Outdoor Adventures

“It is imperative that this younger generation learn to appreciate the wonders of nature, as well as how to conserve and protect our precious planet. Sea and Sage offers the perfect scenario to learn just that, and I thank those who graciously donate to keep it ongoing.” Terri Mitchell, –Esqueda Elementary (2020)

Contact Person for Information: Trude Hurd

Description of Program

Outdoor Adventures is a 2½ hour interactive science program for 4-5^th grade students. Topics covered support the Next Generation Science Standards and include ecosystems, wetland habitat, adaptations, food chains, and urban runoff. In the classroom before the trip, students watch a PowerPoint about urban runoff that connects their homes with the wetland. They also research one of 6 common birds they are likely to see during their upcoming trip.

Students engage in three activities at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

During the one-hour Nature Walk around the ponds, students use binoculars to make personal discoveries about birds of the wetland and their adaptations and behaviors.
During the half-hour Pond Study inside the learning lab, students do a simple water quality test and look through microscopes at live pond water to understand the food web of the marsh.
During the half-hour Bird Adaptations lesson inside the learning lab, students examine ten taxidermy bird specimens to determine how bird beaks and feet differ depending on how birds feed.

Outdoor Adventures gives students an important outdoor field experience, increases their understanding of freshwater wetlands, and teaches them specific ways to help protect the environment. Each student receives a copy of our 28-page field guide, “Birds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary,” to keep.

Program Fee

We currently provide this program free to Santa Ana schools as part of a grant scholarship.
If space if available, other schools can enroll for $15 per student (minimum 28 and maximum 44 students).
Program includes naturalist-led activities at the wetland, loan of our Field Trip Curriculum Kit, and a copy of Birds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary for each student.

How to Enroll

Scan the QR Code on the link below to access the current application form.

Liability Release Form (required for participation) (PDF)

Outdoor Adventures Enrollment Form 2024-25 (PDF)

Outdoor Adventures brochure (PDF)

Teens new to the program must also complete the “Why I Want to Be A Junior Naturalist” form and send by September 1 to Junior Naturalist Coordinator Amanda Gaskin: mag5670@gmail.com.

What Students Say

“Thank you for showing me that science is fun.” Jessica, fifth grader, Pio Pico Elementary (2019)
“Thank you for teaching and showing us about birds. I learned that being a scientist is a very cool job.” Maria, fifth grader, Pio Pico Elementary (2019)
“One of my students who struggles in reading and math really felt empowered by the experiences we all shared at Audubon. He says he ‘loves’ science and wants to make a difference in our world.” Diana Ellis, fifth grade teacher, Kennedy Elementary (2019)

All photographs are by Trude Hurd and used with permission.