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Introduction

Of the many ways to do the Earth good, perhaps the most far-reaching is to convey to children a sense of love, respect and responsibility for nature's beauty, power and vulnerability.

We hope you will find this guide useful in your quest for environmental education resources. If you're a teacher seeking lesson plans, be sure to check out Terrain for Schools, our very own current events-based curriculum program. You should also consult the CREEC Network (creec.org), which hosts a searchable statewide environmental education resource directory.

Please email us at baeerg@ecologycenter.org with any additions, along with suggestions, corrections and revisions that you might have.

Alphabetical Listing

4-H Youth Development Program (Urban Youth Program)

California State 4-H Office Agriculture and Natural Resources University of California DANR Building, One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA  95616-8575
Programs:Serves children in K-12 grades with education and outreach programs, offers teacher training, curriculum materials, evaluation, workshops and conferences.
Resources:Some materials available in Spanish.
Costs:Call for costs and program specifics.

Alameda County Water District Education Program and Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden

http://www.acws.org
43885 S. Grimmer Blvd.
Fremont, CA  94538
frank.jahn@acwd.com
Resources:Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden, a brochure that lists all plant species in the Demonstration Garden.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/arden.htm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, CA  94555
ardenwood@ebparks.org
Programs:Aimed at developing an awareness of our agricultural heritage, local history, changing agricultural methods and our undeniable dependence on the land. Programs allow visitors to observe and participate in a variety of activities characteristic of a 19th century farm. Features include domestic animals, Victorian gardens, antique farm equipment, craft demonstrations, crop planting, hay rides, a unique horse-drawn train, harvesting and many more. Also available are nature walks, evening programs and special seasonal events. 45-minute to 1.5-hour Interpretive Programs for children include Farmyard Program (grades 3-5), Farm Animals/Farm Chores (preschool-2), Treasures of the Trunk (introduction to lifestyle of Victorian America, grades 4-5), Station Program (children move between activity stations, preschool-5), Monarch Butterfly Program (preschool-K, grades 1-6). Open year round Tue.-Sun. 10-4. Volunteers: Greatly appreciated. 14 and up.
Costs:Admission fees range between $0.50-$7.50, depending on day of the week, programs, special events and age. Call the information line for a recording.

BayIT (Bay Interpretive Training Program)

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp
160 University Ave (Berkeley Marina)
Berkeley , CA  94710
Programs:Trains volunteers to assist in Bay ecology programs for children and the public as part of the Marina Experience programs. Training precedes working with children during our educational programs. Training is on going and we encourage new people at any time. New training occur each month from October-March. For more information and details on dates and times, check out our web site at: www.cityofberkeley.info/marina and follow links or call 510-981-6720.

Berkeley Day Camp

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us
2016 Center St.
Berkeley, CA  94704
Camps:Three days in Tilden Park, two days at Berkeley Marina. Focus is nature camp experience. Ages 6-14 Camperships available for low-income Berkeley Residents

Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch

2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, CA  94704

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black.htm
5175 Somersville Rd.
Antioch, CA  94509
bdvisit@ebparks.org
Programs:Interpretive programs take visitors to coal mining-era Rose Hill Cemetery and through former historic town sites. Hazel-Atlas Mine Tour, open to the public on weekends for adults and children seven years and up, open to school groups third grade and up on weekdays. In addition to its rich cultural history, the park is an important geological, botanical and zoological preserve with 40 miles of hiking and riding trails. Staff naturalists also lead a variety of programs in Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Briones Regional Park, Contra Loma and Diablo Foothills Regional Park.

California Academy of Sciences

http://www.calacademy.org
55 Music Concourse Drive Golden Gate Park
San Francisco , CA  94118
Programs:All ages. Reservations required for school groups and docent-led tours. Includes the Natural History Museum and Steinhart Aquarium.
Topics:natural sciences

California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom

http://www.cfaitc.org
2300 River Plaza Dr.
Sacramento, CA  95833
cfaitc@cfbf.com
Resources:"Teacher Resource Guide: A Guide to Educational Materials about Agriculture" Lists numerous subjects on which educational materials are available for minimal or no charge. Subjects include produce, computer programs, general agriculture, and animals. Lesson Plans on agricultural awareness are also available-- some in Spanish. Also publishes " Cream of the Crop" newsletter for educators. Fact and activity sheetson various commodities and natural resources.
Costs:Prices for lesson plans vary, but are inexpensive. Newsletter and fact/activity sheets are free.

California State Department of Education Environmental Education Grant Program

http://www.cde.ca.gov/cilbranch/oee
PO Box 944272
Sacramento, CA  94244-2720
bandrews@cde.ca.gov
Resources:Provides info on environmental education materials and programs. Offers environmental education grant program for school districts, county officesof education, private non-profits and government agencies.

California State Department of Parks and Recreation

http://www.parks.ca.gov
250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 4900
San Francisco, CA  94134
Programs:Call for day and overnight camping trips with rangers in the Bay Area state parks. "Junior Ranger and "Litter Getter" Programs. Ranger-led studies of the mud-flat environment at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in SF. Birdwatching field trips for returning winter waterfowl migrants (ducks and shorebirds).
Costs:Free

California State University, East Bay (Formerly Cal State Hayward)

http://corseas.csuhayward.edu/
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward , CA  94542
dhahn@csuhayward.edu
Resources:Teaching resources for environmental education, including children's literature, activity guides, reference books, notices of environmental ed. conferences. Call for drop-in hours.

Camp Joy

131 Camp Joy Rd.
Boulder Creek, CA  95006
campjoy@cruzio.com
Programs:Grades k-12, Reservations required for tours at least one week in advance. Gardening classes and special events. Apprenticeship program. Write for calendar.
Camps:One-day program on Wednesdays during the summer
Topics:Small-scale agriculture and alternative living
Costs:Call for costs

Catholic Youth Organization - Caritas Creek Camp

2136 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA  94401
praia@cyocamps.org
Camps:Five-day camp for grades 5-8. Two pre-camp prep sessions and one post-camp follow up.
Topics:Interdependence of people and nature by exploring redwood forests, grasslands, freh-water ecology and ocean/beach environments. Summer camp programs. Call for more info.
Costs:Teaching session, transportation, and food is $295 per student.

Catholic Youth Organization - Retreat Center

2136 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA  94401
praia@cyocamps.org
Camps:Five-day camp for grades 5-8. Two pre-camp prep sessions and one post-camp follow up.
Topics:Interdependence of people and nature by exploring redwood forests, grasslands, freh-water ecology and ocean/beach environments. Summer camp programs. Call for more info.
Costs:Teaching session, transportation, and food is $295 per student.

Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)

http://www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.org
One Ferry Building, Suite 50
San Francisco, CA  94114
Programs:Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market (year Round), Sat. 8-1:30 @ Embarcadero and Green Street, and Tuesday 10:30-3:30@ the foot of Market. Saturday market includes, "Meet the Produce" and "Shop with the Chef" educational programs. CUESA also organizes tours, offers a quarterly newsletter, electronic newsletter (with different content) and hosts special events at the market organized around certain crops as well as a harvest festival.

Collective Roots

P.O. Box 50784
Palo Alto, CA  94303

College of Natural Resources Resource Center, University of California Berkeley

http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/~rescen/
260 Mulford Hall
Berkeley, CA  94720-3100
cnr_news@uclink.berkeley.edu
Resources:Provides job and internship listings, and directories of environmental organizations. Borrowing restricted to UC students and faculty, others are welcome to browse. Mon-Fri 8-5.

College of Natural Resources Student Resource Center, UC Berkeley

http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/~rescen/
260 Mulford Hall
Berkeley, CA  94720-3114
rescen@nature.berkeley.edu
Resources:Environmental periodicals, job and internship listings and directories of environmental organizations. Borrowing privileges restricted to UC students and faculty, others are welcome to browse. Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

Communities for a Better Environment (CBE)

http://www.cbecal.org
1440 Broadway, Suite 701
Oakland, CA  94612
cperez@cbecal.org, ajnapolis@cbecal.org
Programs:Health and justice organization seeks to change government policies regarding Bay Area Water and Air Pollution laws and enforcement, with special focus on environmentl justice and environmental racism.
Resources:Publications analyzing the condition of Bay Area water and air quality, along with details of current projects regarding environmental justice and the impacts of oil refineries on neighborhoods. Newletter includesupdates, especially on youth programs. Newletter and some other resources are also available in Spanish.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

http://www.ebparks.org
8000 Paterson Ranch Road
Fremont, CA  94555
chvisit@ebparks.org
Programs:For thousands of years, the Ohlone Indians occupied this area of salt and fresh water marshes along the bay. The shell mounds within the park's boundaries are evidence of their thriving activity. Also widely known for its rich diversity of birds and rarely seen species. Visitors have a rare 360-degree view of the Bay Area from the top of Red Hill some 300 feet above sea level. The Visitor Center is open Tue.-Sun. 9:30-5 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Staff naturalists also offer programs at Hayward Regional Shoreline, Mission Peak, Alameda Creek Trail and Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks.
Costs:$4.00 parking fee per vehicle.

Crab Cove Visitor Center & Marine Reserve

http://www.ebparks.org
1252 McKay Avenue
Alameda, CA  94501
ccove@ebparks.org
Programs:Variety of ages. Exhibits and programs at the Visitor Center, open Wed.-Sun. 10-4:30, Mar.-Nov. A wide variety of animals are protected within the reserve and are highlighted in scheduled educational programs for schools and the general public. The visitor center also houses a large saltwater aquarium and other informational displays. The Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is within the park. The Crab Cove naturalists offer programs at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Martin Luther King Jr. and Oyster Bay Regional Shorelines, Redwood, Anthony Chabot and Lake Chabot Regional Parks and Sibley Volcanic Preserve. Special youth programs for ages 3-11 are offered on Tue. and Thu. ($5/child). Nature Parties at the Cove are available on weekends. Bay Lab offers an in-depth, hands-on study of bayshore habitats for school groups (fee programs). In-class program Bay in the Classroom (fee). Regular school programs are available Wed.-Fri. free of charge for any Alameda or Contra Costa County schools. Reservations are required, call for application and special program fees.

De Anza College-- Environmental Study Area

21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA
Programs:One-hour tours available, for all ages. Reserve at least two weeks in advance, open to the public the first Sunday of each month except for holiday weekends.
Topics:Plant and animal communities of California
Costs:Free

Deer Hollow Farm (City of Mountain View Recreation Department)

P.O. Box 7540/ 201 S. Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View , CA  94039
Programs:Guided tours and half-day classes avaiable for grades k-12, call for reservations
Camps:Seven week-long summer camp sessions for grades 2-9, three-day programs for first graders. Also programs for seniors and disabled adults.
Topics:Environmentally sound homesteading, natural history, wilderness adventure and the Ohlone People
Costs:call for costs

Earth Island Institute

http://www.earthisland.org
300 Broadway, Suite 28
San Francisco, CA  94133-3312
earthisland@earthisland.org
Resources:Video "Where Have All the Dolphins Gone," $29.95 purchase ($19.95 EII members), $9 rental & $3.50 shipping. Teaching kit for $25 rental. All rentals for one month. Various other free educational publications.

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)

375 11th Street
Oakland, CA  94607
www.ebmud.com
Programs:Sponsors yearly water-related theater tours of elementary schools.
Resources:Free student workbooks, teacher guides and other classroom resources including a newsletter, audio-visual materials, posters, and conservation kits for grades K-10 in the EBMUD service area. Most publications are in comic book form with accompanying teacher's guides. Tours are available to water treat plants, the wastewater treatment plant, the EBMUD Water Conservation Center and to East Bay watershed lands for service learning projects for grades 6-12. An assembly program is available to K-6 schools.
Costs:No costs for schools and teachers inside EBMUD service area.

Ecology Action of Santa Cruz

http://www.ecoact.org
P.O. Box 1188 (333 Front Street, Suite 103, Santa Cruz, CA 95060)
Santa Cruz, CA  95061
ecoact@ecoact.org
Programs:Public Schools Resource Conservation Program, setting up recycling and composting in schools. Provides waste reduction assistance to local governments, businesses and the general public.
Resources:Guides for recycling, buying recycled, hazardous waste disposal and composting. Brochures on motor oil and hazardous waste available in Spanish.

Ecology Center

http://www.ecologycenter.org
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA  94702
info@ecologycenter.org
Resources:The Ecology Center Bookstore offers a large selection of books on environmental education and children's books on natural history, indigenous culture and ecology for all ages (some in Spanish) as well as seeds and organic gardening supplies. We offer a 10 percent discount to teachers for classroom materials, and purchase orders are welcome. Free seeds and other materials for teachers available periodically (call for availability). Library includes environmental education section, including curricula and lends books to members. Store, library and info hotline hours are Tue.-Sat. 11-6. Berkeley Farmers' Markets Tuesdays and Saturdays year-round, occasional children's and family events. Call for information. The Recycling Program offers visits to Berkeley schools to educate students (all ages) about recycling issues, includes demonstration of curbside recycling truck. The Eco-Calendar on our website regularly features many educational events and opportunities, and is available by email. The new Terrain for Schools offers high school-level environmental material for discussion and activities. Call for more information about participating.

Environmental Traveling Companions

http://www.etctrips.org
Fort Mason Center, Building C
San Francisco, CA  94123
info@etctrips.org
Programs:Outdoor adventures for people of all abilities. Sea Kayak, Whitewater Rafting and Winter Cross Country Ski Program. Youth leadership school in summer.
Costs:Call for fees. Scholarships available.

Environmental Volunteers

http://www.evols.org
3921 East Bayshore Rd.
Palo Alto, CA  94303
info@evols.org
Programs:Designed to promote an understanding of and responsibility for the environment through hands-on science education. In-class presentations and field trips for K-8 students in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Reservations accepted in May for the following school year. Teachers have to get on mailing list by April 1. All programs are taught by volunteers. Volunteer training course requires no previous experience, minimal fee. Field trip sites include Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve, Stevens Creek County Park, Deer Hollow Farm, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, Pillar Point Palo Alto Baylands and Huddart Park. Teacher workshops throughout the year, often in collaboration with other educational organizations.
Topics:Include foothills, urban, baylands and marine ecology, earthquake geology and preparedness, water science and conservation, indigenous culture, ornithology.
Resources:Educational CD-ROM Forest Footprints and Water Wonders, $20. Video on field trip techniques for educators Take This Walk With Me in the Foothills, $25.

Filoli Gardens

http://www.filoli.org
86 Caņada Rd.
Woodside, CA  94062
filolifriend@earthlink.net
Programs:Offers guided or self-guided tours Tues-Sat (guided tours by reservation only), school programs for both house, garden, and nature hikes Mon-Fri. Nature hikes for the general public on Saturdays by reservation only.
Topics:Include redwoods, chaparral, broadleaf, evergreen forest, San Andreas fault and Native American life.
Costs:Under 7 yrs-Free, $1/child (7-12) and $10/adult, special class rates.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)

http://www.nps.gov/goga
Fort Mason, Bldg 201
San Francisco, CA  94123
Programs:The following sites offer free environmentally-oriented trips, requiring advance reservations. Call each site for specific information and see individual listings in this guide: Alcatraz Island, Fort Funston, Marin Headlands Visitor Center, Muir Woods National Monument.

Greenbelt Alliance

http://www.greenbelt.org
631 Howard St. Suite 510
San Francisco, CA  94105
info@greenbelt.org
Programs:Youth Outings: Ages 10-18, groups limited in size (usually to 15) to maximize the participants' experience, involve young people from many cultural backgrounds from throughout the nine-county region. Provides adult leaders, activity supplies and an organized, action-packed, interactive and fun adventure. Past outings include: dairy farm tour with cow milking, discovery nature hikes in pristine wilderness areas, tidepool explorations, scavenger hunts that uncover history, geology and natural wonders, organic fruit orchard tours including picking, drying and tasting.
Resources:In Your Schoolyard curriculum project
Costs:Free

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

http://www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore/index.htm
4901 Breakwater Ave.
Hayward, CA  94545
hayshore@aol.com
Programs:School programs for classrooms, 1-4 hours long. Part of the Bay Trail. Exhibits, programs and activities about the ecology of the Bay. Aquariums with live Bay animals. Free public programs on weekends. Call for schedules.
Topics:Marsh and wetland ecology.
Resources::Non-circulating library with information on marine life; curriculum guide library on marine science and wetlands. Teacher workshops (full and half day) for groups of ten or more on wetlands, biodiversity, endangered species and other topics.
Costs:$63-$147 per class, depending on duration. Add $7.50 for schools outside of the Hayward Recreation and Park District.

Headlands Institute

http://www.yni.org
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Building 1033
Sausalito, CA  94965
Programs:Residential Field Science Program offers 1-5 day programs to groups of K-12 students throughout the schoolyear. Reservations up to a year in advance. Environmental Educator's Certificate Program offered in two one-week sessions in summer. TOPICS: Emphasis on ecology of the Northern California coast and conservation ethics. Other programs in Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park.
Costs:Residential Field Science Program $20-$236, depending on length.

Hidden Villa

26870 Moody Rd
Los Altos Hills, CA  94022
Programs:Tours specifically designed for children's classes; about 20,000 elementary school children participate in their educational programs every year. Programs include summer camps, workshops, activities in the arts, humanities, and environmental education for diverse cultures and multi-generations. Children, adults, and families learn about the environment, and other cultures through fun activities in a non-urban setting.
Camps:Summer camps
Costs:See website

Inner City Outings (ICO)

http://www.sierraclub.org/ico
85 Second Street, Second Floor
San Francisco, CA  94105
ico@sierraclub.org
Programs:All ages. Day hikes and overnight backpacking or river rafting for organized junior high or high school groups, also for organized adult groups. Bay Area hikes take place in Pt. Reyes, Big Basin and Marin Headlands.
Topics:Leaders provide environmental education and ethics discussion during outing.
Costs:Fee for food and transportation approximately $5/day trip, scholarships available. Groups only.

Institute for Food and Development Policy (Food First)

http://www.foodfirst.org
398 60th Street
Oakland, CA  94608
foodfirst@foodfirst.org
Resources:Curriculum materials for college classes. A speakers' bureau. Call for more information or write for free catalog of books and audio-visual materials. Publishes books on hunger, development, the environment and social justice, including in Spanish La Crisis de la Agricultura Convencional, la Sustitucion de Insumos, y el Enfoque Agroecologico.

irecycle@school Education Center

http://www.stopwaste.org
2615 Davis St.
San Leandro, CA  94577
edcenter@stopwaste.org
Programs:Field trip program for Alameda County public school 4th and 5th grade classrooms focusing on the 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (compost) that includes a tour of the Davis Street Transfer Station to see recycling and garbage transfer operations, a presentation on the 4Rs and a hands-on activity.
Camps:Teacher's Guide, SMart Guide to Developing a School Garden, and additional resources for teachers.
Resources:Pre and post-field trip activities, video, correlations to CA State Standards. Visit www.stopwaste.org for more information about the field trip and other school programs and resources.
Costs:Free field trip and bus transportation to eligible classrooms. Register online at www.stopwaste.org (click on "Schools").

Kids for the Bay

http://www.kidsforthebay.org
1771 Alcatraz Ave
Berkeley, CA  94703
kftb@aoilcom
Programs:Our hands-on programs in the classroom and the outdoors provide the unique opportunity for teachers to learn alongside their students. Program length varies from one day field trips and classroom presentations, to a year-long focus on creek restoration, pollution reducion, safe bay food consumption and environmental justice. All programs are available in English or Spanish bilingual. Programs are for K-6 grade classes, including scholarship and fee-based workshops.
Camps:Aquatic Science Adventure Camp: Summer camp participants engage in a week of hands-on science, studying the ecology of creeks, lakes and the SF bay.
Topics:SF Bay geography: aquatic plants and animals; urban creek ecology and restoration; environmental justice; pollution and the effects on the SF Bay; food chains and biomagnification of pollutants; safe bay fishing and cooking practices; water quality testing; community creek clean-ups.
Resources:For Schoolwide Creek, Urban Creek Action, and Pollution Reduction /Safe Bay Food Consumption programs, a curriculum guide and teaching equipment package are provided. For Classroom Presentation, Field Trips, and Summer Camps, preparation and follow up packets are provided.
Costs:One day programs (Classroom Presentation, Field Trips) are $135-$150 per class. One week of Aquatic Science Adventure Camp costs $200 per child. Yearlong, teacher training program (Urban Creek Action, and Pollution Reduction /Safe Bay Food Consumption) are scholarship programs. Please call additional information.

Lawrence Hall of Science

http://www.lawerncehallofscience.berkeley.edu
Centennial Drive
Berkeley, CA  94720-5200
lhsinfo@uclink.berkeley.edu
Programs:All ages. Wide variety of exhibits, events, live demonstrations, workshops, courses, classroom visits and teacher workshops on a wide variety of science and math topics. Call for annual catalog of Programs for Schools. Quarterly catalog available on location or by mail. For visits and outreach cal (510)642-5134.
Resources:Schoolyard Ecology for grades 3-6, Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect for grades 7-10 and others in the GEMS Series of teacher's guides. Family Math of GEMS classroom materials series also in Spanish. Call (510)642-7771 for catalog. Teacher workshops and classroom visits.

Life Lab Science Program

http://www.lifelab.org
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA  95064
lifelab@zzyx.ucsc.edu
Resources:Hands-on science program with a 'Living Laboratory' approach to elementary science education. Life Lab's curriculum The Growing Classroom, honored for excellence by the National Science Foundation, was developed by teachers for grades 2-6 (available in Spanish). Children create indoor or outdoor Living Laboratories to explore topics such as garden ecology, climate and nutrition. Curriculum includes music tapes by Banana Slug String Band and gardening and science material kits. The new K-5 core science curriculum Lifelab Science includes a video disc.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum and Hospital

http://www.wildlife-museum.org
1931 First Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA  94597
Programs:All ages. Center for wildlife rehabilitation receives injured and orphaned native wild animals. Exhibits and live animals for viewing. Museum store. Teachers may borrow animal mounts and skeletons (Natural History To Go). Docent-led tours and outreach programs. MUSEO program in Spanish. Lectures, hikes, camping and other environmental trips with naturalists. Member and teacher benefits available. Please call for information. Museum hours are Tue.-Fri. 12-5, Sat & Sun. 10-5. Additional summer hours. Wildlife rehab center open seven days a week; hours vary seasonally. To book tours and trips call (925)935-1978, Mon.-Fri.
Costs:Call for costs and schedules.

Marin Conservation League

http://www.marinconservationleague.org
1623-A Fifth Ave
San Rafael, CA  94901
mcl@marinconservationleague.org
Resources:Focuses on environmental issues specific to Marin County, including land use, transportation, creeks, wetlands and watersheds, and parks and open space. Monthly committee meetings open to the public. Publishes issues focused newsletters and hosts quarterly business-environment breakfast meetings. Most Marin EIRs and planning documents are on-site and available to the public.

Marine Science Institute

http://www.sfbaymsi.org
500 Discovery Parkway
Redwood City, CA  94063
info@sfbaymsi.org
Programs:Offers hands-on marine science programs for K-adults aboard a 90 ft. research vessel on the San Francisco Bay or at the Redwood City facility and outreach programs via the Marine Science Mobile. Tidepool explorations at the rocky coast are also offered. Sponsors a youth group Marine Camp during the summer. Discovery Voyage (on boat), Inland Voyage (outreach program to schools) and Shoreside (basic program in Redwood City) programs are also offered in Spanish.
Costs:Call for cost and reservations. Offers sponsorship for schools in need.

Merritt College, Environmental Studies Program

http://www.ecomerritt.org
12500 Campus Drive
Oakland, CA  94619
Programs:The Merritt Community College Environmental Programs provide low cost introductory and professional development interdisciplinary short and long courses, degrees and certificates in Ranger Naturalist Outdoor Education (K-adult, including Early Childhood Environmental Education), Ecological and Watershed Restoration, Green Building, Urban Farming, and Human Ecology, Policy and Environmental Justice.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

http://www.openspace.org
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA  94022-1404
mrosd@openspace.org
Programs:All ages. Daniels Nature Center. Free docent-led tours of district trails. Reserve at least six weeks in advance for special hikes. Public hikes on earthquake trail the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. (no reservation necessary). Variety of hikes, free mailing. Spaces and Species: Exploring Natural Communities. Environmental education program for grades 3-6, a 4 1/2-hour hands-on program at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Field trip program. The Nature Center and some trails and interpretive programs offered there are wheelchair-accessible. Call for more information.
Topics:Emphasis on conservation of open space, environmental awareness, native plants and Native American life.

Monkey Business Camp

http://www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/
2880-A Sacramento Street
Berkeley, CA  94702
office@monkeybusinesscamp.com
Programs:Summer & school break camps for kids ages 5-17. Offers several children's camps during the year which focus on the environment and outdoor education. Programs offer opportunities for kids to discover friendships, to develop bonds with caring adults and youth leaders, and to uncover the treasures of their surroundings. Organic snacks served everyday.
Costs:Call or visit website for costs and program specifics.

Planet Drum Foundation

PO Box 31251
San Francisco, CA  94131

Randall Jr. Museum

http://www.randallmuseum.org
199 Museum Way
San Francisco, CA  94114
Programs:San Francisco's children's museum is situated on a 16-acre hill overlooking San Francisco and the Bay. The museum features a live animal exhibit and animal touching pen, a greenhouse and garden, an earthquake exhibit with a working seismograph and a replica of a 1906 Earthquake Refugee Shack. A hiking trail leads to the top of Corona Heights. Host to a number of concerts, movies, plays and lectures year-round. Hands-on low-cost programs and classes in the arts and sciences for families, children, teens and adults. Programs include Creepy Crawlies, Green and Growing and Endangered Animals. Low-cost after-school and Saturday classes. Extensive series of free field trips for grades K-8 call Suzan Way (415)554-9604, for booking info . Call to get on mailing list. Quarterly activity schedule available if on mailing list. Drop in family workshops every Sat: Family Ceramics 10-4, Arts and Crafts 1-4.
Costs:Admission to the museum is free. School programs and field trips are free, transportation is free for San Francisco public schools. Costs for individuals for classes vary, generally low, scholarships available. Donations greatly appreciated.

Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary

376 Greenwood Beach Road
Tiburon, CA  94920
richardsonbaycenter@audubon.org
Programs:K-6 field trips

San Francisco Bay Model Regional Visitor Center

http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc
2100 Bridgeway Blvd.
Sausalito, CA  94965-1764
Programs:See www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc. Call (415)332-3870 for recorded events line.
Topics:Emphasis on bay tidal action and impact of human activities.
Resources:A selection of free films on S.F. Bay and related subjects is available for viewing at the Center by reservation. Teacher workshops. Bi-monthly calendar of events, avail on web site and by email delivery.

Santa Clara Valley Water District -- Education Programs

5750 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA  95118
kathmach@scvwd.dst.ca.us
Programs:District staff will come to your school and give hands-on presentations for grade 1st through college, including experiments, conservation tips, water awareness activities, flood control information and information about careers in the water industry. For preschool-K in the spring, summer and fall, the Conservation Puppet Play teaches valuable lessons about caring for water and the environment. In the winter, the FloodSAFE Puppet Show points out the dangers associated with flooding and gives some tips on what to do. The district also offers teacher workshops. The Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide is available to all formal and nonformal educators in a six-hour workshop provided by trained facilitators. This collection of innovative, water-related activities aimed at promoting awareness and knowledgeable stewardship of water resources is hands-on, easy to use, and fun! Tours of the Alamitos Groundwater Recharge Facility and Coyote Creek outdoor classroom are also available for grades for grade 4 and up, respectively, by appointment.
Resources:The district offers a variety of grade-appropriate curricula, student workbooks. science journals, cassettes, and teacher's guides.
Costs:All materials are free to teachers in Santa Clara County.

Save the Bay

350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 900
Oakland, CA  94612

Slide Ranch

http://www.slideranch.org
2025 Shoreline Hwy.
Muir Beach, CA  94965
Admin@slideranch.org
Programs:In small guided groups, program participants care for farm animals and gardens, explore miles of wildland trails discover ocean tidepools, and may camp overnight. Our teachers-in-residence customize each program to meet the learning needs of each school class or group. We also offer weekend family programs in which adults and children participate together. Site rental opportunities for meetings or retreats. Week-long summer day camps for 5-12 year olds. Programs operate Feb-Dec. Reservations required.
Topics:Organic gardening, sustainable agriculture and farm animal care. Coastal ecology, tidepools and ocean ecosystems.
Costs:One-day programs $12 per student. Overnight programs $35 not including food. Family programs $12 per person, under two years old free. Scholarships available.

Stopwaste.org, Alameda County Waste Management Authority & Source Reduction & Recycling (ACWMA)

http://www.stopwaste.org
1537 Webster St.
Oakland, CA  94612
acema@stopwaste.org
Resources:Materials about recycling and waste management available, including composting brochures in Spanish and Chinese. Alameda County residents can recieve training in composting and environmental outreach through the Master Composting Program .

The Sierra Club, National Headquarters

http://www.sierraclub.org
85 2nd St., 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA  94105
membership.services@sierraclub.org
Programs:Offers wide range of environmental education programs and resources.

The Watershed Project (formerly Aquatic Outreach Institute)

155 Richmond Field Station 1327 South 46th St.
Richmond, CA  94804-4603
Programs:AOI offers environmental education programs for teachers and the general public. Teacher workshops include: Kids in Creeks,Kids in Marshes, Kids in Gardens, and Watching Our Watershed. Programs for the general public include: watershed Awareness Program, and Gardening for Wildlife workshops.
Topics:Natural resouces of the SF Bay Area
Resources:Teaching guides and curricula; materials on Sausal Creek; also available in Spanish

Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
Tilden Nature Area
Berkeley, CA  94708
tnarea@ebparks.org
Programs:Variety of ages. Numerous trails. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) has exhibit halls, interactive displays, books, portable education displays for rent ($10 for two weeks, $20 refundable cash deposit). Open Tue.-Sun. 10-5. The Little Farm which features livestock care, gardening and homestead skills and many other naturalist-led activities. Staff also offer programs at Pt. Pinole, Wildcat Canyon, Brooks Island, Briones and other regional parks in the Northwest sector of the Park District. Science Week summer series, ages 9-12, covering endangered species, birds, reptiles, mammals (fee varies, Mon.-Fri. 10-4).

Trackers SF Wild Child Summer Camp

http://trackersnw.com/html/sf/breaks/wild_child/bay_area_canyon_summer_camp.php
187 Pinehurst Rd
Canyon, CA  94516
Camps:Located amongst the redwoods in Canyon, our summer day camp allows for ample outdoor playtime in a natural setting. Lesson plans inlcude sustainable gardening, wildcrafting, pottery, fort building, animal tracking, and more! Ages K-6.

Youth Science Institute

http://www.ysi-ca.org
286 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA  95032
Programs:The Youth Science Institute (YSI) provides a variety of hands-on science, nature and natural history programs for school groups from pre-K to grade 12. Programs include Ohlone Native Americans, Insects and Spiders, Animals and Adaptations, Creek Exploration, Bird Talk, Moving Exploding Earth, Pioneer Organic Garden, Nature Walks, Dinosaurs and Fossils, Life in a Pond, Chemistry, and Roots, Shoots, Seeds and Leaves. Special events include the Wildlife Festival, and Insect Fair. Weekend, afternoon and summer science programs are also provided for children. Science Safaris for adults. -Alum Rock Discovery Center 16260 Alum Rock Avenue San Jose, CA 95127 (408)258-4322 -Sanborn Skyline County Park Center 16055 Sandborn Rd. Saratoga, CA. 95070 (408)867-6946 Many different programs and activities, call for details. Exhibits of amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods. Pre-registration is required for all classes. Holiday and summer nature camps for ages 3-12. Pioneer Organic Garden and Native Plant Garden at Sanborn Skyline Park. -Vascona Science and Nature Center (headquarters) 296 Garden Hill Dr. Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408)356-4945 Science and Nature Center
Topics:Sanborn Skyline County Park Center: Live animal, creek exploration, Native Californians, aquatic biology, natural history, flora and fauna.
Costs:Call for costs.