The Noyo Center has been working in local classrooms and in the community of Fort Bragg to increase ocean and coastal literacy.  We believe in a hands-on, project-based approach to learning.  We are developing an innovative and inclusive education program that will target “K to grey,” celebrating the marine environment through art and science while conveying the challenges facing our coast. Providing unique and engaging educational opportunities for schools and the public will be at the core of all Noyo Center initiatives, strengthening the connection between research and education. 

Since 1976, Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association has offered both field trips and residential outdoor science school programs to schools and groups throughout Northern California. Friendly, qualified staff guide students in exploring and learning about wildlife and plant communities so that they may better understand and respect our natural world. Hands-on activities focus on group problem-solving at the challenge course and field investigations of the redwood forest, freshwater stream, estuary, and rocky shore tide pools. 

The Center has hosted workshops, field days, and tours on such topics as rangeland management, native oak restoration and management, grazing strategies, sheep and wool production, wine grape varieties best suited to the North Coast, and living with wildlife. Take a look at the calendar on our home page to see a list of upcoming events. 

Check out our popular guided field trip experiences in the Mendocino Sector of California State Parks. All listed K-12 school field trip experiences are free and available with no associated fees. To explore other experiences that are not listed, please contact K-12 Field Trip Coordinator, Steve Jahelka, (707)309-4222, steve.jahelka@parks.ca.gov.

The League partners with schools, educational organizations, and parks to provide innovative education and interpretation programs that encourage all youth to experience the redwoods in ways that are personally relevant and inspiring .

Our Education Program’s goals are to:

• Raise awareness and understanding of redwood forests, research and conservation

• Serve as a leading resource in redwood education and interpretation

• Provide engaging and inclusive experiences in redwood forests

• Empower youth to build meaningful connections with redwood forests

The Water and Energy Education Program at Sonoma Water helps students and educators learn about the vital role of water and energy in our communities. Our programs are free, hands-on, and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Our goal is for students to become environmental stewards and informed citizens who examine the world through an inquisitive, scientific lens. We provide classroom visits, field trips, contests, grants, teacher workshops, and school supplies.  

MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg: The Pacific Environmental Education Center is a non-profit, standards-based, residential outdoor science school.  From our site students visit tide pools, beaches, a seal rookery, coastal prairies, a fresh water lake, and a whale skeleton.  Off-site, students explore unique sand dunes, and hike through redwood and pygmy forests on the wave-cut terraces of the Jug Handle Ecological Staircase Trail.

The award-winning education program at Point Cabrillo has been refined over the past 20 years. Each spring our dynamic and experienced instructors bring local school classes 1st through 5th grade to increase awareness and appreciation of marine life, coastal ecosystems and local history. Through fun, hands-on activities and games aim to introduce the ideas of conservation and accountability by looking at the human history and ongoing preservation work.

This includes a page with the local Outdoor Education Opportunities in Sonoma and many are close enough to be accessible by our inland Mendocino Schools. 

Today, the Angelo Coast Range Reserve harbors the state’s largest remaining old-growth Douglas-fir forest, providing habitat for spotted owls, gray foxes and black bears. River otters play along the banks of the Eel River, which runs through the property, and salmon and steelhead spawn in its streams. The research facility can host day trips and overnights for school groups for minimal cost.

An important part of the Mendocino Area Parks Association's mission is to fund educational programs in our local State Parks. Naturalist/ interpreters, and experienced docents provide various programs to a wide spectrum of ages. 

MCRCD works with communities to voluntarily conserve, protect, and restore natural resources in a landscape that supports agriculture, timberland, wild lands, and urban areas. We provide technical assistance, educational programs, monitoring and assessment services. MCRCD uses a watershed approach in addressing natural resource issues. The District also works closely with industry associations, community groups, businesses, schools, and the general public. 

The outdoors becomes the classroom

Schools and youth programs visit the ranch for hands-on learning in science, ecology, art, and wellness — all taught in a way that engages the mind, body, and spirit. Programs include Nature Journaling, Archery, Fly Fishing, Botany, Basket Weaving & Traditional Crafts

Mill Bend Preserve is the gateway to the Gualala River Watershed and the front porch of our community.

Native forests and plant habitats are recovering from 100 years of industrial-level timber harvest disturbance. Gualala River estuary and wetland habitats are critical to endangered Coho salmon and Steelhead trout. View the Mill Bend Preserve Conservation Plan to learn about restoration plans for this special place near the mouth of the Gualala River.

Dive into Science (DIS) is a scuba and scientific diving certification course  that provides hands-on training in marine science and ocean conservation. This progressive 30-month, three-phase program trains and certifies participants in Open Water, Advanced and Rescue scuba. Additionally, participants will be trained in the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving and Reef Check’s citizen science-based subtidal reef health monitoring protocol for kelp forest ecosystems. Participants study marine biology, learn scientific methods, and engage in culturally meaningful ocean stewardship activities.

Invite your students to leave the classroom behind and step into a world where nature becomes their teacher. At Jug Handle, they’ll wander trails, explore the beach, and slow down to truly connect ~ with the environment and each other.

Whether you’re staying cozy in the Bunkhouse or camping beneath the stars, we have accommodations to suit the needs of your group. And with hiking trails and beaches at our doorstep, your group can truly take the time to slow down and take it all in.  Ask about tailoring your visit to align with what students are learning in class.