AMERICAN RIVER NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION

Our science-based educational programs offer students of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to come face-to-face with nature! We offer both STEM and history education through direct experience in an outdoor setting. Students who visit the center to participate in our programs are able to:

• Explore the center's interactive museum and meet our resident animals,
• Discover the trails of the beautiful 100+ acre nature preserve that edges the American River,
• Experience the traditions of the Nisenan Maidu native culture in the replica village,
• And wade into local ponds and rivers, investigating life under the water's surface.

Programs meet California State Science and History Standards, can be customized to support the teacher's curriculum, and are offered at the Nature Center and Preserve as well as in school classrooms.

Our Nature of Things field study and seminar series brings in expert guest speakers for lectures and field studies in subjects such as local flora and fauna, photography and geology. This series is geared toward adults who wish to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.

Our public weekend programs are appropriate for all ages and interest-levels. Consistent with our goals of educating and inspiring the community, the programs cover a wide-range of science and nature-related topics from bird-watching to solar-cooking. Guest speakers featured throughout the year bring expertise and passion to their programs, attracting many return visitors.
Our visitor center, open year-round, includes an interactive museum and live animal exhibit. Our permanent riparian museum exhibit explores the local flora and fauna of the American River Parkways, through mounted animals and dioramas. Our rotating main exhibit always includes hands-on activities, educational games, and beautiful photos and art. Past main exhibits include A Salute to Songbirds, Wild about Wetlands and Endangered Species of California.

The Nature Center takes care of more than a dozen non-releasable animals native to the American River system. These animals, which cannot be returned to their native habitat, include five birds and numerous reptiles and amphibians. These critters act as our animal ambassadors, visiting schools, taking part in programs and helping in our educational efforts.

Our Under the Oaks Kids Camps are outdoor, nature-focused educational programs offered during school breaks and summers. Each day camp is a different theme, presented by our Naturalists. The camps utilize the 100+ acre nature preserve, the museum and the replica Maidu village for lessons, activities, games and crafts.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Nature Center. Over 200 volunteers each year greet visitors, lead tours, assist with office duties, care for resident animals, perform landscaping, help with day camps, assist with fundraising, plan and host special events, and perform many other activities that support the center. In 2012-23 volunteer hours totaled 17,755.