We offer opportunities for hands-on environmental learning through our in-person onsite field trips as well as live, virtual field trips with our certified interpretive naturalists on the trail, engaging with your students wherever they are.

School Field Trips

The Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hands-on learning through our onsite field trips. On a field trip to the Nature Reserve, students will have fun while learning science and history in an outdoor setting.

For a complete learning experience, each program includes:
Half-day Onsite Field Trip on the Nature Reserve
Pre-Field Trip Virtual Presentation (2nd – 5th grade only)

NURTURE: SCHOOL FIELD TRIP VIDEO
Learn more about our school field trips in this video filmed at our 2nd - 5th grade site! 

Nature Explorers, Kindergarten

Students become nature explorers by using their senses and learning how to protect Earth’s plants, animals and environments. Students will explore habitats along San Juan Creek as they investigate animal evidence along the trail. As engineers, students will design, build and test solar shade structures and wildlife crossings.

Kindergarten NGSS K-PS3-1-2, PS3.B, K-LS1-1, LS1.C, K-ESS3-1-3, ESS3.A-C, ETS1.A-B

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Wildlife Investigators, First Grade

Students participate in hands-on activities along an interactive trail where they will learn about plants and animals and the different ways they survive in their environment. Wildlife investigators explore camouflage, skull and teeth shapes, plant parts, animal communication and biomimicry.

First Grade NGSS 1-LS1-1-2, LS1.A-B, LS1.D, 1-LS3-1, LS3.A-B

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The Earth and Its Changes, Second Grade

Students become earth scientists as they dive into hands-on explorations with soils, sand, clay and water. Students will study how earth’s landforms are shaped, the many properties of rocks and minerals, and the surprising uses of earth’s natural resources. Hiking highlights include views of Rainbow Mountain and a visit to a Mother Oak, a 500 year-old oak tree.

Second Grade NGSS PEs 2-ESS1-1; 2-ESS2-2; 2-LS4-1; EP&C Principle 1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3, 2.4 & SL.2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6

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Adaptations, Third Grade

Students learn about plant, insect, and animal adaptations while traversing a trail through four distinct habitats. Students meet a live animal, investigate fossil evidence of past environments, and get hands-on experience with scientific tools, such as binoculars and insect sweep nets.

Third Grade NGSS 3-LS1.-1, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.4, 3.7 & SL.3.3, 3.6

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Native American Life: A Walk Back in Time, Fourth Grade

Through hands-on learning students will experience the life of the California Native American by playing games, gathering and trading, and learning how plants and animals were used for survival. Students will learn how the landscape of southern California influenced the way the native peoples adapted to their environment.

Fourth Grade History-Social Science Standard 4.2.1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2, 4.4 & SL.4.2, 4.6

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EcosySTEM Studies, Fifth Grade

Students use investigation and inquiry to learn about careers in science, energy transfer and the biodiversity of local flora and fauna. Students engage in critical thinking as they consider human influence on the environment.

Fifth Grade NGSS PEs 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 5-ESS2-1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.4 & SL.5.6

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How to Request a Field Trip:

Please complete the Request Field Trip form above or email Education and Public Programs Manager, Bonnie McQuiston, at bmcquiston@rmvreserve.org. Please include your district, school, grade level, number of students, contact phone number, program you’re interested in, and preferred months. 

In-Person Field Trip Fees:

In-Person Field Trips for 1st – 5th Grade are $14/student with a 30 student (or $420) minimum cost. Kindergarten Field Trip is $12/student and is 1.5 hours with a 30 student (or $360) minimum cost. The 2nd-5th Grade field trips also include a virtual pre-field trip assembly (via Zoom).

Field Trip Days/Times:  

In-person field trips occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only between 9 am – 12 pm. Arrival and departure times may be slightly adjusted by about 30 minutes on either end if needed, please inquire. 

Lunch and Snack Info: 

Students will have time to eat a small snack during the field trip. Lunch is not a part of the field trip and not available onsite. Sendero Field and Cook-La Novia Park are nearby park options for lunch and do require a bus ride. 

Students Per Field Trip Day: 

A maximum of 75 students per field trip day is allowed.

Adults (Teachers/Chaperones) Per Field Trip Day: 

Approximately 2-3 adults (teachers/chaperones) per field trip small group (approximately 15 students) is recommended. A minimum of one adult per small group (approximately 15 students) is required. Upon booking you will receive the number of small groups needed for your field trip day. There is no cost for adults.

The Nature Reserve offers live, virtual field trips with our certified interpretive naturalists on the trail, engaging with your students from wherever they are.

For a complete learning experience, each grade-level program includes:
45-Minute Live, Virtual Field Trip aligned with CA NGSS and Social-Science Standards
4 Pre- and Post-Field Trip Activity Pages
2 Pre-Recorded “Lessons from the Field” Videos

Nature Explorers, Kindergarten

Nature explorers meet a live animal and investigate animal evidence along the trail to learn about animals in creek and woodland habitats. Students discover the needs of plants, animals and people. Students learn how people use the earth’s natural resources and the importance of protecting and conserving those resources.

Kindergarten NGSS K-LS1-1, LS1.C, K-ES3-1, K-ESS3-3, DCI: ESS3.A, ESS3.C

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Wildlife Investigators, First Grade

Students investigate mystery animal evidence to learn about and meet a live native reptile. Students play a hide and seek game to learn how animals survive in their habitats through camouflage and warning coloration. Students adventure along a trail of native plants and trees to understand the important roles of plant structures such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit.

First Grade NGSS DCIs LS1.A, LS1.D, LS3.B

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The Earth and Its Changes, Second Grade

Students become geologists “on the trail” as they investigate how forces, such as erosion and weathering, shape earth’s landforms. Students discover how rocks and minerals play an essential role in our everyday lives. Students meet a live animal to understand how the earth is important for animals too!

“Lessons from the Field” Videos (included):

“Let’s Go to Rainbow Mountain!”: Get an up close look at the colorful layers of rock that make up Rainbow Mountain, a former clay mine. Learn about the properties of clay and how we use this important natural resource.

“Super Soils!”: Investigate soils from majestic oak trees and prickly pear cactus to compare and contrast the soil properties of different types of plants.

Second Grade NGSS PEs 2-ESS1-1; 2-ESS2-2; 2-LS4-1; EP&C Principle 1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3, 2.4 & SL.2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6

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Adaptations, Third Grade

Student learning comes to life as they interact with a live animal to find out how it is adapted to its wild environment. Students get a close look at a coyote specimen as they discover its many physical and behavioral adaptations and the benefits of living in a group. Students investigate a native plant on the trail to learn about its adaptations for survival in southern California’s hot and dry climate.

“Lessons from the Field” Videos (included):

“Skull Studies”: Students study skull and teeth structures of native animals to learn how they are adapted for the foods they eat. Students determine if animals are herbivores, carnivores or omnivores based on clues from the animal’s diet.

“Interview with Nocturnal Animals”: Students watch a hilarious skit in which animals interview for the prestigious job of “Nighttime Security Officer on the Reserve”. Through this fun and playful scene, students learn about nocturnal animal adaptations such as night vision and silent flight.

Third Grade NGSS 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.4, 3.7 & SL.3.3, 3.6

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Native American Life: A Walk Back in Time, Fourth Grade

Students step back in time as they discover the life of the California Native American. Students explore how native plants and animals were used for survival. Students listen to an animal legend to learn how storytelling communicated significant beliefs and knowledge.

“Lessons from the Field” Videos (included):

“Let’s Make Some Music!”: Students listen to the natural sounds of California Indian musical instruments. Learn how local tribes constructed instruments from native plants and animals.

“Game On!”: Students learn how games of skill and games of chance were important in California Indians’ daily lives. Students watch demonstrations of traditional games.

Fourth Grade History-Social Science Standard 4.2.1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2, 4.4 & SL.4.2, 4.6

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EcosySTEM Studies, Fifth Grade

Students discover the important biotic and abiotic factors within an ecosystem as they observe, collect and record data with a naturalist on the trail. Students understand the flow of energy between organisms as they discover the roles of plants and animals within food chains. Students gain knowledge and insight to important science careers as they explore the job of a Wildlife Biologist, including a meeting with a live animal.

“Lessons from the Field” Videos (included):

“Ecosystem Studies: San Juan Creek”: Students become ecologists, biologists and entomologists as they venture to San Juan Creek to investigate this incredible ecosystem. Learn about the animals that call the creek home, such as the endangered arroyo toad, and how scientists study this species to have a positive impact on its survival.

“Save the Desert Tortoise!”: Students meet a California Desert Tortoise, a threatened species of the desert ecosystem. Students learn about what is impacting their survival and specific actions they can take to help this special species.

Fifth Grade NGSS PEs 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 5-ESS2-1; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.4 & SL.5.6

REQUEST FIELD TRIP

How to Request a Field Trip:

Please complete the Request Field Trip form above or email Education Coordinator, Bonnie McQuiston, at bmcquiston@rmvreserve.org. Please include your district, school, grade level, number of classes and students, contact phone number, program you’re interested in, and preferred months. 

Virtual Field Trip Fees:

Each Virtual Field Trip program includes a 45-minute live, virtual field trip with two certified interpretive naturalists. Also included are Pre- and Post-field Trip activities and Pre-recorded Video Lessons correlated to the virtual field trip. The cost is $150 per class of approximately 30 students.