EDUCATION

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. 

Registration now open.

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

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

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] 

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].

VIEW CALENDAR