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.
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
At American River Conservancy (ARC), we believe that environmental education benefits people of all ages and backgrounds. DONATE TODAY
NATURE CAMP
Welcome to Nature Camp 2025 – Survivor Edition! This year’s Nature Campers will experience the natural world around them, while also learning basic outdoor skills like shelter building, plant identification, and navigation. Your child will make new friends, hike, swim, and play in multiple locations around the Coloma-Lotus valley while building confidence in the outdoors. Scholarships are available, please email for an application.
If a camp is listed as SOLD OUT, email [email protected] to be placed on a waitlist.
|
Entering Grades (next year) |
Dates | Times | Cost |
| Camp Counselor Training
Grades 10th-12th |
June 4-5 | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $50 with option to add CPR/First Aid training on June 2 for additional $100. |
| 7th-9th | June 9-13 | 9 A.M to 3 P.M. | $620 (includes 2 nights of camping, 2 days of rafting, 1 rope course session and food during overnights) |
| 5th-6th | June 16-20
(SOLD OUT) |
9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $360/session
(Includes overnight on Thursday with dinner and breakfast) |
| 2nd-4th | June 16-20 (SOLD OUT)
June 23-27 (SOLD OUT) July 8-12 (2 sessions) |
9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $320/session |
| K-1st | June 9-13 (SOLD OUT)
June 23-27 |
9 A.M. to Noon | $220/session |
Questions? Email [email protected] call 530-621-1224.
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
WE ARE SOLD OUT FOR 2025! If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email [email protected]
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.
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].
BOOKSTORE
Online purchasing NOW AVAILABLE HERE
The American River offices are open to supporters M-F.
CLOSEOUT BOOK SALE – 30% OFF MOST INVENTORY
530-621-1224
HIKES AND CLASSES
Whether you’re looking for a workshop, hike, or presentation, we have something planned almost weekly.
If you have questions or ideas for an event, please contact [email protected].
