Environmental Nature Center

Volunteer Program

Every year, the Environmental Nature Center comes alive with the energy and dedication of over 500 volunteers who form the backbone of our operations. Our adult volunteers—almost 100 strong—contribute over 3,000 hours annually as Museum Docents, Event Volunteers, and Grounds Volunteers. Alongside them, more than 400 student volunteers match this commitment with another 3,000 hours of service, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our administrative work, grounds maintenance, and program preparation. Our student Leaders in Training program creates unique opportunities during school breaks, where young leaders develop their skills while supporting our student enrichment programs and Summer Camp activities. We believe that the most meaningful volunteer experiences are those where both the organization and the volunteer grow together. This philosophy shapes our internship positions, which offer hands-on experience in Marketing/Public Relations, Education, and Horticulture—allowing volunteers to develop new skills, refine existing ones, and build impressive résumés. The Service Learning program represents one of our most innovative initiatives, where students work directly with ENC staff on projects aligned with their personal interests in nature and conservation. Whether they're working as Habitat Restoration interns, maintaining our Compost Learning Lab, serving as Museum Docent interns, or exploring nature as Springtime Wildflower Junior Biologists, these students gain invaluable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.

Professional Development Program

At the Environmental Nature Center, we believe that inspiring educators creates a ripple effect that transforms entire communities. Our Professional Development Program brings together diverse educators from across the County—classroom teachers, outdoor educators, scout leaders, and homeschool parents—for dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that revolutionize how they teach science and nature. Through engaging afternoon sessions, participants discover innovative ways to bring environmental education to life in their unique teaching environments. This inclusive program serves as a catalyst for environmental education, extending our conservation message far beyond our center's physical boundaries. By empowering educators with practical tools and inspiration, we multiply our impact exponentially, reaching thousands of students through their transformed teaching practices.

Community Programs

Since 1977, the Environmental Nature Center has been weaving nature education into the fabric of our community through diverse, hands-on programs that engage everyone from preschoolers to parents. Our approach brings science and nature to life through experiential learning that inspires wonder and builds lasting connections with the natural world. Youth Leadership Through Scouting: We've developed specialized naturalist-led programs that align perfectly with scouting achievement requirements: Girl Scouts: Thirteen distinctive programs tailored for every level: Daisy Scouts: Early nature exploration Brownie Scouts: Environmental discovery Junior Scouts: Advanced conservation projects Cadette Scouts: Leadership in environmental stewardship Cub Scouts: Customized programs for each rank: Tiger Cubs: Introduction to nature awareness Wolf Cubs: Wildlife and habitat study Bear Cubs: Environmental science basics Webelos: Advanced outdoor skills Family and Early Learning Programs. Our community comes alive after hours with family-focused experiences: Moonlight Adventures: Full moon hikes and campfire programs that transform our grounds into a nighttime discovery zone Little Naturalists: Engaging 3-5 year olds and their parents through interactive stories and hands-on nature activities Home School Enrichment: Specialized programs that bring science curriculum to life for home learning families Nature Camp Legacy. Our flagship Nature Camp program has been nurturing young naturalists for over 45 years through: Immersive outdoor experiences Direct observation of nature Interactive science learning Nature-inspired crafts and games Hands-on environmental activities

Traveling Naturalist Program: Bringing Nature to the Classroom

The Environmental Nature Center's Traveling Naturalist Program breaks down classroom walls, bringing dynamic environmental education directly to over 6,000 students annually, from preschool through high school. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates with state and national educational frameworks: Next Generation Science Standards California State Social Science Standards California's Environmental Principles and Concepts (Education and Environment Initiative - AB 1548 & 1721) Creating Lasting Impact. This program serves as a catalyst in a broader educational ecosystem. Rather than existing as an isolated experience, our Traveling Naturalist visits spark a journey of environmental discovery that continues through: Classroom reinforcement by teachers trained in our Professional Development programs Follow-up field trips to the Environmental Nature Center Family engagement through our community programs Deeper exploration during enrichment camps

School Tour Programs: Discovery through Expereince

Each school year, over 17,000 students step onto the grounds of the Environmental Nature Center, transforming our paths and gardens into dynamic learning spaces. From wide-eyed preschoolers to analytical high school seniors, every student discovers nature through carefully crafted experiences that align seamlessly with Next Generation Science Standards and California State Social Science Standards. These aren't ordinary field trips—they're immersive journeys where classroom concepts come alive through direct observation and hands-on discovery. Students don't just learn about nature; they experience it firsthand, making connections that textbooks alone cannot provide. Through these experiences, we create opportunities for every student to develop their own personal relationship with the natural world. Our field trips serve as cornerstones in a broader environmental education journey. When students return home, their teachers—equipped with skills from our Professional Development programs—help them connect their ENC experiences to classroom learning. Many students bring their families back for our Community Programs, diving deeper into environmental exploration. Others join our Enrichment Camps, building on their initial discoveries and strengthening their connection to nature.