School-Based Programs

Summer Programs

In School Programs

Watershed Explorers

Watershed Trainees

Summer Programs

The Parks Foundation brings The Outdoor Connection, a trailside learning center, to your school or a site within walking distance. Our Nature Art program is a series of one-day nature art workshops for youth. Nature art workshops using organic materials found in nature—instruction provided by the Parks Foundation staff. In our Nature Science program, we adapt our Watershed Explorers and Curiosity Kids curriculum for out-of-school enrichment and fun. Nature science programs aim to protect our environment by involving youth in hands-on learning about healthy ecosystems, the Napa watershed, and the human impact on our surrounding habitats. In our Nature Play program we use the concepts of loose parts play with natural materials in an outdoor setting, promoting a connection with the natural world.

Students at glass beach on the Napa River

In-School Programs

The Parks Foundation works with schools and teachers to support hands-on learning for students of all ages. Contact us for information about our Watershed Trainee program for 2nd- and 3rd-grade students, or field days, in-class presentations, walking field trips, nature scavenger hunts, and more.

Schedules fill early and are first come, first served. For opportunities to schedule a visit, contact the American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation staff at [email protected].

Watershed Explorers

The Parks Foundation Watershed Explorers program is designed for third through fifth-grade elementary students in American Canyon that enhances curriculum standards in environmental science, biology, chemistry, and more. Watershed explorers utilize The Napa River Bay Trail, Wetlands Edge trailhead, the heart of the American Canyon outdoor community. This beautiful spot is one of the most biodiverse areas of the San Francisco Bay Area and is easily accessible to the community. Students participate in a three-part series focused on protecting and learning about our watersheds. Watershed Explorers aims to protect our environment by getting students involved in hands-on learning about healthy ecosystems, water quality, plant and animal lifecycles, and the human impact on our surrounding habitats.

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Watershed Trainees

The Watershed Trainee program is an introductory environmental education program designed to help young learners feel comfortable in the local wetlands. Approximately 10% of students who have participated in the 4th-grade Watershed Explorers program have expressed trepidation with being outside or on the trails. Most have not been on the local trails and cannot name any animals or plants that they might see when outside. We have designed the Watershed Trainee program for 2nd- and 3rd-grade students throughout Napa Valley.

Schedules fill early and are first-come, first-served. For opportunities to schedule a visit, contact the American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation staff at [email protected].