Education

Education at Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a gateway to understanding and appreciating the natural world. Our programs cater to all ages, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper connection with nature. From school field trips to adult workshops, we offer hands-on experiences that bring science and nature to life. Join us to explore, learn, and protect our environment for future generations.

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School and Group Programs

Fieldtrips and Programs

"Discover the magic of nature with EYNC! Our tailored field trips for school-age groups offer a wild education, exploring wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation. Plus, don't miss our in-class programs bringing the adventure straight to you! #WildEducation"

Programs include:

Explore at the Nature Center
Nature in Your Classroom
Maidu Culture
Aquatic Studies

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Adult Programs

Join the fun at EYNC's special events – from nature festivals to birding hikes, there's something for everyone! Plus, make a difference with our volunteer programs, helping nature thrive while you learn and grow. #NatureLoversUnite

Programs include:

Nature of Things Speaker Series
California Naturalist Program
Young at Heart Programs

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Camps

Get wild during school breaks with EYNC's nature camps! Dive into nature, meet wildlife, and have a blast outdoors. Spring, summer, winter – we've got nature-filled fun all year round! #NatureCamp

Camps:

Spring (March 26th - 29th)
Summer (June 17th - August 9th)
Winter (dates TBD)

Age Ranges: Camps are for ages 6-11, with some programs for other ages. We have a special program for 5-year-olds and occasionally for tweens and teens.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 10% fee for cancellations over 14 days before camp. No refunds for cancellations 14 days or less before camp. $10 rescheduling fee for each class change with 24-hour notice.

Come prepared with closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a healthy snack. Please respect our no-parent policy during camp hours.

Join us for a wild time at EYNC! #NatureCamp

This summer, our camp structure has changed in pursuit of more meaningful, STEAM-oriented, nature-based education! With these updates, we’re able to provide more dedicated experiences and focus on fun, educational moments that grow, challenge, and engage our youth! We thank you for your patience and understanding as we dissected and reformed our summers to better align with our mission and goals. If you have any questions, please contact the Education Department Manager, Sara Tabatabai, at sarat@sacnaturecenter.net.

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Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

Tours

Step into the wild outdoors with EYNC's guided walks and talks! Led by naturalists, these adventures explore bird watching, plant ID, and the secrets of the American River Parkway's ecology. Join us and let nature teach you a thing or two! #NatureWalks #WildTalks

Programs Include:

Hike with a Naturalist
Hike with a Naturalist + Visit with an Animal Ambassador

Teacher Resources

Check out these teacher resources that complement our programs! They're designed to help teachers deliver science, natural and cultural history curricula to students, whether they're visiting the Nature Center or participating in our classroom programs.

Nature Bowl: An annual, science-based educational program for 3rd-6th graders that increases ecological knowledge and conservation literacy.
DonorsChoose.org: A free fundraising tool for teachers to get funding for field trips and more.
Project Learning Tree: Environmental education units, lesson plans, training, grants, and more.
Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI): Free K-12 curriculum focused on teaching critical science skills.
CREEC Network: Capitol Region: Provides upcoming workshops, events, field trip opportunities, grants, and resources with a science and environmental education focus.
Nature’s Notebook: Teacher’s Quick Start Guide to Citizen Science in your Classroom.
Lost Ladybug Project: A citizen science opportunity for students.
Journey North: Citizen Science opportunities for students to study wildlife migration and seasonal change.
CoCoRaHS: Have your classroom gather data for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail And Snow network.
Bozeman Science: YouTube NGSS and science tutorials.
Phenomena for NGSS: Discover student-discovered phenomenon that are core to science.
Leave No Trace: Information and activities for educators.
BEETLES Project: Science and nature education resources for teachers.
John Muir Laws: Free nature journaling curriculum for teachers.
The Inquiry Project: Engage your classroom in a culture of productive talk with the Talk Science Primer.
Project Budburst: Join the national Budburst network of scientists, students, and teachers monitoring plants as the seasons change.
Children & Nature Network: Free toolkits, reports, and infographics to help connect children and families to nature.
Idle-Free California: Bring Idle Free awareness and better air quality to your community!
Every Kid Outdoors: Get passes for your fourth-grade students and download activity and print paper passes.
Water Education Materials: The Department of Water Resources offers water education materials to educators at no charge.
Bird Sleuth K-12: Free birding and science education resources for teachers.
Bird Cams by All About Birds: Live stream Cornell’s bird and nest cams for a real-life bird-watching experience in your classroom.

Young at Heart Program

Experience nature's wonders with a leisurely walk along oak woodland trails at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Encounter deer, woodpeckers, and lizards. Choose to visit us or have us come to your facility with our materials and animals.

"Talks at Your Facility" brings nature to you! Our naturalist will bring a live raptor and other items for a 45-minute program catered to your group's interests.

Fee: $100.00 Group Size: 40 people Age Range: Adults Offered on weekdays.

Perfect for senior centers, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and more!

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