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)
4 Pre- and Post-Field Trip Activity Pages
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 $12.50/student with a 30 student (or $375) minimum cost. Kindergarten Field Trip is $10/student and is 1.5 hours with a 30 student (or $300) minimum cost. Each In-Person Field Trip also includes Pre- and Post-Activity Lessons. 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 85 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.
Sponsored Field Trips - Student Fees and Transportation Grants Available Fall 2023!
Through a generous grant this program may be FREE to your classes! Spaces are limited for this grant opportunity. Free programs will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis to qualifying Title One schools in the following cities: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach.
To apply, please complete the "Request a Field Trip" form and request full or partial funding for student fees and/or transportation in the "Additional Comments" section.
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
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 $100 per class of approximately 30 students.
Capistrano Unified School District Title One Schools:
Through a generous donation from Cox Communications this program may be FREE to your classes! Please register soon as spaces are limited for this grant opportunity. Free programs will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis to qualifying CUSD Title One schools only.