DIABLO NATURE ADVENTURES MAKES INCORPORATING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN YOUR CLASSROOM EASY ...

School Programs

Diablo Nature Adventures (DNA) offers educational field trips for students in grades K-12 featuring the cultural and natural history of the Diablo Region. Field trips take place in various locations in Mount Diablo State Park and other open space areas. The programs emphasize the cultural and natural history of the Diablo Region through hands-on, discovery-based learning. Teachers are competent and enthusiastic naturalists. All programs have a strong land stewardship emphasis. DNA environmental education field trips have been enjoyed by 26,000 students, teachers and parents during the past 15 years and are continually evolving. They link well with California Content Standards. All programs last approximately 3 1/2 hours.
DNA programs are the perfect antidote to nature deficit disorder!

Preventing Nature Deficit Disorder by Jan Knecht (pdf file, 1 page).

To schedule a program contact Judy by phone at 925-937-3044.

Program Descriptions

MT. DIABLO STATE PARK

ON THE ROCKS
ROCK CITY- (GRADES 2-4) - GEOLOGY AND ECOLOGY - 3 HOURS/LUNCH IN THE PARK
THIS IS THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE DIABLO REGION FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 2-4. WHILE PRIMARILY AN EARTH SCIENCES PROGRAM, STUDENTS WILL ALSO BECOME ACQAINTED WITH PLANT COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE IN ONE OF MT. DIABLO’S MOST POPULAR AREAS. THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE STATE PARK’S ROCKS AND FOSSILS AND WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE AREA’S FASCINATING WIND CAVES. SHORT HIKES ARE INVOLVED. 2 OR 3 NATURALISTS DEPENDING UPON CLASS SIZE.

VIEWPOINTS
SUMMIT OF MT. DIABLO - (GRADES 5-8) - GEOLOGY AND ECOLOGY - 3 HOURS/LUNCH IN THE PARK
STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUT THE ORIGIN AND GEOLOGY OF MT. DIABLO THROUGH ENGAGING ACTIVITIES. THEY WILL EXPLORE THE FIRE INTERPRETIVE TRAIL AND PARTICIPATE WITH PARTNERS IN A QUESTING ACTIVITY TO LEARN THE FRANCISCAN ROCKS AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE STATE PARK’S TALLEST PEAK. STOPS IN THE MUSEUM AND ATOP THE SUMMIT BUILDING WILL EMPHASIZE GEOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND CHANGE THROUGH TIME – BOTH RECENT AND GEOLOGICAL. SUMMIT WILDLIFE VIEWING AND A FEW SURPRISES ARE IN STORE FOR PARTICIPANTS.

SET IN STONE
SUMMIT TO ROCK CITY - (HIGH SCHOOL) - GEOLOGY AND ECOLOGY - 4 HOURS (9 AM SUMMIT- 1 PM ROCK CITY)
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR SET IN STONE. STUDENTS MAKE A TREK THROUGH GEOLOGICAL TIME THAT BEGINS AT THE TOP OF MT. DIABLO WHERE THEY STUDY THE PARK’S OLDEST ROCKS AND THE ROLE OF PLATE TECTONICS IN SHAPING THE MOUNTAIN. THEY RIDE THE BUS TO SUNSET PICNIC AREA WHERE THEY HAVE AN EARLY LUNCH TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE NEXT LEG OF THEIR 200 MILLION YEAR JOURNEY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FROM PAST TO FUTURE. AFTER LEAVING ROCK CITY THE GROUP CROSSES THE AREA OF THE MT. DIABLO THRUST FAULT AND LEARNS ABOUT UNCONFORMITIES. STOPS AT A TURRITELLA FOSSIL DISPLAY AND AT WIND CAVES FOLLOW. AFTER LEARNING HOW THE WIND CAVES WERE FORMED. THE GROUP ARRIVES AT ROCK CITY WHERE THEIR BUS AWAITS. BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE MOUNTAINS’ DIVERSE TOPOGRAPHY AND VARIED PLANT COMMUNITIES ADD TO AN ALREADY ENRICHING DAY.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS
(ALL AGES) - AQUATIC BIOLOGY
THE SUBJECT OF METAMORPHOSIS IN LIVING THINGS IS A THEME FOR THE USUAL SUSPECTS. IT INCLUDES BOTH AMPHIBIAN BIOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF MACROINVERTEBRATES ASSOCIATED WITH PONDS AND STREAMS. WE USE A SPECIAL POND LOCATED JUST INSIDE MT. DIABLO STATE PARK. WILDLIFE VIEWING IS BEST WHERE PLANT COMMUNITIES OVERLAP AND THREE OF THEM COME TOGETHER AT OUR SITE. THIS IS A TWO-HOUR PROGRAM. GROUP SIZE, AGE AND FOCUS DETERMINE THE NUMBER AND SELECTION OF NATURALISTS.

NEW - FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

CREEK BOTANY FOR KIDS (FALL OR SPRING)
WALNUT CREEK
This is a three hour program that takes place in downtown Walnut Creek in the vicinity of the open creek near Civic Park. The program has been tested with all ages of students. Walnut Creek is within the Walnut Creek Watershed which is the largest in Contra Costa County. A coalition is forming to develop a plan to insure its protection, enhancement and restoration. A key to watershed protection is an understanding of how creeks function and how they are impacted in urban areas. Creek Botany for Kids is a first step to an understanding and appreciation of local watersheds.

This field trip, like other DNA outings, is hands-on, engaging and integrates a variety of curriculum topics. Local history and art are important elements of this one. It introduces the flora and fauna of riparian communities. By the end of the 3-hour session with the usual DNA naturalists, participants will be able to recognize the major native trees, shrubs and vines of creek ecosystems as well as the many invasive intruders in urban settings. Storm drain issues will be addressed. Flood control channels will be viewed and explained. A well-kept secret about the City's creeks will be divulged. A teacher copy of LifeGarden's City Creeks Journal is included in the field trip cost. Students will be able to find their home and school on a large map of the Walnut Creek Watershed.

SCHOOL IN THIS GARDEN
WALNUT CREEK
IN THIS NEW OFFERING CHILDREN ARE INTRODUCED TO THE BASICS OF ECOLOGY IN A CERTIFIED BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITAT. THEY WILL LEARN HOW TO GROW PLANTS OF ALL TYPES IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY, WHICH BIRDS VISIT HOME GARDENS AND HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES. ACTIVITIES WILL HELP STUDENTS MAKE THE IMPORTANT CONNECTION BETWEEN WHAT THEY EAT AND HOW AND WHERE THEIR FOOD IS GROWN. STUDENTS WILL PREPARE EDIBLE TREATS FROM PRODUCE THAT IS IN SEASON AND PICKED FRESH FROM THE GARDEN. THEY WILL LEARN WHAT THE ACRONYM "FOSSIL" HAS TO DO WITH EATING WELL. THE PROGRAMS CONNECTS BEAUTIFULLY WITH NEW STATE-MANDATED WELLNESS POLICIES.  ACTIVITIES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO ACCOMMODATE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM NEEDS AND ENHANCE SCHOOL GARDEN EXPERIENCES. PRE GARDEN-CLASSROOM VISITS CAN BE ARRANGED.

THE SANDS OF TIME
SHELL RIDGE OPEN SPACE AREA - WALNUT CREEK
SANDS OF TIME TAKES PLACE IN THE 2,500 ACRE SHELL RIDGE OPEN SPACE AREA. STUDENTS ARE INTRODUCED TO THE FOSSILS OF SHELL RIDGE AND WHAT THEY REVEAL ABOUT LONG AGO LANDSCAPES THERE. SEDIMENTARY, IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS ARE DEFINED AND LOCAL SAMPLES ARE HANDLED BY THE YOUNGSTERS. STUDENTS PERFORM A PLAY THAT EXPLAINS THE FORMATION OF MT. DIABLO AND THE SURROUNDING FOOTHILLS. MAP SKILLS ARE A PART OF THE PROGRAM. A NATURE HIKE EMPHASIZES THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE GRASSLAND AND OAK WOODLAND COMMUNITIES OF THE AREA AND REVEALS HOW WATER HAS SHAPED THE LAND. CHANGE THROUGH TIME IS AN IMPORTANT THEME AND THE STUDY SITE IS A GREAT PLACE TO INTRODUCE GEOGRAPHIC TERMS TO THE YOUNGEST STUDENTS.

NEW - FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS

WATERSHED PROTECTION - RESTORATION ECOLOGY
IN CONJUNCTION WITH LIFEGARDEN'S HABITAT RESTORATION ACTIVITIES, DNA NATURALISTS PARTICIPATE IN PROVIDING ECOLOGY EDUCATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE NONPROFIT’S HABITAT RESTORATION. VISIT WWW.LIFEGARDEN.ORG FOR GREAT COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH.

WATERSHED EDUCATION AT YOUR SITE
CUSTOM HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM - CONTACT US FOR SPECIFICS

NEW - AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

ECOLOGY FOR KIDS
Kids learning from nature is the theme for this special after school class. Using outdoor natural sites around the school, students will come to know the basics of biology and even become involved in a bit of habitat restoration. Hands on, engaging activities with an enthusiastic naturalist are the name of the game. Close observation is fostered. From treasure hunts and classification of found objects, to cultural history, many subject areas are integrated in these school-based field trips.

NEW – FOR FAMILIES, SCOUT GROUPS, SENIORS AND OTHERS

GUIDED WALNUT CREEK WATERSHED WALKS
CAN BE SCHEDULED WITH DNA NATURALISTS FOR YOUR GROUP OF 10 OR MORE TWO HOUR EASY URBAN WALKS WILL HIGHLIGHT THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL HISTORY OF THE CREEKS OF WALNUT CREEK AND FOSTER AN UNDERSTANDING OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND STORM DRAIN ISSUES. WE RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF ONE OF LIFEGARDEN’S NEW CITY CREEKS JOURNALS TO USE AS A RESOURCE DURING THE WALK.

BROWNIE BOTANY BADGE OUTINGS
– THIS WATERSHED WALK WAS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR BROWNIE GROUPS. GIRLS LEARN TO IDENTIFY THE NATIVE AND NONNATIVE PLANTS OF THE VEGETATED AREAS ALONG WALNUT CREEK (CREEK) IN CIVIC PARK. WE MEET AT THE CIVIC PARK PARKING LOT NEAR THE ORANGE BRIDGE AND WALK TO THE “RIVER OF WORDS”  SCULPTURE ON BROADWAY. THERE IS A BRIEF STOP AT THE CREEK OVERLOOK ON LINCOLN AVENUE. THE GIRLS WILL SEE WHERE THE CREEK GOES UNDERGROUND AND LEARN THE WELLKEPT SECRET OF BROADWAY POINTE. $5 STUDENT - $75 MINIMUM.

FOR TEACHERS (By Arrangement)

GARDENING FOR BIODIVERSITY
PLANTS ARE THE BASIS FOR ALL LIFE. WE DEPEND UPON PRESENT-DAY PLANTS FOR THE AIR WE BREATHE AND THE FOOD WE EAT. WE OWE OUR MOBILITY TO ANCIENT PLANTS. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH PLANTS APPROPRIATE FOR LOCAL LANDSCAPES AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING. LEARN HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GARDEN, ATTRACT WILDLIFE AND, PLAY A PART IN THE PRESERVATION OF SPECIES DIVERSITY RIGHT AT HOME. LEARN TO IDENTIFY LOCAL BIRDS OF THE BACKYARD AND BECOME AN EXPERT ON PLANT-POLLINATOR RELATIONSHIPS. THE CLASS IS OFFERED AT MOUNTAIN MAMA’S GARDEN, WALNUT CREEK. LIFEGARDEN’S COMPREHENSIVE HORTICULTURE AND NATURAL HISTORY LIBRARY WILL BE ON DISPLAY AND BOOKS MAY BE CHECKED OUT AFTER THE CLASS. POLLINATOR FRIENDLY AND REGION APPROPRIATE PLANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE.

WATERSHED EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS
CUSTOM, BY ARRANGEMENT, INTENDED FOR TEACHERS WANTING TO BECOME INVOLVED IN CREEK PROJECTS WITH THEIR STUDENTS. THE CLASS INCLUDES AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANTS (NATIVE AND NON NATIVE) OF URBAN RIPARIAN AREAS AND THE CONCEPT OF A WATERSHED AND MUCH MUCH MORE.... CALL FOR PRICING, TOPICS COVERED AND SCHEDULING OPTIONS.

ALL DNA PROGRAMS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC STUDENT GROUPS AND CLASSROOM CURRICULA.

Please download the School Program Flyer (pdf file).

Teachers

JAN ENDERLE
Jan Enderle's passion is observing and learning about the amazing web that connects all humans with every other living creature on earth. As well as teaching for Diablo Nature Adventures, Jan is a certified horticulturist, poet, registered yoga teacher and organic gardener. She says "If I could teach one thing to a child or to a yoga student it would be to pay attention; to notice the details that give us life and provide happiness. Please read the article about Jan Enderle in Massage and Bodywork Magazine (pdf file)

JAN KNECHT
Jan Knecht is a veteran teacher with Mt. Diablo Unified School District . She has taught over 30 years in first through fifth grades. She brought her second grade classes so often to explore Mt. Diablo with Judy Adler, that it began to feel like home. Being she job-shares her class and teaches only half the week, she is now able to indulge her love of nature and kids by joining the ranks of D.N.A. in the classroom without walls.

KEN LAVIN
Ken Lavin has been a naturalist for Diablo Nature Adventures for over 10 years. He has also served as president of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and led popular monthly interpretive hikes for that organization for many years. At present, Ken is public outreach and program chair for the Mount Diablo Group of the Sierra Club. Ken has worked as an interpretive park ranger and consultant for the National Park Service, both in the Marin Headlands and at Muir Woods National Monument, where he served as education coordinator for the park’s curriculum based school program.

Tarantula Trek
Sunday September 30
Saturday Oct 6
Meet at the Mitchell Canyon Trailhead in Mount Diablo State Park, at 3 pm for this easy 2-mile hike.
A 19th century visitor to Mount Diablo described the tarantula as "attaining the size of a small bird, possessing fangs the size of a rattlesnakes', and delivering a bite generally considered fatal". Fact or fiction? Join Ken Lavin for a tarantula talk, followed by a nature hike to search for Mount Diablo’s giant spiders.
Back by 6 p.m. $3 parking fee.

After the first of the year Ken will be offering his popular Waterfalls and Wildflowers outings in Mt. Diablo State Park. Watch for announcements of dates.... These hikes will be offered as benefits for LifeGarden's Ecology Education Scholarship Program for Schoolchildren.

BRIAN LAVIN
Brian seems to have had an interest in natural history since birth. As a youth he was an interpretive guide at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and he spent one summer as an intern at the Oakland Zoo. Brian graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in Psychology and Integrative Biology. Herpetology is a special area of interest for him.

KAREN SYNOWIEC
Karen Synowiec has been a naturalist with Diablo Nature Adventures for over the past 10 years. She served as secretary on the Board of Directors for Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) for 4 years and as hike leader/coordinator for MDIA, leading numerous hikes on Mt. Diablo as well as at Black Diamond Mines and Morgan Territory. Karen is a Hydrogeologist with Chevron Corporation where she has worked for the past 25 years. In her spare time she loves to hike with friends anywhere on Mt. Diablo or the Bay Area.

SAUNDRA TICKNER
Saundra is our bird enthusiast. When not teaching for Diablo Nature Adventures, she is kayaking to observe birds associated with watery environments, rescuing birds for the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in her backyard aviary or watching them visit her backyard pond. Pacific tree frogs also inhabit the pond. This new water feature is a source of endless fascination for her already inquiring mind.