Field trips bring kids to nature
Thanks to the generosity of Parks Foundation donors, generations of Sonoma County students have enjoyed science-based field trips to a dozen Regional Parks and the Environmental Discovery Center in Spring Lake Park.
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While the Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) was considered a showpiece when it opened in the 1990s, its unique design has created problems as the building ages. The roof is made of glass shaded by wooden shingles. As the shingles deteriorate, the sun radiates through the exposed glass into the main room, which lacks air conditioning, making students and staff uncomfortably warm.
A generous grant from the Codding Foundation has enabled Regional Parks to address immediate concerns, including a water leak last winter, and will fund a needs assessment for the next round of repairs. But the work isn't finished: The building will need continued community support to complete future improvements. Can you help with this capital building project?
A generous grant from the Codding Foundation has enabled Regional Parks to address immediate concerns, including a water leak last winter, and will fund a needs assessment for the next round of repairs. But the work isn't finished: The building will need continued community support to complete future improvements. Can you help with this capital building project?
School programs focus on perennially interesting topics such as weather, rocks and wildlife, as well as contemporary issues like climate change and water conservation. Regional Parks’ dedicated naturalists and educators create exceptional field trips and classroom visits for students from preschool to 6th grade.
Because field trip support is prioritized for schools with less discretionary funding, the majority of students who participate in environmental education programs would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. The Parks Foundation provides more than $20,000 a year in stipends that enable students from under-resourced schools to participate in these field trips. In many years, these funds are completely allocated by the first month of the school year!
In addition, the cost of bus transportation for field trips has escalated in recent years, creating a significant barrier, particularly for schools serving students with the fewest resources. The Parks Foundation helps underwrite bus transportation to make field trips for these schools possible.
We welcome the support of grant-making organizations and corporate sponsorships, as well as individual donations. A gift of $150 will sponsor a class of 30 students for a field trip. These popular excursions help students meet state standards for science education. They incorporate fitness, nature education, and park appreciation in fun, age-appropriate ways for a memorable student experience.
Because field trip support is prioritized for schools with less discretionary funding, the majority of students who participate in environmental education programs would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. The Parks Foundation provides more than $20,000 a year in stipends that enable students from under-resourced schools to participate in these field trips. In many years, these funds are completely allocated by the first month of the school year!
In addition, the cost of bus transportation for field trips has escalated in recent years, creating a significant barrier, particularly for schools serving students with the fewest resources. The Parks Foundation helps underwrite bus transportation to make field trips for these schools possible.
We welcome the support of grant-making organizations and corporate sponsorships, as well as individual donations. A gift of $150 will sponsor a class of 30 students for a field trip. These popular excursions help students meet state standards for science education. They incorporate fitness, nature education, and park appreciation in fun, age-appropriate ways for a memorable student experience.
