Editors Note: Val Brenneis Honored For Outstanding Teaching In PCC’s 100-acre Environmental Studies Center As a child here in Washington County I was thrilled with the wildlife which was in abundance in the Old Orenco area where I grew up. Elk used to grave where Orenco Station stand now. River otters frequented Rock Creek on the back of my families small farm. Bald Eagles, osprey, hawks, bobcats, beaver, muskrat, martin, and other game we rarely see anymore, including mountain lions, were common. Thus was born the young man who longed to be a Biologist. Unfrotunatley life got in the way. Having said that I never lost that love. That is why people like PCC instructor Val Brenneis are to be celebrated. With people like her we are seeing a fragile but meaningful truce between development of our valley floor and the wildlife which has populated it for millenia. Having wild spaces like the Jackson Bottom Wetland Preserve along the Southern edge of Hillsboro, the Fernhill Wetlands outside Forest Grove, and the Rock Creek Environmental Studies area North of US 26 at the base of the Tualatin Hills, is a crucial part of giving our wildlife a fighting chance for survival. We are lucky to have Val, the Tualatin River Keepers, CWS, Hillsboro Parks Department, THPRD, METRO, and many other public and private people and organizations working together to retain some of the wildness that has existed here for many thousands of years. There is no amount of money that can equal the joy of seeing an Elk, a deer, an eagle, or any wild creature. That connection makes us all, especially our children and grand children, richer and more connected to our lands. Something the Atfalati people knew for many millenia in this place we call home. Congrats to Val and the PCC staff for being recognized. Let’s all celebrate her work and how very lucky we really our.
Press Release: WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. – This fall, Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus recognized environmental studies and biology instructor Val Brenneis with the Galbraith Teaching Excellence Award, honoring her dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration, student mentorship and community-engaged learning.
“The work that Val does to connect PCC to the community is inspirational,” said PCC Life Science and Biotechnology Program Dean Linda Fergusson-Kolmes. “She brings a depth of disciplinary expertise and professional integrity to all the places her work touches PCC students and the community.”
Brenneis, department co-chair for Environmental Studies and Resources and coordinator of the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center, has spent 14 years helping students understand the deep connections linking people, ecosystems and community stewardship.
As faculty coordinator for the 100-acre natural area at Rock Creek, Brenneis helps lead restoration projects, community programming and partnerships with agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her work centers on protecting local ecosystems, improving access to nature and creating educational opportunities for students and community members.
Brenneis said the recognition reflects the efforts of many colleagues and partners who contribute to the center’s mission.
“I was very honored to be recognized by the Rock Creek campus community in this way,” she said. “I love working with faculty, staff and students both within and outside of my department to do creative and meaningful work that helps connect people to each other and the land.”
Originally from Southern California and now a longtime Southeast Portland resident, Brenneis brings a strong academic and professional background to her role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley, a master’s in Science Education from George Washington and a doctorate in Ecology from the University of California at Davis. She also earned a certificate in Geographic Information Systems from PCC, an experience she credits with strengthening her connection to the college’s mission.
“One of the strengths of community colleges is that we support students as they work toward their educational and career goals,” she said. “I feel fortunate to work in a place where we can integrate meaningful, hands-on learning into our teaching.”
Brenneis teaches a range of environmental studies courses, many of which transfer into Portland State University’s degree pathways. Whether analyzing data, practicing scientific communication or exploring ecosystems in the college’s “living lab,” Brenneis emphasizes active learning and encourages regular use of the environmental center.
“I really enjoy spending time with students engaged with each other in learning,” she said. “My colleagues and I work hard to keep our courses relevant and are always looking for better ways to teach effectively.”
This year, Brenneis expanded her community-engaged work by organizing two workshops for PCC students hosted by Indigenous educators. The first was a weaving workshop led by Stephanie Craig, a Kalapuya weaver and culture keeper known for her traditional artistry. Brenneis described the experience as “wonderful” and said it helped her better understand how cultural knowledge and land stewardship are interwoven across generations.
Also, Molly Leno of Rooted Ways joined Craig and led a workshop on herbal salves focused on traditional plant uses and sustainable harvesting practices. Both sessions reinforced the importance of learning from and building relationships with Indigenous community members.
Through the PCC Oaks Partners, the college collaborates with Indigenous-led organizations, local agencies and community members to support land care, ecological restoration and relationship repair at Rock Creek. A recent Metro Community Choice Nature in Neighborhoods grant is helping the environmental center improve trail accessibility and signage. This includes an ongoing renaming process guided by alum and facilitator Serina Fast Horse, who is leading outreach with tribal and Indigenous community members.
“This work is helping us honor the continuing relationship between Indigenous communities and the land,” Brenneis said. “Students care deeply about the world. My role is to help them build the skills, knowledge and relationships they need to put that care to good use.”
About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.
