Cool River Program
Engaging Youth in Protecting San Diego River Wildlife
The San Diego River is teeming with life, ranging from microscopic algae to 4 foot tall blue herons! Through our Cool River Program, we invite young scientists to join our educators and experts to explore and experience the San Diego River firsthand.
What we offer:
Our field experiences are science-based field ecology for kids, led by professional and passionate environmental educators and docents. Current offerings include:
- River Bugs Are Cool:
Students join scientists from the San Diego River Park Foundation in a real bioassessment of organisms living in the San Diego River. Students will examine and sort living aquatic invertebrates using scientific equipment, learn about the biodiversity of the watershed and observe threats and physical condition to the ecosystem through a guided stream walk. Both the bioassessment and stream walk are based on protocols developed by the EPA and used by professional environmental scientists. Docents will guide students in using their data to determine the health of the River ecosystem. This activity is adapted for students in grades K-8.
- We also offer virtual programs! Now scheduling virtual field trips with San Diego River scientists! Click here to learn more.
- Cost: While our free trips are free, we do prioritize providing our programs to Title 1 schools.
- Class Size: Minimum of 15 students, and maximum of 35 students
- Chaperone Ratio: Schools must provide adult chaperones at a ratio of 1 chaperone per 10 students.
- Transportation: We do not provide transportation to our field trips, but limited transportation reimbursements may be available for Title 1 schools in our watershed. Please inquire about availability.
- Program Length: Programs are 2.5 hours and offered between 9am-1pm.
- Availability: Please check the Education Calendar for available dates and times.
- Sites: We offer field trips at various locations along the San Diego River in Descanso, Alpine, Santee, Mission Valley, and Ocean Beach. When you request a field trip, we can work together to find the site that works best for your class.
- Field Trip Guidelines: Teachers and chaperones can review our field trip guidelines here to ensure a fun and safe learning experience for students.
- Volunteer: Connect youth to their local environment as an Outdoor Education Volunteer! Click here for more information or email us.
- Donate: Support this program by donating bus transportation to allow students to experience these field experience at no cost! Your donation of $220 eliminates the barrier of transportation for up to 50 students to participate in a free program! Click here to donate.
About our field trips:
Ready to book your field trip on the San Diego River?
Click below or call (619) 297-7380 for more information and to reserve a spot for your class or group.
Interested in supporting our Cool River Program? You can help!
DONATE NOW
Make a difference In the lives of others.Donate now »
VOLUNTEER NOW
Help us keep the River beautiful for the next generation.Volunteer now »
