The American River Conservancy offers environmental and experiential education programs designed to not only inform, but to inspire. Our place-based education programs explore the unique ecology of the Sierra Foothills and encourage learners to connect to their environment on a deeper level.
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At American River Conservancy (ARC), we believe that environmental education benefits people of all ages and backgrounds. DONATE TODAY
NATURE CAMP
Each summer ARC explores the Coloma-Lotus valley with kids from kindergarten to high school at our Nature Camps. Campers will learn about the riparian ecology through games, crafts, hikes, music, and more.
Check back in the winter for more information and how to register.
Email [email protected] with questions.
FIELD TRIPS FOR SCHOOL and HOMESCHOOL GROUPS
Interested in signing up for a field trip? The American River Conservancy Environmental Education Program offers a wide range of NGSS aligned lesson for grades K-12. Example activities include outdoor science experiences, hands-on environmental education activities, art experiences, and stewardship projects. You can find full descriptions on our Field Trip Menu.
Homeschool families can take advantage of our monthly Homeschool Friday programs with a different theme and activities each month – find details and register here.
Please fill out our Interest Form and someone will reach out to schedule your trip. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected]
CALIFORNIA NATURALIST 2025
Register here starting December 1st
If you enjoy exploring and learning about our local ecology, engaging in citizen science and sharing your knowledge with others, this program is for you! The 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project –based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of the Sierra Foothills. Our California Naturalist class will happen in spring of 2025 with class meetings being offered both in-person and online.
Meeting Days & Times: Ten virtual classroom sessions in-person or via Zoom on Wednesdays, March 19– May 28, 2025. 4:00pm-6:30pm and three in-person, weekend field trips, 3/22, 4/27 and 5/17 (dates subject to change). Course Fee: Early registration (by January 31st) $435 or late registration (Feb. 1st – March 19th, if not full) $465. Registration Fee includes The California Naturalist Handbook (2013, UC Press; $35). If you already have the California Naturalist Handbook, please select the NO BOOK FEE when registering.
Current ARC members receive $20 off registration fees, use code Member25 when registering.
Email [email protected] for more details and information about available scholarships.
Course Benefits Include:
Draft Syllabus
Questions? Contact [email protected]
EDUCATION CENTER
Consider a donation to help complete phase 2 construction.
DONATE TODAY.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
NATURE BOWL 2025
Hey teachers, parents, youth leaders, and mentors! Gather up your teams of 3rd-4th grade students and/or 5th-6th grade students and prepare to have a fun and educational time learning all about our local and regional ecology and conservation.
ARC will be hosting a semi-final at Wakamatsu Farm on Tuesday March 25th. You can find all the information you need to register and prepare at this link.
Attend a virtual coach’s workshop on January 8th, from 4-6 PM (Register Here)
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering multiple resources for coaches to prepare for the event, like a Natural History Crash Course and Project WILD training. Please see the above link to get all the relevant information.
Coaches can register a team at this link before March 1st to secure your spot.
For more information contact [email protected]
UC CLIMATE STEWARDS
Please check back later this summer for more information about our Fall 2025 course!
The UC Climate Stewards seeks to foster a committed corps of volunteers ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. This ten week course will introduce you to social-emotional resilience and trauma-aware practices, climate change communication, climate science, and community resilience planning. The course will combine communication, engagement, and science curricula with guest presenters, field trips, and project-based learning to immerse you in the dynamics of your local community. The UC Climate Stewards Handbook is included in the course fee.
Draft Syllabus (please note that dates for field trips are tentative and subject to change)
Questions? Contact [email protected].
NATURE CENTER AND BOOKSTORE
Online purchasing NOW AVAILABLE HERE
The American River Nature Center
is accessible to supporters during office hours by appointment only.
CLOSEOUT BOOK SALE – 30% OFF MOST INVENTORY
Outside the Nature Center enjoy several hiking trails in the park, and nearby. Maps available on request.
530-621-1224
HIKES AND CLASSES
Whether you’re looking for a workshop, hike, or volunteer event, we have something planned almost weekly.
If you have questions or ideas for an event, please contact [email protected].