The American River Conservancy offers environmental and experiential
education programs designed to not only inform, but to inspire.
Our place-based education programs explore the unique
ecology of the Sierra Foothills and encourage learners to
connect to their environment on a deeper level.
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
At American River Conservancy (ARC), we believe that environmental education benefits people of all ages and backgrounds. DONATE TODAY
NATURE CAMP
Each summer ARC explores the Coloma-Lotus valley with kids from kindergarten to high school at our Nature Camps. Campers will learn about the riparian ecology through games, crafts, hikes, music, and more.
Registration will begin for Nature Camp 2026 on February 6th!
E-mail [email protected] with questions
| Entering Grades (next year) | Dates | Times | Cost ($20 discount for ARC members) |
| Camp Counselor Training 10th-12th grades | June 3-4 | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $50 with option to add CPR/First Aid training on June 1st for an additional $100 |
| River Rangers 7th-9th grades | June 8-12 | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $660/session (Includes 2 nights of camping, 2 days of rafting, 1 rope course session, and food during overnights) |
| 5th-6th | June 15-19 | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $370/session (Includes overnight on Thursday with dinner and breakfast) |
| 2nd-4th | June 15-19 June 22-26 July 6-10 (2 sessions) | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. | $330/session |
| K-1st | June 8-12 June 22-26 | 9 A.M. to Noon | $230/session |
*For scholarship information, please contact [email protected]
or call Ryann Savino at 530-621-1224 x305
FIELD TRIPS FOR SCHOOLS and HOMESCHOOL GROUPS
Interested in signing up for a field trip? The American River Conservancy Environmental Education Program offers a wide range of NGSS aligned lesson for grades K-12. Example activities include outdoor science experiences, hands-on environmental education activities, art experiences, and stewardship projects. You can find full descriptions on our Field Trip Menu.
Homeschool families can take advantage of our monthly Homeschool Friday programs with a different theme and activities each month – find details and registration here.
Please fill out our Interest Form and someone will reach out to schedule your trip. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected]
NATURE BOWL
Hey teachers, parents, youth leaders, and mentors! Gather up your teams of 3rd-4th grade students and/or 5th-6th grade students and prepare to have a fun and educational time learning all about our local and regional ecology and conservation.
It’s Nature Bowl time!
ARC will be hosting a semi-final at Wakamatsu Farm on Tuesday, March 24th. You can find all the information you need to register and prepare HERE.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering multiple resources for coaches to prepare for the event, like a Natural History Crash Course and Project WILD training. There will also be a virtual coach’s workshop on January 7th, from 4-6 PM (Register HERE). Please see the above link to get all the relevant information.
Coaches can register a team at this link before February 15th to secure your spot.
For more information contact [email protected]
HIKES AND CLASSES
Whether you’re looking for a workshop, hike, or presentation, we have something planned almost weekly.
If you have questions or ideas for an event, please contact [email protected].
CALIFORNIA NATURALIST 2026
If you enjoy exploring and learning about our local ecology, engaging in citizen science and sharing your knowledge with others, this program is for you! The 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project –based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of the Sierra Foothills.
Our 10-week California Naturalist class will happen in spring of 2026 with class meetings every Wednesday, both in-person and online, from March 18th – May 27th (no class on April 22nd). In addition, three field trips will occur on weekends during the course.
Registration opens on January 9th, 2026!
Course Registration Fees:
Early Registration (before February 9th): $435
Regular Registration (after February 9th): $465
For scholarship information or general questions, please contact [email protected]
CLIMATE STEWARDS 2026
The UC Climate Stewards seeks to foster a committed corps of volunteers ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. This ten week course (Sept – Nov) will introduce you to social-emotional resilience and trauma-aware practices, climate change communication, climate science, and community resilience planning. The course will combine communication, engagement, and science curricula with guest presenters, field trips, and project-based learning to immerse you in the dynamics of your local community.
Check back next summer for fall 2026 registration.
EDUCATION CENTER
Consider a donation to help complete phase 2 construction.
DONATE TODAY.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
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