School Programs
Please browse our programs below.
If you would like to book online, a credit card deposit is required. If paying by check, please contact Brena Seck at brenas@sacnaturecenter.net to make a reservation.
If you want a program on a day/time not listed, please contact Brena at brenas@sacnaturecenter.net to make arrangements.
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Please Note: We will not be offering programs during San Juan Unified School District's Spring Break. April 14-18, 2025

Explore, Discover, and Learn with Effie Yeaw Nature Center!
Bring your students to Effie Yeaw Nature Center for an unforgettable outdoor learning experience! Our field trips and school programs immerse students in the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, interactive activities, and close encounters with native wildlife. Led by our expert naturalists, each program aligns with educational standards and fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether exploring the American River ecosystem, uncovering the secrets of local wildlife, or stepping into the rich cultural heritage of the Valley Nisenan people, students will gain valuable insights while having fun in nature’s classroom.
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Book your adventure today and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Programs

Nature Area Tour
Field Trip
Grades K-12
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Students will explore nature up close with a tour our interactive museum and then venture into the Nature Study Area with a naturalist and docents. They’ll observe wildlife and discover science concepts such as patterns, structure and function, and cause and effect.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes (105 minutes)
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Capacity: Up to 40 students and 10 adult chaperones (including teachers and aides)
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Parking: Up to 10 passes included
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Meals: Please eat before or after; no meal period provided
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Closed-toed shoes required
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Rain or shine, except for dangerous weather​
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Our programs align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and may cover various standards based on grade level and unit focus.
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For this program, please call or email Brena Seck to get this scheduled. 916.876.4918 or brenas@sacnaturecenter.net

Nature Plus!
Field Trip
Grades 2-5
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This engaging 4-hour program immerses students in nature through an extended hike, nature journaling, and hands-on activities. Students will explore beak adaptations, biodiversity, and animal traits while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 4 hours
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Capacity: Up to 40 students and 10 adult chaperones (including teachers and aides)
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Parking: Up to 10 passes included
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Closed-toed shoes required
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Rain or shine, except for dangerous weather
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Our programs align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and may cover various standards based on grade level and unit focus.
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For this program, please call or email Brena Seck to get this scheduled. 916.876.4918 or brenas@sacnaturecenter.net

Hike with a Naturalist
Small Group Tour​
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Enjoy a hike through the Nature Study Area, customized to meet the needs and interests of your group.
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This is a 75-minute program that can accommodate up to 18 people (all ages).
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Great for:
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Home Schools
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Scout Groups
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Clubs
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Birthdays
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Other Groups​
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Hike with a Naturalist Plus!
Small Group Tour
Enjoy a customized guided hike plus an activity of your choosing, such as extended trail time or journaling.
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This is a 90-minute program that can accommodate up to 18 people (all ages).
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Great for:
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Home Schools
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Scout Groups
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Clubs
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Birthdays
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Other Groups
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Sensational Senses
Classroom Visit
Grades K-1 Classroom Program
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Students explore how humans and animals process information through fun, hands-on activities with specimens and live animal ambassadors.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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NGSS: LS1.D
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Critters of the American River
Classroom Visit
Grades K-3: American River Life
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Students explore mammals, birds, and reptiles by comparing their structures and functions through biofacts and live animal observations.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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NGSS: LS1.B, LS1.D, LS4.D
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Amazing Adaptations
Classroom Visit
Grades 3-5: Animal Adaptations
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Students explore how animals survive in their habitats by examining unique structures and behaviors through hands-on activities, discussions, and live animal observations.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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NGSS: LS1.D, LS3.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Incredible Invertebrates
Classroom Visit
Grades K-12: Incredible Invertebrates
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Students discover local invertebrates—arthropods, mollusks, and annelids—while exploring their life cycles and ecological roles through a PowerPoint presentation and live specimens.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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NGSS: LS1.B, LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Pond and River
Classroom Lab ONLY (No Field Study)
Grades 2-6: Pond and River Classroom Lab
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Students investigate aquatic invertebrates and their role in freshwater ecosystems through a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on stations.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 75 minutes
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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NGSS: LS1.B, LS2.A, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D, ESS3.A, ESS3.C
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Pond and River
Classroom Lab + Field Study
Grades 2-6: Pond and River | Classroom Lab & Field Study
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Students dive into the world of aquatic invertebrates through a classroom lab and an outdoor field study at William B. Pond Recreation Park. In the classroom, they engage with a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on investigative stations. In the field, students collect and observe freshwater creatures, gaining insight into their roles within the ecosystem.
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Program Details:
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Availability: September–October & March–May
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Duration: 75-minute classroom lab + 2-hour field study (on separate days)
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Field studies held on Wednesdays and Fridays
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NGSS: LS1.B, LS2.A, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D, ESS3.A, ESS3.C

Gold Discovery
Classroom Visit
Grades 3-5: California Gold Rush
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Students experience the excitement of the Gold Rush through an engaging classroom presentation and hands-on gold panning activity. They’ll explore the historical, social, and environmental impacts of California's gold discovery.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 75 minutes
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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CCSS: HSS-4.3, HSS-4.4.2, HSS-5.3
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip
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Methods of the Maidu
Classroom Visit
Grades 3-5: Valley Nisenan Classroom Program
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Bring pre-1830 Valley Nisenan culture to your classroom! Through visual presentations, storytelling, and replica artifacts, students will explore the sights and sounds of this unique culture.​​
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Program Details:
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Duration: 75 minutes
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Capacity: Up to 40 students
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CCSS: HSS-3.2, HSS-4.2, HSS-5.3
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Travel fees apply for schools over 30 miles round trip

Maidu Half Day Program
Field Trip
Grades 3-5: Valley Nisenan Cultural Immersion
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Students spend a morning exploring our replica Valley Nisenan village, walking Nature Study Area trails to observe native plants and animals, and engaging in cultural activities like playing traditional games and participating in an acorn preparation demonstration.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 3.5 hours
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Capacity: Up to 40 students, 10 adult chaperones
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CCSS: HSS-3.2, HSS-4.2, HSS-5.3
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Parking passes included
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Note: Programs run rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather.

Maidu Full Day Program
Classroom Visit, Teacher + Parent Workshop
​Grades 3-5: Valley Nisenan Cultural Immersion
This unique classroom and field experience immerses students in the traditions of the Valley Nisenan people. At Effie Yeaw Nature Center, students explore a replica village, use tule houses and grinding rocks, and discover how native plants and animals were integral to Valley Nisenan life. The program includes native storytelling, acorn preparation and tasting, and learning traditional skills through crafts and games.
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Prerequisites:
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Methods of the Maidu Classroom Program
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Teacher + Parent Workshop​​
Program Details:
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Duration: 4.5 - 6 hours
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Capacity: Up to 40 students, 10 adult chaperones
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CCSS: HSS-3.2, HSS-4.2, HSS-5.3
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Parking passes included
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Note: Programs run rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather.

Maidus Focus Tour
Field Trip
Grades 3-5: Valley Nisenan Cultural Experience
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Students explore the pre-1830s lifestyle of the Valley Nisenan through a guided tour of a replica village and the Nature Study Area, learning about native plants, animals, and cultural artifacts.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Capacity: Up to 40 students, 10 adult chaperones
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CCSS: HSS-3.2, HSS-4.2, HSS-5.2, HSS-5.3
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Parking passes included
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Please eat before or after the program (no meal period included)
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Note: Closed-toed shoes required. Programs run rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather.