SCVBA is dedicated to educating our community about local bird ecology through programs for both children and adults. Your membership, time, and financial support are crucial to the success of these programs. Please consider becoming a member, making a donation, or joining our volunteer team.

For more information on any of these programs or to sign-up, please follow the instructions or contact programs@scvas.org or (408) 252-3740.

For Teachers

Classroom Visits Our volunteers and/or staff visit classrooms at the request of teachers. They present an environmental education unit using one of our existing programs. Programs are available in person and virtually. Cost is $140 per class, programs with * may have additional charges for materials. Contact programs@scvas.org for scheduling.

• Bird ID & Adaptation Presentation

• Birds of Santa Clara County: Local Conservation

• Wetland Birds

• Raptors of Santa Clara County

• Nest Box Building *

• Owl Pellet Dissection *

Click here for more information on these programs.

Wetlands Discovery Program (WDP) Our flagship education program, the Wetlands Discovery Program, has introduced thousands of students to wetland habitats, birds, and ecology through hands-on classroom activities. These engaging activities prepare students for a docent-led field trip to local wetlands. Read how to participate in our Wetlands Discovery Program.

Bird Walks Whether on your school campus, at a local park, at our office in McClellan Ranch Preserve, or along the Baylands, our staff and docents are happy to lead classes through nature walk to introduce students grades K-12 to our local birds and ecosystems. Binoculars are provided, fee is $100-200 per class dependent on location, inquire for needs-based pricing.

Young Birders Club SCVBA engages children and their families in nature exploration outside of the school setting in our Young Birders Club. Activities include field trips, bioblitzes, and workshops. You can also schedule a guided birding trip for your own small group.

Guided Walks at McClellan Ranch Preserve SCVAS welcomes scout troops, homeschool, families, and other youth groups to explore the grounds surrounding our headquarters in McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino. SCVAS staff or volunteers are available to guide groups through this historic site and nature preserve. Groups and individuals can also venture out on their own with our handy trail guide and copy of Birding at the Bottom of the Bay. We are also happy to accommodate Girl Scouts for their “In the Flyway” program! Suggested donation of $5/scout. 

John Muir Laws Drawing Courses The Bay Area Nature Journal Club is a diverse community of artists and naturalists, of all levels, who meet together to connect to nature through art. Join us each month for a 1.5 hour technique workshop at McClellan Ranch. Each workshop will focus on a different technique or topic (schedule available online at www.johnmuirlaws.com). The club and workshop program is inter-generational and family friendly. Both seniors and families - with mature children who have demonstrated an interest in nature sketching - are encouraged to participate.

For Adults

Classes, Field Trips, and Presentations We are proud to offer varied opportunities for adults to learn about birds, nature, and ecology through various classes and field trips. Our Monthly Speaker Series program also features different topics regarding birds each month! We also offer guided bird walks and John Muir Laws drawing courses.

Eve Case Discussion Group Join the Eve Case Discussion Group to learn about birds through research and group discussion about a predetermined bird during a monthly meeting.

Library Our library contains over 1,300 donated books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and videos about birds and their environment. The library also contains bird checklists and field guides for many different areas, including international and domestic. Our members may check books out. Book donations for this library are gratefully accepted. Come visit the library at our McClellan Ranch headquarters!

For Environmental Educators

Mid-peninsula Environmental Educators Alliance (MEEA) MEEA is an informal association of environmental educators who work together to maximize resources and achieve common goals. The group's member organizations are located across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Members meet on a monthly basis to discuss topics of common interest. Click here to learn more about MEEA, including how to join.