On 7 May 2008, five hundred seventh graders from seven schools within the Hood Canal Watershed arrived at Belfair State Park, to participate in a day of hands-on environmental learning. The event featured formal presentations and interactive stations which highlighted the value and preservation of the Hood Canal Watershed, and the interconnectedness of salmon ecosystems. The 2008 venue had over 30 presenters and stations that provided peer teaching and project based learning activities facilitated by North Mason's Hood Canal Institute students and presenters, including the Woodland Park Zoo WildWise Program, the Washington NatureMapping Program, and live animals from Sardis Raptor Center and the Pt. Defiance Zoo. Environmental Explorations is successful due to the help of over 100 local and regional resource professionals and volunteers who contributed eight hundred hours to the event in 2008.