Discovery: Youth In Nature
In nearly 10 years, we have reached
4,500+ Students
168 Classrooms
11 Schools
Do you remember how happy and free you felt when you explored nature as a kid?
Young people crave outdoor play and exploration experiences, but many lack opportunities with busy family schedules and limited access. TVC’s Discovery: Youth in Nature program presents children with the opportunity to learn that open space provides us with cleaner water and air, local food, and a place to play. For many, it will be their first opportunity to hike on trails and enjoy the benefits of public, protected land.
Background:
Discovery: Youth in Nature (YIN) is designed for 4th-grade classes to inspire children to become stewards of the land and foster an appreciation for the natural space in our community.
Experience:
YIN provides three days of activities and adventure with an educator from Tri-Valley Conservancy, including a field trip to Holdener Park, all of which is provided free of charge to students and schools to make the program accessible.
Curriculum:
YIN includes three days of lessons, typically spread out over three weeks.
The first day takes place in the classroom where our educator brings supplies for students to work in groups on activities centered around California’s regions and watersheds.
The second day is an offsite field trip to Holdener Park in Livermore. Along a 1.5-mile hike, students learn about the history of Livermore and have a chance to see some of the environmental science principles in person. One of the highlights of the field trip is a supervised “solo hike” which allows students to experience open space without any distractions.
The third day is a debrief back in the classroom, wrapping up the program with an activity involving geography, agriculture, and land use through maps and observation.
YIN takes place during the school year and each program is scheduled with the class teacher. Our lessons support and complement the California curriculum standards!
When children and families understand the value of land to their health, wildlife habitat, and the watershed, they will act to protect it.
You can make a BIG difference for thousands of Tri-Valley children and families! As our schools seek engaging resources for environmental education that are adapted to digital learning and family field trips, we’ve partnered with local schools to give students environmental science lessons that come to life with outdoor adventure. Be sure to check out our online program, Discovery: Youth In Nature – At Home!
Thanks to supporters like you, over 4,500 children have enjoyed their first hike and learned about our local watershed, soils, agriculture, and wildlife through our Discovery: Youth in Nature program. YIN is often one of the most cherished and memorable experiences of 4th graders!
We need your help to connect hundreds more children in the Tri-Valley with the health and social/emotional benefits of time in nature. Please join us to expand the Discovery: Youth in Nature program today to create a better tomorrow for you, wildlife, and future generations!
Educator Response
“Fantastic interactive activities! I love that we get bused to location and don’t have to worry about coordinating cars!”
Sunset Teacher 2019
“Wonderful program! The students get an experience exploring the local outdoors and see the importance of preserving open space! Thank you!”
Emma C Smith Teacher 2020
“This was such an amazing program that really helped students get excited about being outdoors. Several of my students shared their knowledge with their own families and went on additional hikes. Thank you!”
Jackson Avenue Teacher 2020
“Great lessons both in and out of class! Thank you!”
Coyote Creek Teacher 2019
