San Fernando Valley Audubon is pleased to announce 2016-17 field trip grants for its popular Sepulveda Basin Environmental Education Program. Audubon will subsidize the full cost of the education program at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (SBWR) for up to 30 schools (a $430 value). The cost of transportation is not included. Schools must arrange for their own travel using district transportation. Teachers who have not participated in this program before must attend the teacher’s workshop prior to the date of their field trip. The workshop and field trip is open to teachers of grades 4 thru 6.
The Teacher’s Workshop, “Water, Wetlands and Wildlife,” will be held Sat Nov 5, 2016. Its’ goal is to offer curricular support and preparation for the subsequent field trip you’ll be taking with your students. Topics include the energy cycle, food web, local birds, native plants, water-resource awareness and classroom activities. Teachers who have attended the workshop before do not have to repeat it, and are still eligible for a field trip using the same application form. Workshop participants will be informed later of event details.
The Field Trip is a two-hour program in environmental education at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (SBWR) delivered by the education staff at the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM). The program runs from 10 to 12 pm, and the content is aligned with state standards. Field trips can accommodate from 45 to 70 students divided into four groups. Schools must provide at least 4 adult chaperons (one for each group). Experienced RCD educators will lead the students in a rotation system through the wildlife area. Activities include identifying plankton with microscopes, observing wildlife with binoculars, testing the water quality of the lake, and learning about native plants.
To maximize the number of students per field trip, fourth- and fifth-grade teachers should apply two per school. Sixth-grade teachers may apply singly or in pairs. Among other criteria, selection will be based on (1) the date your application is received, (2) previous student interest, conduct and preparation, (3) proximity to SBWR, and (4) achieving a balance between new and returning schools.
To Apply please follow the instructions on the application form, which you can download here as a Word Document or here as a PDF file. If you fill it out by hand, please be legible. For application and scheduling questions, contact Paula Orlovich, San Fernando Valley Audubon Environmental Education Program Chairperson: paulasbeep54@yahoo.com.
For more information about Audubon programs visit www.sfvaudubon.org.
For more information about RCD programs visit: www.rcdsmm.org/education.