Resource Guide
"A Wise Investment in Earth's Future"

Field Trips

NOTE TO EDUCATORS:
We recommend calling well in advance of the planned field trip day. Be sure to confirm the grade level, cost (if any), the recommended adult/student ratio, and location/directions. Indicate any special needs of students or staff, as well as the emphasis of study of your students. It is also important to inquire about accessibility and facility status (restroom, water fountains, etc.) to ensure an enjoyable outing.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
California poppies lie in the Desert Woodland State Park, a protected desert grove of Joshua trees. These spectacular tree-like, agave/lily relatives bloom in late winter through mid-spring. Interpretive Center is open weekdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fee program.
Contact (661) 724-1180 (recorded flower info) or (661) 942-0662.
www.calparksmojave.com

Anza-Borrego State Park
Desert landscapes with flowers during February - April. At the Interpretive Center, two wide screen slide shows explain the features of the area. A natural garden lies adjacent to the Center and the Palm Canyon Nature Trail, interesting at any time of the year, is a few miles drive to the north. Hours: Center is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Cost: Most areas are free. Fee program at the Center.
Contact: (760) 767-4684 (recorded flower info), Interpretive Center (760) 767-4205.
www.anzaborrego.statepark.org

Aquarium of the Pacific
Fee program.
Contact: Aquarium of the Pacific, 310 Golden Shore, Suite 300, Long Beach, CA 90802, (562) 951-1661. Educational info: (562) 951-1630.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

Birch Aquarium
The museum is perched on the bluffs of Torrey Pines Drive overlooking Scripps and La Jolla Cove. Tours of one hour or more may be arranged, but much of the museum is self-guiding. Tours are available for grades K - 12 covering an array of topics from life and physical science. Topic highlights for last school year were: Inter-tidal Ecology, Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals, Oceanography, Oceans and Global Climate Change, Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Ocean Technology, Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicines. Birch Aquarium also offers pre-established outreach programs for preK-12, or teachers can create their own. Fee Programs. Reservations are required two weeks in advance. Scholarships available. Program scheduling is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Education Program Scheduling Office, 9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0207, La Jolla, CA 92093-0207, (858) 534-8665 or (858) 534-7523.
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/learning/

Big Bear Discovery Center
" Field Trips
Staff conducted programs tailored to your curriculum. Please schedule two weeks ahead. Donations.
Contact: Jim McGowan, Discovery Center, PO BOX 66, Fawnskin, CA 92333, (909) 866-3437 ext. 3902.
" Eagle Count
You can plan a field trip to Big Bear Lake to join the staff of the U.S. Forest Service to count their bald eagles. This may be considered a family event or a classroom activity. At the Discovery Center on the North shore of Big Bear Lake you will be taught to identify the characteristics of each age leading to adulthood-and then have the chance to apply this skill in the field. Typically you will check-in about 8:30 a.m., get trained, observe from an assigned location from 9 - 10 a.m., and then turn in your report forms. The Forest Service counts its eagles on the second Saturday of January, February, and March each year. This may change, so confirm before making plans.
Contact: Marc Stamer, Discovery Center, PO BOX 66, Fawnskin, CA 92333, (909) 866-3437.
www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com

Botanic Gardens of the University of California
Site includes 3500 plants displayed in over 40 acres in Cactus and Succulent Gardens, Alder Canyon, Iris Garden, Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Geodesic Lath Dome, subtropical Fruit Orchard, and more than 4 miles of trails. Docents lead one-hour waling tours. Teaching guides are available upon request. All grades. Free. Contact: (909) 787-4650.
www.gardens.ucr.edu

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
The museum is adjacent to the tide pools of Point Vicente marine Ecological Reserve and within sight of the great docking facilities of Terminal Island and the Angel's Garden Light and Breakwater. This large aquarium has more than six galleries of exhibits, a 30-foot touch tank, auditorium, and a science lab for hand-on-lessons. Children can walk under whale skeletons, activate a tide machine, touch live sea animals, and view sharks, rays, lobsters, eels, fish, and a multitude of invertebrates. The education department offers guided tours in the museum, a nearby salt marsh, and the tide pool area. Whale watching trips are offered from January - March and "Meet the Grunion" evenings are offered from March - July. Special events include the Autumn Sea Fair, Cabrillo landing Reenactment, Spring Whale Fiesta, and Build-A-Whale-on-the-Beach. Cost: Call for admission details.
Contact at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731. (310) 548-7562, ext. 5004. FAX: (310) 548-2649.
www.cabrilloaq.org

Catalina Island Marine Institute
Topics studied include marine ecology, invertebrates, seaweed, plankton, fish identification and behavior, seawater chemistry, ocean tides and currents, island formation, biogeography, populations, geology, and history. Students snorkel the kelp forest and inter-tidal zone. Program length: 3 or 5 days. Located at Toyon Bay, Catalina Island. Fee program.
Contact: Guided Discoveries, Inc., PO Box 1360, Claremont, CA 9171, (909) 625-6194
www.guideddiscoveries.org

Chapman's Ranch Mountain School
This school is located about ¼ mile north of Mt. Baldy Village and it specializes in acquainting K-6 children with gardening on the school site, the value of water resources, and conservation, native plant restoration on natural sites and the school grounds. Teachers are required to join an in-service class and provide students with pre- and post-activities. Students from middle and high schools may join the state-funded Service Learning project, and can work as cross-age teachers with younger students. Fee program.
Contact: Joanne or Pat Chapman, (909) 982-0464

Children's Forest
The Children's Forest is operated as a partnership between the Children's Forest Association and the San Bernardino National Forest. A number of instructional programs and children's activities are offered, including a mountaintop site available for educational field trips (seasonal). Classroom visitations by staff are available as well as teacher workshops. Fee program. Contact Jay Rizzo, Children's Forest, PO Box 350, Sky Forest, CA 92385, (909) 337-5156 or (909) 337-2444.
www.sbnfa.org/childrens_forest.htm

Covered Wagon Tours
Travel across the desert with your students in a covered wagon, drawn by teams of mules, exploring the ecology, history, geology, and ethnobotany of the region. Program length: 2 hours. Spring and Fall. Grades K - 12. Fee program.
Contact: Coachella Valley Nature Preserve, PO BOX 1106, La Quinta, CA 92253, (760) 347-2161 or toll-free at 5370) 367-2161.
www.coveredwagontours.com

Crafton Hills Conservation Area
The conservation area is located adjacent to Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa. Information on field trip activities, research conducted and other activities available.
Contact: Rick Piercy, biology teacher at Yucaipa High School, (909) 797-0106.

Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden
A one-acre water conservation demonstration garden is available for self-guided tours. Visitors will see more than 200 species of plants in a natural setting watered by efficient irrigation systems. A water conservation curriculum including a guide to the garden is also available. Contact: Barbara Gallert, educational specialist, Western Municipal Water District, 450 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508, (909) 780-4170.
www.wmwd.com/landscape.htm

Eagle Barge Tours
Tours are offered by California State Parks in the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area on most Saturdays and Sundays in January, February, and March, annually. Free but reservations are recommended. For park information call (760) 389-2303.
www.parks.ca.gov then click on Silverwood Lake.

Hidden Valley Nature Center
Adjacent to the Santa Ana River, this center is located on a bluff amidst rolling uplands with a commanding view of wildlife ponds in the lowlands along the river. The Center has crafts rooms and an observation patio. Activities seek to "increase students' exposure to and awareness of nature and thoughtful consideration of society's relation to it." Contact: Hidden Valley Nature Center, c/o riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, PO BOX 3507, Riverside, CA 92519, (909) 785-7452.
www.riversidecountyparks.org/site/parks_directory/hiddenvalley/hiddenvalley.htm.

Idyllwild Nature Center
Interpretive displays about the forest, its inhabitants, and the history of the mountain communities. A half-mile self-guiding nature trail is available. Fee program.
Contact: Hidden Valley Nature Center, c/o Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, PO BOX 3507, Riverside, CA 92519, (909) 659-3850.
www.idyllwildnaturecenter.net

Inside the Outdoors
This program is provided in several locations in Orange County by staff from the Orange County Department of Education. Inside the Outdoors was designed to help students develop knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of the natural environment. Fee programs.
Contact: Orange County Department of Education, 200 Kalmus Dr., PO BOX 9050, Costa Mesa, CA 92628, (714) 548-1175 or (949) 548-1175. Also ask for literature on new programs.
" Wild Wetlands
Exploration of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Grades 2-3.
Exploration of the Upper Newport Bay. Grades 4-5.
" Mountains to the Sea
(2 day, no overnight, grades 5-6)
Caspars Wilderness/Dana Point Harbor.
Modjeska Canyon Wilderness Preserve/Crystal Cove State Park.
" Outdoor Science School
(Overnight program, grades 5-6)
Designed to build a heightened level of enthusiasm for science and provide an environment for personal growth.
www.ocde.k12.ca.us/ito

Joshua Tree National Park
High and low desert landscapes with intervening canyons. Flowers from March to June, depending upon elevation. Hours: Visitor Center open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance Fee.
Contact: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597, (760) 367-5500.
www.joshua.tree.national-park.com/

Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center
An earth science museum offering 1:30 hr. classes, many with EE messages, for grades K - 12. Field trips are possible over Granite Hill-rich with many southern California batholith artifacts. Fee program.
Contact: Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center, 7621 Granite Hill Dr., Riverside, CA 92509, (909) 685-5818.
www.the-jmcc.org

Living Desert
The Living Desert features 1200 acres of desert and riparian habitat, picnic and observation shelters, and aviaries. Exhibits include underground and "at night" red-light displays of animals, aviaries with rehabilitated and injured species, and plant exhibits. The Living Desert contains more than 100 animal species, including endangered Mexican wolves, Arabian Oryx, and threatened black-footed cats, gazelles, wolves, and a mountainside exhibit of big horn sheep. Groups may take a self-guided walk or arrange for a docent-let tour. A mini-tram is available on the trails. Pre-school to adult. Classes for teachers. Fee program.
Contact: Living Desert, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 346-5694.
www.livingdesert.org

Marine Mammal Care Center
This is a rehabilitation center located on the north side of the parade grounds of old Fort MacArthur. Tours and teaching programs are provided by science teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District. Animal care providers may also assist with instruction and demonstrations. Some lessons may be provided exclusively or simultaneously in Spanish.
Contact: Marine Mammal Care Center, 3601 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, (310) 548-5677.
www.mar3ine.org/mmcc/

Marine Science Floating Lab Program
This program has three converted fishing vessels, each approximately 65 feet in length, berthed at Pier 22, San Pedro. Equipment includes plankton net and otter trawls, water sampling bottles, hydrometers, Secchi disc, bottom grabs and dredges, sorting table and study tanks, etc. Two or more naturalists provided for each cruise. Six or more earth, physical, and life science activities are planned for each cruise, with hands-on-student operation of the specialized marine environment sampling devices. Students test water for chemical and physical properties, net plankton for hand lens and microscopic close-up examination, handle tow lines to dredge the harbor bottom and trawl for fish, and observe the crew's use of navigational devices.
Contact: Mac McClintock, program coordinator, 4602 Newman Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630, (714) 761-2489.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
This museum features large mounted specimens, dramatically lit dioramas of ecological scenes from around the word, content-rich exhibits supporting a wide range of natural history subjects, a children's hands-on Discovery Hall, and a prepared and a live Insect Zoo. Exhibit halls include Gems and Minerals (with UV displays), Marine Life, African and North American Mammals, Pre-Columbian and North American Cultures, American and California History, Birds, and Dinosaurs. This is the only museum in the world with an elephant diorama. Grades 4 - adult. Mostly wheelchair accessible. Teachers may request guided tours of individual halls, special exhibits, or entire museum. Fee program.
Contact: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007. (213) 763-3466.
www.nhm.org

Oak Canyon Nature Center
This is a 58-acre site within the City's greenbelt corridor, bounded on three sides by residential development but opening to the northwest to the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. The extensive interpretive program utilizes the nature Center and a trail system, some of which is wheel chair accessible. The educational programs include guided tours for groups of 10 or more, a parent-and-child "Nature Hikes for Tykes" (pre-K), fifth grade tours, an Outreach program (of limited travel distance), "Kids for Parks" program for third grade, Nature Enrichment Program and Saturday afternoon hikes. Call for up-to-date description. Programs are ½ hours to 1-hour duration. Fee program.
Contact: Stacy Rudisill, recreation specialist, Oak Canyon Nature Center, 200 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, (714) 998-8380.
www.anaheim.net (click on community development - things to do)

Page Museum of LaBrea Discoveries
A premier museum of recent paleontology ("featured" in the film, Encino Man). Nearby are an excavation pit and the famous outdoor display showing 3 mammoths partially involved in liquid tar. A film presentation is followed by a 1-hour guided tour of exhibits showing reconstructed fossil skeletons and dioramas of prehistoric life in Southern California including one human remain. Some interactive exhibits. Large groups will be divided among docents. Grades K-adults. Open daily. Fee Program. Groups rates available. Contact: Page Museum of LaBrea Discoveries, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036, (213) 934-7243. Education programs: (323) 342-1342.
www.tarpits.org

Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Located 3 miles NW of Palm Springs, the Tram features a ride on 2.5 miles of cable up the face of San Jacinto Mountain. The upper station is located at 8,500-ft elevation. The Natural History Association will provide an educational program to school groups. Special school rates are available.
Contact: Palm Springs Aerial Tram, One Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Call (760) 325-1391 or toll-free (800) 515-8726. For group rates contact (760) 325-1449.
www.pstramway.com

Palm Springs Desert Museum
Located at the foot of the mountain in downtown Palm Springs, this museum has galleries of desert life, prehistoric North American life, collections of kitchen furnishings, movie memorabilia, and extensive art collections. The Education Department provides classes in science, natural history and specific desert related subjects in the Museum classroom; workshops for parents and teachers in the strategies for the support of science fair projects; consultation and guidance in the student conduct of projects; weekday and weekend natural history field trips; and longer excursions, particularly to Death Valley
and Organ Pipe Cactus national monuments. The program is extensive and varied. Contact: Palm Springs Desert Museum, PO BOX 2288, Palm Springs, CA 92263. Call (760) 325-0189 ext. 7186 for Education Services.
www.psmuseum.org

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
An 86-acre botanic garden dedicated to the collection, study and display of native California plants. The garden's education department maintains interpretive exhibits and disseminates information to the public about native plant conservation and using native plants in home and public landscapes. Interactive tours are available to educators and school groups. Topics include Indian uses of native plants, ecosystems, and bird biology. K - adult. Fee program.
Contact: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711-3157, (909) 626-1917 for tour booking; (909) 626-87676 for general information.
www.rsabg.org

Riley's Farm
Located in Oak Glen (northeast of Yucaipa), Riley's Farm is a model of life on a 19th century country homestead. Activities include milk churning and butter making, quilt making, gardening, animal care, etc. Also featured are a Colonial and Civil War living history area. Open April - December.
Contact; (909) 790-8463.
www.rileysfarm.com

Riverside Municipal Museum
The museum features local natural history, histories of early Native Americans in Riverside and the citrus growing industry. Docents provide tours, and kits are available to teachers to use in the classroom. Free.
Contact: 3580 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501, (909) 788-2747.
www.ci.riverside.ca.us/museum

Roundhouse Marine Studies Laboratory and Aquarium
The facility is located at the offshore end of Manhattan Beach Pier and offers a shark tank, tidal surge tank, Moray eel habitat, reef tank, a new tide pool tank, as well as access to pilings and beach habitat. Each 3-hour activity focuses on hands-on encounters with marine environment; sampling tools and live specimens, exploring the sandy beach, pier piling communities, local currents and tides, and Santa Monica Bay pollution problems. Fee program.
Contact: Gary Widdison, marine science and outdoor education programs, Los Angeles County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, (562) 922-6330. To schedule program, contact Mimi Small (562) 922-6330.


Rubidoux Interpretive Center
On the west bank of the Santa Ana River, the Center features a large classroom, displays, science lab, a pecan grove picnic area, waling trails and nature trails in riparian and grassland ecosystems, and wildlife viewing ponds. The Interpretive Center is open for the public only on weekends. By reservation, classes and organized groups may be led on nature walks and have activities conducted in the lab or the classroom, with many of the activities based on Project Wild/Project Learning Tree themes (an excellent way to learn how to make these national projects locally valid).
Contact: Rubidoux Interpretive Center c/o Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, PO Box 3507, 5192 Mission Blvd., Rubidoux, CA 92509, (909) 683-4537.
www.riversidecountyparks.org

San Bernardino County Museum
Exhibits in the museum display many aspects of biology, earth sciences, anthropology, history, and art. Within the museum complex are the Exploration Station, the Teacher Hall of Fame, and Special Exhibits. Exploration Station features hands on activities and experiences for children.
" School Field Trips Education programs at the museum fit a whole range of needs and budgets. Museum educators provide a focused and fun learning program. All programs are age-appropriate and tied to California State Standards. Contact (909) 307-2669 ext. 256 for detailed information and reservations. Fee program.
" Museum of the Road The museum will come to you with stimulating educational experiences. Stories, live animals, and artifacts from the museum collections enrich presentations. Hands-on experiences and question times are part of each presentation. Contact: (909) 2669 ext. 244 for detailed information and reservations. Fee program.
" Loan Program Need real specimens and materials to use in your classroom? Become a member of the loan program and check out hard-to-obtain items. Specimens are loaned for up to 14 days at a time to educators and contain plant and animal mounts, habitat and species narratives, classroom activities, publications, curriculum references and other teacher support materials. Contact (909) 307-2669 ext. 221 for membership information and reservations. Fee program.
www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/museum

San Diego Wild Animal Park
The park has a wide range of programs available. Animal presentations, guided tours of the park and more! Grades K - adult. Fee program.
Contact: San Diego Wild Animal Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, (760) 738-5057.
www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/homepage.php3

San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Located immediately east of Lake Perris, about 2.3 miles north of the Ramona Expressway at the Davis Rd. crossing. This ecological mix of riparian, fresh water marshes, uplands, and a commanding granitic knob, offers numerous opportunities for nature study. The Stephen's Kangaroo Rat, an endangered mammal, lives in the sandy loam soil above the level of the flood plain. Winter and spring are particularly rewarding as large numbers of ducks and geese are present. No fee for education groups but please call with advance notice.
Contact (909) 928-0580
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/newsites/wa/region6/sanjacinto.html

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
The reserved is located west of Murrieta, southwest of Lake Elsinore. A preserve with about 7000 acres of upland plateau grassland (some virgin but most formerly ranched), with groves of native oaks, rock outcroppings, riparian settings, and unique clay-based swales or depressions, which support vernal (springtime only) pools. Trained docents lead nature walks, featuring seasonally available subjects. Interpretive programs in the center. There is no fresh water available-bring your own! K - 12. Fee program.
Contact: Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, PO BOX 3507, Rubidoux, CA 92509, (909) 677-6951
www.santarosaplateau.org

SeaWorld
The physical resources of this world famous institution nearly exceed description. Educationally, there are programs for school groups, early learners, and children with special needs. Programs focus on awareness of marine life, with some hands-on encounters. Cost depends on selected menu of activities.
Contact: SeaWorld, 500 Sea World Dr. San Diego, CA 92109, (619) 226-3834.
www.seaworld.org

"The Vantuna" Marine Research Vessel
Located at Terminal Island, "The Vantuna" is a research facility of Occidental College. Activities include dredging the "Rock Pile", sampling the sea floor, a horizontal plankton haul, and a water characteristics station. Students may observe the radar, Fathometer, and other navigational equipment. The college provides a teacher's guide and description of activities, which may be selected, for a marine science cruise. Fee program.
Contact Janice Grancich, program director, occidental College, 1600 Campus road, Los Angeles, CA 90041, (323) 259-2675.

The Wildlands Conservancy-Oak Glen Preserve
The Outdoor Discovery Program is a full five-and-a-half hour field experience so each child will have a chance to learn, explore and gain a new respect for nature while having fun. Programs are aimed at third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students. Each grade level is designed to meet appropriate state science standards. All grade levels also include a Conservation and Appreciation component with topics and activities about saving landscapes, how plants and animals are affected by loss of habitat, and enjoying nature's beauty wherever one may be. In addition, The Wildlands Conservancy built a two-mile nature trail at Los Rios Rancho for students use during programs that is open to the public on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact The Wildlands Conservancy, 39611 Oak Glen Road, #12, Oak Glen, CA 92399, or the Outdoor Education Office (909) 790-3698.
www.wildlandsconservancy.org

Water Tours
For water tours and information about water conservation, treatment and reclamation, contact your local water department to investigate local offerings.

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