We want your students to get excited about conservation!

Our Wetlands Discovery Program has been inspiring young minds to become more involved in conservation since 1988. We aim to show students, grades 3-5, the value of wetlands and how they support the birds and other wildlife that inhabit them. By giving students this real-life experience, we hope to encourage them to consider the impact they are having on the earth, and to determine ways that they can make a positive difference. 

How it works

There are two main components to the Wetlands Discovery Program: the in-class section and the field trip. We also provide curriculum for pre-program classroom learning. WDP costs $250/class, though we do offer free programming for schools with FRPMs 60% and higher.

In-Class

During the in-class section, docents visit the school to teach students about basic environmental concepts relating to birds and the wetlands using visual aids to assist in the completion of a worksheet. Students are also trained to use binoculars so that they are prepared for the field trip!

Field Trip

For the field trip portion, students are led around a local bayland by a knowledgeable docent. Students get to use binoculars and exercise the knowledge they gained in class. Afterwards they often ask where they can get their own binoculars and where to use them! For the 2023-2024 season we will be visiting the Palo Alto Baylands on our field trips.

That sounds great! I want to know more!

Please read the overview and curriculum for more information on the program. To see which days are available, check our calendar below.

Afterwards, click on registration to register your class. You will be contacted soon to set up a teacher meeting to distribute pre- and post-program materials, and to discuss further logistics and answer any questions you may have.

Please contact our Education Programs Coordinator at programs@scvas.org or (408) 252-3740 if you have any questions.