Education

SELC president Andy Mauro explains the
fascinating adaptations of 'spittle bugs'
to local children during a guided nature
walk. (Photo: Ralph Achenbach)

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy focuses on a robust educational program that facilitates the appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the remarkable natural bounty that a restored native wetland can offer.

But it is not enough simply to provide access to the recreational pleasures that the lagoon can provide. We must take steps to ensure that we inspire and cultivate future generations to ultimately replace those of us who now stand watch and serve. Natural science education is dwindling as more and more students move into the technologies that run our modern society. We need to engage students, parents, and grandparents if we are to produce the next generation of environmental stewards.

Guided Nature Walks

Clinton Alden gets a chance to marvel at tadpoles
at a Conservancy education event.
(Photo: Jennifer Nelson)

To that end, the Conservancy offers free guided nature walks to schools and other groups and Conservancy staff regularly make in-classroom presentations to local schools. (flyer)

School Programs

The Conservancy has developed curriculum-based environmental education programs that meet state California Academic Content standards for use by teachers. Education professionals are encouraged to involve their students in our docent-led standards-based programs. Contact us for details.

Docents

Our dedicated and trained Docents are the life blood of the Conservancy's education program. These volunteers have completed extensive training and apprenticeship in natural history as well as educational strategies for all age groups. To become a volunteer Docent yourself, consider enrolling in an upcoming Docent Training Class.

Events

Visit the Conservancy calendar for the latest information!

Curriculum

The Conservancy has developed extensive standards-based curriculum for use both in the classroom and in the field.

The Kumeyaay People at San Elijo Lagoon (4mb, PDF) - Teacher's Guide. Grades 3 - 5. Supplemental Curriculum and Field Experience. This packet will assist you in meeting History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, which focus on local American Indian nations, how the physical environment affected their lives and their use of natural resources.

Rythms of Wetlands (3.5mb, PDF) - Teacher's Guide. This packet will assist you in meeting Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, which focus on how the physical environment influences the diversity of plants and animals in an ecosystem.

Literature

Winter Lecture Series Flyer (PDF) -- Set of three on a sheet. Cut them apart, keep one, and give two away!

Walk Flyer (PDF) -- Handy guide to our assortment of educational walk opportunities

Video

Support the Education Program - 3-minute charming vignette showing reasons to support the education program, from the mouths of children

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy School Programs - 13-minute in-depth look into the comprehensive school programs offered by our corps of volunteer Docents