School Field trips about nature, science and cultural history at Placer Nature Center

Field trips to Placer Nature Center

Placer Nature Center is located a few miles east of Auburn in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothill ecosystem. The rich diversity of foothill plant life is well represented on our 60-acre site and a variety of animal species live in or use the nature preserve. Nature trails, which meander through the acreage, are fertile ground for teaching and exploration.

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"Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.."

- Native American Saying

Preparation activities, summary, and post-visit follow-up activities for your students!

Field trip subjects are built around Life and Social Science, local natural and cultural history of the People, Plants, Animals & Habitat or the Earth and Life Science of
Water & Our Watershed: Use, Pollution & Conservation .

Offered all Year!

Take full advantage of the seasons!

In the Fall, book a Natural & Cultural History Program when we search for seeds and explore changes in the leaves.

Follow up in the Spring with a Watershed Learning Program when the streams are flowing and wildflowers color the landscape! Each season and curriculum brings new discoveries and learning opportunities!

If you are looking for programs delivered in your classroom or you want us to meet in the field, please visit our Environmental Science Travels page.

Many thanks to Jimmy Buencamino, a father of one of our field tripper's, for compiling his pictures of their program!

Choose your field trip subjects below:

People, Plants, Animals & Habitat
Water & Our Watershed: Use, Pollution & Conservation
Field Trip Enhancements!

Scheduling, Registration & Downloadable Brochure
Important Information
Adherence to CA Content Standards (opens new page)

Visit the Just for Teacher's page for information on grants, scholarships and more! (opens new page)
You could get your field trip for funded! (opens new page)

People, Plants, Animals & Habitat

Life and Social Science is engaging and fun in our thematic nature explorations!
These natural and cultural history programs are designed to promote an understanding and awareness of the natural environment, cultivate scientific literacy and stimulate a sense of stewardship for the earth.

Docents emphasize concepts in an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach with small groups of students (10 to 12). Groups rotate through activities in the Exhibit Hall, Discovery Lab and Courtyard as well as on the trail to experience, explore, discover and enjoy the environment first-hand! Look for this symbol "CCS" for a quick reference of which California Content Standards the program achieves.
Click here to read more about our facilities (opens new page).

People, Plants, Animals & Habitat Program Fees:

$7 per student in groups of 25 or less; $6 per student in groups of 26 or more
Minimum fee is $80. No fee for teachers or parent helpers.
$30 deposit due 2 weeks after you register.
Maximum group size: 70 Students

Foothill Discovery – Fur and Feathers
Preschool • 1 hour
How do humans and animals explore and get information from their environment? In this program, children will experience the environment in a multi-sensory approach designed to plant the seeds of life-long learning. CCS Life-2a, 2c; Invest.-4a, 4b

Foothill Environment – Exploring With Senses
Kindergarten • 1-½ hour
Animals and people use senses to survive. Sensory awareness is emphasized as children discover the diversity of the foothill environment. Using all five senses, students will explore how living things get information from their environment.
CCS Life-2a, 2c; Invest.-4a, 4b

Habitat – A Place To Live
1st Grade • 1-½ hour
What is your ecological address? By observing and discussing the places where animals live, students learn the concept of habitat. Students will explore the components of habitat - food, shelter, water and space - and find how each is important to the survival of living things. CCS Life-2a, 2b, 2c

Life Cycles – Growing Up, Seed or Frog
2nd Grade • 1-½ hour
Plants and animals go through a life cycle - with some stages appearing deceptively unlike the adult. What is your life cycle? Does a rock have a life cycle? By investigating seeds and studying the various stages of animal development, students explore the interrelationships of plants and animals in their life cycles.
CCS Life- 2a, 2b, 2e,2f; Invest.-4f

Native Americans of the Foothills
3rd Grade • 2 hours
The Maidu are Native Americans in the foothill area who had a flourishing culture before the Gold Rush. The Maidu perspective and use of the environment was different than ours today. Students will examine Maidu artifacts, explore the Maidus’ relationship to the earth and visit a replica Maidu family encampment. CCS Life-3b; H/SS-3.2

Food Chains – Who’s Eating Whom?
4th Grade • 2 hours
Whether producers, herbivores, omnivores, carnivores or decomposers, all creatures have an important place in the food chain. Students will create a food web using foothill plants and animals and also explore the flow of energy from the sun to plants and animals through the food chain. CCS Life-2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d

Ecology – Everything is Connected
5th Grade • 2 hours
The interrelationships of living things form a complex ecological drama. Students explore the relationships of living things within the abiotic world: in soil, among large species and through a microscope in a drop of pond water. How do we humans fit into this interconnected world? CCS Life-2f, 2g

Natural Resource Conservation – What are the 3 R’s?
6th Grade • 2 hours
What are the 3 R’s? What is a natural resource? What does conservation mean? Resources are either renewable or non- renewable. How can we use them wisely? Students explore what values humans have assigned to natural resources and ways we can reduce our impact on them through the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle.
CCS Earth-6a, 6b, 6c

Your Role: Closing the Loop - Recycling by Humans & Nature
7th to 12th Grade • 2-1/2 hours
Nature recycles and so should we! Do you live a "closed loop" life? What is your role in closing the loop of the solid waste stream? These questions set the stage for an interactive exploration of “waste” generated in the natural environment, decomposition, and issues of disposing the waster from human products. We can make a difference with recycling! CCS Earth-6a, 6b, 6c

Return to Top
People, Plants, Animals & Habitat
Water & Our Watershed: Use, Pollution & Conservation
Field Trip Enhancements!

Scheduling, Registration & Downloadable Brochure
Important Information
Adherence to CA Content Standards (opens new page)

Water & Our Watershed:
Use, Pollution & Conservation

Preparation activities, summary, and post-visit follow-up activities for your students!

Earth and Life Science insights wonder and discovery in our water education programs!

Our unique WaterShed Learning Center is equipped with stunning interactive exhibits designed to challenge and engage students in hands-on investigations and critical thinking about our water resources. Programs include a docent-led tour of the WaterShed Learning Center as well as small group activities, investigations and a hike on our nature trail!

Water & Our Watershed Program Fees:

$7 per student in groups of 25 or less; $6 per student in groups of 26 or more
Minimum fee is $80. No fee for teachers or parent helpers.
$30 deposit due 2 weeks after you register.
Maximum group size: 70 Students

Pond Paddlers
Kindergarten • 1 hour 50 minutes
Where does water come from? Where does it go? Students use their senses to explore our watershed.

Habitats in Water
1st Grade • 2-¼ hours
What’s your water address? Through engaging activities, students learn who else needs water at our address and how can we conserve it so there’s enough for all.

Are you me?
2nd Grade • 2-¼ hours
Students discover animals that use water for part of their life cycle and explore the trail for life cycle stages. How is water in their life cycle?

Swimming Salmon
3rd Grade • 2-¼ hours
Students investigate the adaptations of the salmon that help it survive in its habitat. Who else uses salmon habitat?

Wetland Munchers
4th Grade • 2-¼ hours
What are the food chains in the riparian zone? Who are the river dwellers and what do they eat? What role do the riparian plants play in this habitat? Students will investigate and answer these questions.

Stream Swimmers
5th Grade • 2-¼ hours
Through hands-on experimentation students will determine the special qualities of water and the importance of water quality in natural ecosystems.

River Runners
6th Grade • 2-¼ hours
Students explore the dynamics of water in a watershed by observing and interpreting how it transforms the landscape. How can a watershed become polluted?

Field Trip Enhancements!

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better...extend and augment your visit to Placer Nature Center with an enhancement! From animals to plants to rocks, we’ve got you covered. Lots of new programs this year!

Enhancement program fees are in addition to Field Trip program fees, please also note additional deposit information (noted in program descriptions below). For cancellation policy and other important information regarding your Field Trip, please see important information.

Talk About Trees ™ *
3rd grade & up • 30 minutes
Using visual and kinesthetic exercises to enhance the experience, this program teaches students about tree biology, physiology, gifts from trees and other topics to help them start to understand the complex issues of forestry in California. Call at least two weeks in advance for availability. (Maximum 30 students per presentation; two presentations may be booked back-to-back.)
Fee: $30 per day, okay to have multiple programs, due 2 weeks from registration. Call at least 2 weeks in advance to determine availability. Maximum 30 students per presentation; 2 presentations may be booked back-to-back.

My Lunch and the Landfill
All ages • 30 minutes
What is a no garbage lunch? Explore issues of solid waste disposal and resource consumption. You’ll never believe the life of every day things or look at lunch the same way again.
Fee: $60
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Water Color for Nature Sketchbooks
All ages • 1 hour
Artists have a unique way of seeing nature. Taught by a professional artist, learn watercolor painting in nature! Palette, fine watercolor paints, brushes and watercolor paper provided.
Fee: $6 per student (Minimum Charge $120)
Deposit: $70 due 2 weeks from registration.

Wild Things
All ages • 1 hour
As development encroaches on natural habitats, contact between humans and wildlife increases. In this up-close, engaging experience, students meet and learn the natural history and life stories of live animals of the Sierra foothills.
(Available September to mid-December only)
Fee: $200 for all group sizes
Deposit: $50 due 30 days in advance

Edible and Useable Plants
All ages • 45 minutes
What are plants used for? Using the Placer Nature Center demonstration garden, students explore the parts of plants and make the connection between plants, food, medicine and clothing.
Fee: $75 (Maximum 40 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Gold Country Wildlife Rescue
All ages • 45 mins.
What does a habitat provide an animal? What happens when an animal’s habitat is lost? Learn answers to these important questions through an in-depth look at how the owl and racoon adapt to human habitat. The program ends with questions & answers time and a game depending on the age of the group. Call at least two weeks in advance for availability.
(Maximum 30 students per presentation; two presentations can be booked back-to-back.)
Fee: $140 up to 60 students
Deposit: $40 due 2 weeks from registration.

NEW Enhancement Programs!

Waste Busters!
4th & 5th Grades • 1 hour
Learn about the energy demands and environmental impacts created by student behaviors and purchases, interactive activities show how energy concepts are related to everyday products and inspire students to consider choices they can make to practice conservation.
Fee: $75 (Maximum 40 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Geo Fun & Rock Cycles!
All ages • 1 hour
In this interactive, hands on program we share rocks, and discuss the differences between rocks and minerals, the three types of rock, how they are formed, and talk about the rock cycle. A wide assortment of specimens for a hands on experience, the class will use lighted jewelers loupes to study the specimens, and also dig for, identify, and keep their finds!
Fee: $160 (Maximum 30 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Rockhounds Around The World
All ages • 1 hour
An extensive display of minerals from around the world, from crystals to geodes to cave specimens and more! Discussion of minerals and their properties; the class will explore the depths of these minerals using a lighted jewelers loupe, and take home their own calcite geode to crack open!
Fee: $160 (Maximum 30 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Fossils, Dinosaurs & Roar!
All ages • 1 hour
Shared display of fossils including trilobites, ammonites, orthoceras, fossil fish, petrified woods, plant fossils, and dinosaur fossils too! Students will learn how fossils are made and make their own fossils!
Fee: $160 (Maximum 30 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Beneficial Backyard Bugs!
All ages • 1 hour
Take a close look at our native ladybug and its life cycle, habitat, natural defenses, its camouflage and its population is declining. Students learn interesting facts about our native ladybugs, and why it is important to have these beneficial bugs in our environment. The session concludes with a live ladybug release!* * seasonal release only
Fee: $140 (Maximum 30 students per program)
Deposit: $30 due 2 weeks from registration.

Scheduling & Registration

How to Schedule a Program

Select your desired program.
Read Important Information about your Field Trip
Complete the Registration Form (use the link to the Program brochure and registration form below). Reservations are accepted on a first come first serve basis, so book your program early! Keep in mind Spring is the busiest time and fills up quickly! Please be sure to fill-in both sides of the form, including all contact information and preferred dates and program information.
After we receive your Registration Form we will call or email to confirm the date and time of your program. Please submit deposits within 2 weeks of your confirmed registration to hold your date. Expect an email with pre-visit information. Program specific preparation activities (including program specific name tags), a summary, and post-visit follow-up activities for your students are all available for download at: www.placernaturecenter.org/education

Fax (quickest response):

(888) 787-7811

Or Mail to:

Placer Nature Center
3700 Christian Valley Road
Auburn, CA 95602

If you have questions, please call (530) 878-6053 or email linda@placernaturecenter.orgStaff members are usually available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or you may leave a message and we will return your call.

Download:

School Program Information Brochure

Registration Form

If the files will not open for you, then you will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a free program.

Important Information about your Field Trip

Deposits & Payment: Program deposits must be submitted within 2 weeks from registration date. Credit Card payments are only accepted online. When paying the day of the program, please have exact amount according to the number of students attending as change cannot be made. Checks should be addressed to: Placer Nature Center

Cancellation Policy: As it takes time to call and coordinate with our volunteers, deposits are non refundable to cover the cost of planning and preparing for your program. A minimum of 30 days notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling, this allows enough time to call and reschedule with our docents and open the date for other schools who might be waiting for the date.

Group Size: It is helpful if you organize your class into groups of 10 to 12 students for field trips to Placer Nature Center and into three separate groups for Learning from the Land, Environmental Science Travels and Science & Stewardship in the Schoolyard. Please note field trip total attendance size in descriptions. People, Plants, Animals & Habitat and Water & Our Watershed field trips at Placer Nature Center are each limited to 70 students per day. Environmental Science Travels programs and Science & Stewardship in Your Schoolyard are limited to one class. Learning from the Land is limited to 60 students per day.

Special Needs: Please inform us of any special-needs students in your class so we can ensure suitable accommodations during your program. Our Exhibit Halls, Discovery Room and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. We have a separate special-needs nature trail, too. There is designated parking closer to the buildings.

Weather: Programs are delivered rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous, in which case the program will be rescheduled. Please make sure students dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes appropriate for walking the trail.

Directions & Parking: Placer Nature Center is located four miles east of Auburn. From west of Auburn, travel east on I-80 and exit at Dry Creek Road. Cross over the freeway and take a left turn at Dry Creek Road. At the next stop sign, turn right onto Christian Valley Road. Placer Nature Center is located at the end of Christian Valley Road, approximately four miles from I-80. Enter the California Conservation Corps gate and turn left onto the gravel road. Parking is available for buses and cars. (Click here for Google Map of Placer Nature Center) To avoid issues, please be sure to have printed directions from your school to the site to give to the bus driver!
Parking is LIMITED, please carpool!

Nature Shop: At teacher request, the Nature Shop can be open during your visit (usually during lunch). A variety of nature items and educational toys are available, ranging in price from 25¢ to $25; including pencils, magnifiers, necklaces, stuffed animals, balls, bird feeders, bat houses, candles, mugs and more!

Snacks/Lunch: You are welcome to use our picnic facilities for a snack or lunch before or after your field trip program. Fresh air and trail walks seem to stimulate young appetites! Our programs do not allow for a snack time during the program - please plan accordingly (especially with younger children). *Please read our note about trash below*

Your Trash: Please note that we have no garbage service at our site so we practice “Leave No Trace!” It’s a great way to introduce students to problems with disposal and how to treat natural and/or wilderness areas. You will be required to take any trash back with you, please bring a garbage bag with you as we do not have plastic garbage bags at the Nature Center (our staff and docents all pack out their trash!). Compostable, leftover food items can be fed to our worms!



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