The History of The Bryan Osborne Nature Area

In 1969, when Peterson was a High School, Dan Baer and Bryan Osborne were science teachers who started planning and transforming an unused athletic field into an outdoor laboratory that we now know as the Nature Area.  It was designed to model eight different biological communities that are found throughout the state of California.  Their mission was to provide corresponding lab and field experiences that connect with biological concepts taught by teachers in the classroom.  In addition, Dan Baer, Bryan Osborne and hundreds of their high school students demonstrated that through hard work and collaboration, we could positively make a difference and improve the environment where we live, learn, and grow.  Most importantly, they wanted their students and future students to connect with nature realizing that an increasing amount of students were disconnected to the natural world.  

The mission of the Osborne Nature Area remains the same.  

For over 50 years the Osborne Nature Area has served many functions.  It has primarily served as a local field trip site for students in the district to visit on a regular basis.  It has been a place where students make a positive change to their environment through restoration activities.  The Nature Area provides refuge for students and teachers looking to escape the hustle-bustle of a busy campus to relax and seek inspiration.  

The Osborne Nature Area functions as an ecological island attracting and supporting a wide range of biodiversity and ecological services. Curator, Mint Pasakdee and Environmental TOSA, Kim Hunter invite teachers from all curricular areas to take advantage of this opportunity and schedule a visit today. Guided tours are grade specific and aligned with FOSS and NGSS. See curriculum description for more details.

The SCUSD Farm offers outdoor learning experiences as well. Activities include guided walks through the orchards, the educational garden, and farm fields growing crops for SCUSD nutritional services. Students observe pollinators such as bees and chickens in their coop. Students will learn how food is grown, harvested, and prepared for farm-fresh dishes. 

Contact Environmental TOSA, Kim Hunter (khunter@scusd.net or 408-423-2938) for details on both the Osborne Nature Area & The Farm.