Environmental Nature Center

The ENC presents off site field trip programs to over 11,000 preschool – 12th grade students throughout the school year. The program curricula are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards or the California State Social Science Standards. Aspects of our programs also correlate with California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts from the Education and the Environment Initiative (Assembly Bill 1548 and 1721).

The ENC presents several enrichment camps, as well as on-site programs for home school groups, scout groups, and the community. Scout programs meet the requirements of both boy and girl scouts. Thirteen different Girl Scout programs have been developed for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadette Girl Scouts. Naturalists teach programs designed specially for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scouts, as well as Webelos. Community programs include full moon hikes and campfire programs, which give families the chance to explore the Center after dark. Little Naturalists programs feature stories and hands-on fun for 3 – 5 year olds and their parents. The ENC has offered Nature Camps since 1977. Nature Camp provides quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting. ENC Nature Camp emphasizes experiential learning. Campers spend most of their time outside observing nature up close. Science concepts are introduced in a fun environment, with crafts, games and hands-on activities.

The ENC presents on site professional development programs to educators from throughout the County. Our ENC Excellent Educator Series brings all kinds of educators together for fun afternoons of learning exciting hands-on ways to teach children about science and nature. Everyone is invited! Classroom teachers, outdoor educators, scout leaders, homeschool parents - anyone who wants to be a better educator. Our professional development program helps us expand our reach and extend our conservation message to a broader audience.

Each year almost 400 adult volunteers give almost 5000 hours of their time, and over 500 student volunteers give almost 5000 hours. Adults volunteer as Museum Docents, Event Volunteers, Grounds Volunteers, and Butterfly House Docents. Student volunteers assist on the grounds, with administrative work or program preparation. Leaders in Training help with student enrichment programs and Summer Camp during school breaks. The best volunteer opportunities are ones during which the volunteers benefit as well. Our internship positions give volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills, hone existing skills, and add experience to their résumés. Internship opportunities include Marketing/Public Relations, Retail and Grounds Keeper internships. In our student Service Learning program, students work with ENC staff to participate in projects that help them to learn more about an aspect of the Nature Center of particular interest to them. Service Learning Projects include: Habitat Restoration interns, Compost Learning Lab interns, Butterfly House Docent interns, Museum Docent interns and Springtime Wildflower Junior Biologists.