Outdoor Field Programs
Coastal Exploration at Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Location: Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Malibu, CA
Site Facilities: Port-a-potties, no running water, adequate seating, mostly wheelchair accessible. Good site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12:30 pm. October through June.
Type: Coastal wetland with emphasis on marine science.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades K-12.
Maximum # of students: 70
Program Fee: $350-850 [based on student numbers]
Grant Funding: The Safe Clean Water Program covers the Program Fee for Malibu Lagoon, including an on-campus lesson for all participants. This grant does not require an application but will prioritize Title I schools on a first come first served basis; denote your interest when booking your program through the link below.
Zoom Teacher Training Workshop: September 25th from 4-5pm. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Microscopes – students view and identify lagoon plankton through microscopes, while learning about the energy cycle & food web. (2) Fish Lab – students learn the basics of fish anatomy and the life cycles of local species such as steelhead, halibut and tidewater goby, while getting a closer look at our collection of intriguing specimens. (3) Bird Walk – learning what makes a bird a bird, students use binoculars to identify local and migratory species and observe their feeding habits, while learning interesting facts about our feathered friends. (4) Beach Ecology – students discover fascinating marine life at the edge of the tidal pools, while considering special features of the sand and surf amid sweeping views of the mountains and bay. (5) Water Quality – students collect a sample of lagoon water and test it for temperature, pH and salinity, discovering in the process the importance of scientific measurements and methods.
Urban Watershed Connection at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Location: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Van Nuys, CA
Site Facilities: Full-service bathrooms, running water, ample seating, fully wheelchair accessible. Excellent site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12 pm. October through June.
Type: Freshwater lake habitat with urban influence.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades K-8.
Maximum # of Student: 60
Program Fee: $350-850 [based on student numbers]
Grant Funding: San Fernando Valley Audubon Society covers the Program Fee at Sepulveda Basin. This grant does not require an application but will prioritize grade 4-6, Title I schools on a first come first served basis; denote your interest when booking your program through the link below.
Zoom Teacher Training Workshop: September 11th from 4-5pm. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Microscopes – students view and identify freshwater plankton, learn about the energy cycle and food web, and gain appreciation for the role of fungus, bacteria and insects in the ecosystem. (2) Habitat Walk – after basic training in binocular use, students walk the perimeter of the lake habitat to identify local and migratory birds, and to observe their hunting and feeding habits. Native plants and other types of fauna are also discussed as they appear along the way. (3) Water Quality – students are introduced to the pH scale, learn the difference between acid and base, and then test the lake water to determine if it’s safe for wildlife. At the same time, they test also for temperature, odor and turbidity.
Oak Woodland Stewardship at Tapia Park
Location: Tapia Park Public Use Area, Agoura Hills, CA
Site Facilities: Full-service bathrooms, running water, ample seating, wheelchair accessible. Excellent site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12:30 pm. October through June.
Type: Mountain oak woodland and chaparral habitat with conservation theme.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades K-8.
Maximum # of Students: 72
Program Fee: $350-850 [based on student numbers]
Grant Funding: The Safe Clean Water Program will cover the Program Fee for Tapia Park, including an on-campus lesson for all participants. This grant does not require an application but will prioritize Title I schools on a first come first served basis; denote your interest when booking your program through the link below.
Zoom Teacher Training Workshop: October 4th from 4-5pm. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Woodland Walk – students hike through woodland habitat, along a riparian corridor and under sycamore groves, as they discover the personal connections to be made between themselves and this natural ecosystem. (2) Acorn Grinding – using stone mortar and pestle, students grind fresh acorns from the native Coast Live Oak into acorn flour, imitating one of the traditional steps in the practice of making acorn meal. (3) Comparison Lab – students compare and contrast natural artifacts from the environment with store-bought objects of similar function, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of how we can use natural objects from the environment in every aspect of our lives. (4) Oak Tree Restoration & Conservation – students explore the restoration site the RCD manages at Tapia Park and gain hands-on experience as they discover how scientists assess the health of native oaks.