EDGEWATER — Some of Brittane Hendricks’ third-, fourth- and fifth-graders have been her students since first grade.

Many times in the past several years, they have trekked down to Hood Canal to learn about inter-tidal ecosystems from local ecologist Ron Hirschi. They learn about sustainability and good stewardship, she said.

“That hands-on experience, concrete experience, makes them realize that we’re interdependent on the earth,” Hendricks said.

“They’re our only chance. We need them,” she added.

This was her class’s last field trip as Breidablik students, but not their last trip to the canal. Hendricks was transferred to Poulsbo Elementary School beginning September, and plans to continue the trips with Hirschi.