Learn
Place-based education, taught where the place is.
Our programs explore the unique ecology of the Sierra foothills — through games, hikes, field study, and the kind of direct experience with real phenomena that turns kids into scientists and adults into naturalists.
K–12
Field trip grades served
NGSS-aligned, $10/student
June
Nature Camp begins
Sessions for K–12, $230–$660
40
Hours · California Naturalist
UC certification course
Weekly
Public hikes & classes
Workshops, lectures, walks
Programs
Every program at a glance.
Sign-up details on each program page or by contacting our education team.
| Program | For | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Camp · K–1st | Half day | June, two sessions | $230 / session |
| Nature Camp · 2nd–4th | Full day | June–July, three sessions | $330 / session |
| Nature Camp · 5th–6th | Full day + overnight | June, one session | $370 / session |
| River Rangers · 7th–9th | 5 days, 2 nights camping, rafting | June 8–12 | $660 / session |
| Camp Counselor Training · 10th–12th | Training + optional CPR | June 3–4 | $50 ($150 with CPR) |
| School Field Trips · K–12 | 2.5 hours, NGSS-aligned, at Wakamatsu | School year, by appointment | $10 / student · $300 min |
| Nature Bowl · 3rd–6th | Team competition, regional ecology | Semi-final at Wakamatsu, March | Free to register |
| California Naturalist | Adults, UC certification | Annual cohort | Tuition (varies) |
| Climate Stewards | Climate-focused adult / youth | Annual cohort | Tuition (varies) |
| Hikes & Public Programs | All ages | Almost weekly | Most free or low-cost |
Featured · Nature Camp
Riparian ecology, taught by the river it explains.
Each summer ARC explores the Coloma-Lotus valley with kids from kindergarten to high school. Campers learn riparian ecology through games, crafts, hikes, and music. Older kids raft the South Fork, sleep two nights under the oaks, and run a rope course. Members get $20 off any session. Scholarships are available — call us.
Registration for Nature Camp 2026 opens February 6. Camp Counselor applications close April 13.
Featured · School field trips
A field trip that holds up to the science teacher next door.
Each Field Trip is 2.5 hours, $10 per student with a $300 minimum, and runs rain or shine — a covered pavilion handles inclement weather. Curriculum is NGSS-aligned by grade band, from Patterns in Nature (K) to Wonderful Watersheds (3rd) to Spectacular Senses (4th). Students are using nature journals before they know what a nature journal is.
Adult programs
When you want to know the ecosystem the way a naturalist knows it.
California Naturalist
UC-affiliated certification course in regional ecology — fieldwork, lectures, capstone project.
Climate Stewards
A climate-focused complement to California Naturalist — for educators, communicators, advocates.
Participatory Science
Bluebird boxes, phenology, bumble bees, eDNA, mycology — collect data that actually feeds research.
Water Quality Monitoring
Volunteer for the Cosumnes River monitoring program — UC Davis–partnered Caldor Fire impact study, since 2021.
Hikes & workshops
Almost-weekly walks, workshops, lectures. From herbal workshops to Japanese flower arranging — there is something for everyone.
Homeschool Friday
Monthly themed sessions for homeschool families. Different ecology focus each month.
Sign your group up
The next field trip starts with an email.
Fill out the Interest Form on the field trip page and someone from our education team will reach out to schedule. Scholarships, custom curriculum, and homeschool partnerships all welcome.