Field Trips
Natural LAW Education Program
Field Trips Connecting Students with Nature
At The San Diego River Park Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of hands-on learning. Our new Natural LAW Education Program immerses students in the ecology, culture, and significance of the San Diego River and watershed. All our field trips are free, making these experiences accessible to everyone. Join us in fostering stewardship and shaping future environmental leaders.
Our Natural LAW Education Program offers three specialized field trip options: Land, Air, and Water. Each option explores distinct facets of our natural environment. Schools can choose themed field trip experiences within each program, providing engaging and educational opportunities for your students.
Natural LAW Program Options
Land Programs
Discover the vital species of the riparian ecosystem. Students will explore the diverse plant and animal life along the river and learn about their crucial roles in maintaining this unique environment's health and balance.
Program Options
- Deep Roots
- Wildlife CSI (coming soon!)
- Acorns in the Classroom (seasonal)
Air Programs
Explore how birds, bats, bees, and butterflies act as ecosystem engineers. Students will see how these wildlife builders contribute to pollination, pest control, and biodiversity, supporting ecosystem health.
Program Options
- Pollinator Partners (coming soon!)
- Beyond Feathers
Water Programs
Learn how aquatic animals reveal the river's health. By exploring bio-indicator species, students will assess water quality and understand how aquatic life helps monitor and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Program Options
- River Bugs are Cool! (virtual option available)
- River Detectives
- Trout in the Classroom (seasonal)
Program Benefits
Complimentary Access
Free field trips, ensuring equitable access for all students.
Hands-On Learning
Students engage in scientific observation and experimentation.
Expert Guidance
Our knowledgeable educators lead each session.
Interactive Exploration
Each field trip is designed to be interactive, providing an engaging exploration experience.
Real-World Impact
Participants help to conserve the San Diego River and watershed.
Curriculum-Aligned
Meets state standards, enhancing learning with real-world applications.
“I thought it was great! The best part was the hands-on experience where they used pipettes to capture and identify the macroinvertebrates to measure the health of the river.”
Teacher, Cubberley Elementary
Land Programs
Deep Roots
Students will explore native plants and discover their traditional uses by the Kumeyaay people through hands-on activities. Combined with guided exploration, they will gain a deep understanding of these plants’ ecological importance and cultural significance, including their uses for food, medicine, and tools, while appreciating the connection between Kumeyaay culture, nature, and the San Diego River.
Wildlife CSI
Coming soon!
Students assume the role of detectives as they investigate and identify the diverse animals and plants that thrive along the river. Through careful observation and study, they uncover the intricate relationships between these species and their environment. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding of how these organisms interact, influence one another, and contribute to the health and balance of the entire riparian ecosystem.
Acorns in the Classroom
Seasonal Program
Acorns in the Classroom involves students in the growth and nurturing of native species from acorns to oak trees. This hands-on experience allows students to learn about plant growth and ecology. As the acorns mature, students participate in a field trip to explore oak trees and native plants in their natural ecosystem. This program enriches their understanding of plant life cycles, ecosystems, and the significance of local flora in maintaining biodiversity.
Air Programs
Beyond Feathers
Did you know that San Diego is home to over 500 bird species? Our "Beyond Feathers" field trip provides students with an immersive experience in bird identification, adaptations, habitats, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. During the program, students will take a guided bird walk through the San Diego River estuary, which is recognized as a prime habitat and migration stopover for various aquatic bird species.
Pollinator Partners
Coming soon!
Students will explore the essential role of bats, butterflies, bugs, and bees as pollinators and ecosystem engineers. They will learn how these fascinating creatures support biodiversity, aid in plant reproduction, and contribute to the overall health and balance of the river’s ecosystems. By understanding these connections, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity of nature and the importance of preserving these vital keystone species.
Water Programs
River Bugs are Cool!
Students will discover how river macroinvertebrates act as bioindicators of water quality. By participating in citizen science, they will actively sample live "river bugs" from the San Diego River. Through hands-on activities, students will identify and sort these invertebrates, collecting valuable data to assess the river's health and understand the impacts of human activity on the riparian ecosystem.
River Detectives
Students will investigate live "river bugs" from the San Diego River to identify these macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality. They will conduct physical and chemical analyses, including measuring pH levels, assessing turbidity, analyzing salinity, and performing other tests. Through engaging activities, students will analyze the collected data to evaluate water quality and understand its effects on the river ecosystem.
Trout in the Classroom
Seasonal Program
Students will have the opportunity to explore the life cycle of California Rainbow Trout by raising them from eggs to juveniles in the classroom. This process involves daily monitoring and care. Once the trout reach the appropriate size, the students will participate in a field trip to release them into a lake. During the field trip, they will receive hands-on training in fly tying and casting, which will enhance their understanding of the endangered trout and foster a sense of responsibility for aquatic ecosystems.
Book a field trip
Follow the steps below to book your field trip with the San Diego River Park Foundation!
Check the calendar for available program dates
Use the calendar link to explore our upcoming program offerings and determine which dates are best for you.
Submit the field trip request form
Fill out the field trip request form to book your program. After submitting your form, you will receive a confirmation email from Shawn, our Education Program Manager.
Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Shawn Fettel, Senior Manager of Education Programs at shawn@sandiegoriver.org, or call 619-297-7380.