Your Outdoor Classroom!
The National Forest Association is committed to providing quality environmental education experiences at two outdoor environments: the Big Bear Discovery Center and the National Children’s Forest in Running Springs.
Programs are designed to meet California state standards and create a solid foundation in forest ecological principals and environmental stewardship. Students will learn to appreciate the natural world through exploration and thought-provoking activities.
The National Forest Association offers five different environmental education programs, which are listed below:
FOREST EXPLORER- OUR NEWEST PROGRAM! The Forest Explorer is an interactive, self-contained, museum
quality exhibit that is designed to bring the forest experience to your school! The Forest Explorer is truly your mobile forest experience that brings
educational forest health and fire safety messages to your school in a
fun and engaging way. Through hands-on activities, students will explore what you can do in the forest, how fire plays a
vital role in the forest ecosystem and learn about our many forest neighbors all
in one place. Learn more about how
your class can experience the forest - without leaving the school!* Grades: 1st-4th
Length: 2- 3 Hours
Students:60 Maximum
WINTER SNOWSHOE HIKE
While exploring our local mountains on snowshoes, students will discover how plants, humans and animals adapt to the winter environment. Through demonstrations, observation and independent discovery, students will learn about the water cycle, snowpack, local watershed and human impacts on these systems at the local and regional level.
Grades: 5th -12th
Length: 2- 3 Hours
Students: 30 Maximum **additional $50 per class
INVESTIGATING ECOSYSTEMS
Students engage in observation, activities and discussion about local wildlife, food chains, habitat components and adaptations. Through activities, students gain an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the natural environment. Students will gain a greater understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving and protecting public lands.
Grades: 3rd-12th
Length: 1 - 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum
JUNIOR FOREST RANGER
Students journey through a series of three activities where they will have hands-on opportunities to learn skills that will excite them about their local mountains, while completing their ranger workbook. Students will learn basic principles of fire ecology, learn the different parts of a compass, complete an orienteering course, and explore the natural world using their many senses to improve their observation skills. This program provides continued learning through workbook activities that motivate children to explore and embrace their responsibility to the natural world.
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Length: 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum
ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
Lessons revolve around activities with which students may be familiar: hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, and more. This curriculum was developed in conjunction with Tread Lightly! and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. This program teaches land ethics, stewardship, safety and environmental awareness and can be taught in full or segmented into desired chapters. No fee is charged for this program. Program can be conducted in the field or classroom.
Grades: 3rd - 7th
Length: 1 hour per chapter, up to 9 chapters total
Students: 30 Maximum
Fee Information
Program Fees are based on length of program.
Fee Schedule:
3 hours: $200 for every 30 students; Additional Students $7 each
2 hours: $150 for every 30 students; Additional Students $5 each
1 hour: $75 for every 30 students; Additional Students $2.50 each
*Forest Explorer price varies. Contact Forest Care for pricing.
**Snowshoeing - $50 extra/class
DATES: Field trips are offered 5 days a week, year round. Please call a month in advance for reservations.
LOGISTICS: Teachers must ensure that participants are prepared for the trip and arrange transportation and chaperones.
INFORMATION FOLDER: All registered groups will receive a complete information folder, which includes maps, a list of recommended clothing and preparation guidelines.
WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS: Groups may reschedule trips due to bad weather. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled at no extra fee. Other cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will result in full charge.
PAYMENT: Invoice will be sent in information folder once reservation is confirmed. Payment needs to be received two weeks before program date.For details and reservations, please contact:
Meredith Brandon
mbrandon@nationalforestassociation.org
(909) 382-2842
PO Box 69
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2842