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Nature Area Tours and Field Games

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The programs listed on this page are for schools and organized groups.
For public programs, see our Activities, Events and Programs page.Please refer to the school program reservations and policies before booking a program or tour.

Preschool Nature Tour: Nature and Me

Your visit will begin by playing the animal match game and meeting one of the Nature Center’s resident animals before going “exploring” in the Nature Area. These direct experiences encourage both children and adults to feel more connected to the natural world.

• Times: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
• Fee: $90 for up to 20 participants (includes all children and adults)
  $170 for up to 40 participants (includes all children and adults)
• Chaperones: The teacher plus one additional adult per 3 children

Nature Area Tours - (Kindergarten - 6th grades)

Your visit will begin with a short tour of the Center followed by exploration of the Discovery Room. An interpretive talk, including viewing live animals and other educational aids will be given, followed by a guided nature walk that extends the lesson into the Nature Area. We believe involvement in nature fosters an appreciation for understanding and respect for the natural resources of the Sacramento region. Tour topics coincide with each grade level within the State Science Framework:

• Kindergarten - Sensory Awareness
• First Grade -Habitats
• Second Grade - Life Cycles
• Third Grade - Food Chains and Food Webs
• Third - Sixth Grade -- Nisenan Maidu Focus
• Fourth Grade - Producers, Consumers, Decomposers, & Raw Materials
• Fifth and Sixth Grades - Introduction to Ecology

Fees: $95 for up to 34 students; add $2/additional student; maximum 40 students
Times: 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:00 noon -1:30 p.m. or 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Site: Effie Yeaw Nature Center (offered during the school year)
Chaperones: The teacher and 4 to 8 adult volunteers are needed.

Nature Area Tour: Nisenan Maidu Focus - (3rd-6th grades)

The Nature Area tour focuses on the Valley Nisenan Maidu. Students will learn about their relationship with the environment through a brief discussion of territory, language and populations of the Maidu. Material culture of the Nisenan will be discussed, focusing on how various plants were used. Students will examine replica artifacts and will have the opportunity to see many plants and animals on their tour along the Nature Area trails.

Length: 90 minutes
Fees: $105 for up to 34 students; add $3.00 for each additional student; maximum of 40 students.

Summer Nature Tours - (all ages)

June through August at other County Parks. Call (916) 489-4918 for information.

Nature Field Games - (Preschool - 6th grades)

These games are fun, environmental education activities led by EYNC Naturalists:

• A warm-up activity focuses attention
• An active game to awaken enthusiasm
• Ending with a calm activity to share inspiration.

Various sets of activities are available for each grade level that coincide and reinforce the Nature Area Tour lessons listed above.

Fees: $95 for up to 34 students; add $2/additional student; maximum 40 students
Times: 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:00 noon -1:30 p.m. or 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Site: Playing field across from the Nature Center
Chaperones: The teacher and 4 to 8 adult volunteers are needed.