impact humans have on Elkhorn Slough ecology. In the summary paper that my students write upon their return to the classroom, kids always say what a good time they had, how they overcame their fears and learned kayaking skills. I recommend Blue Water Ventures to all my teaching friends, knowing well what a great educational experience Kim Powell provides.

David Casterson
Biology Instructor, Soquel High School
I love working with Blue Water Ventures on my AP Environmental Science Elkhorn Slough Field Trip! The students love working with Kim and her assistants--even if they never have kayaked, they are comfortable and I am comfortable with the safety instruction and expertise on the trip! Kim always accommodates my special requests as a teacher and adds in her great stories and observations for the students. Its a great trip!

Jane Orbuch
Science Instructor, San Lorenzo Valley High School
Without a doubt, Kim Powell is the most outstanding naturalist I have ever known. She is knowledgeable in numerous areas and a true professional and teacher. Kim has the unique ability to relate to all ages and experiences. She easily adapts her presentation and style to maximize her relationship with any audience.

Dr. Richard Hensen
Marine Biologist, Appalachian State University-Belize Field Study