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) Session A SOLD OUT |
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.
EMPOWERING EDUCATORS FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Join American River Conservancy’s Environmental Education team for an immersive series of workshops and field experiences that will provide you with the confidence to bring climate concepts into your classroom. You’ll be trained in how to use Project WET, Project WILD, and Project Learning Tree which provide easy to use, low cost, standards aligned activities that compliment your existing curriculum. We will kick off the project with a hike at Leek Springs Meadow – one of ARC’s amazing meadow restoration sites – and learn how to incorporate nature journaling into your classroom routine. All participants will also receive ongoing support from a network of experts, and be eligible for a stipend and CEUs.
Register here: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/y1rpz7
For more information see the flier here or contact [email protected]
CALIFORNIA NATURALIST 2026
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 2026 with class meetings being offered both in-person and online.
Add your name to our interest list and we will email you when more information becomes available.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
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]
EDUCATION CENTER
Consider a donation to help complete phase 2 construction.
DONATE TODAY.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
CLIMATE STEWARDS 2025
Our fall offering of the Climate Stewards course will be from September 17 – November 19, 2025. Classes will meet every Wednesday from 4:00-6:30 PM, either online or at Wakamatsu Farm. Register here starting July 1st! Check back here or add your name to our interest list and we will email you when information becomes available.
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 BOWL
Thank you to CDFW and all of the teams, coaches, and parents that participated in the semi-final event at Wakamatsu Farm on March 25th. And congratulations to Jackson Elementary, Charter Home Study Academy and California Montessori Project Shingle Springs for advancing to the Finals at Camp Pollock on May 3rd. Good luck to all of the teams!
Check back in the winter for information about how to register your teams or to volunteer for next year’s event.
For more information contact [email protected]
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].
