Your Outdoor Classroom!
The nonprofit San Bernardino National Forest Association is committed to providing quality environmental education experiences at two outdoor environments: the Big Bear Discovery Center and the National Children’s Forest in Running Springs.
Programs are designed to meet California state standards and create a solid foundation in forest ecological principals and environmental stewardship. Students will learn to appreciate the natural world through exploration and thought-provoking activities.
The San Bernardino National Forest Association offers seven different environmental education programs, which are listed below:WINTER SNOWSHOE HIKE: 
While exploring the forest on snowshoes, students will discover how plants, humans and animals adapt to the winter environment. Through demonstrations, observation and independent discovery, students will learn about the water cycle, snowpack, local watershed and human impacts on these systems at the local and regional level.
Grades 5th -12th
Length: 2- 3 Hours
Students: 30 Maximum *additional $50 per class
INVESTIGATING ECOSYSTEMS
Students engage in observation, activities and discussion about local wildlife, food chains, habitat components and adaptations. Through activities, students gain an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the natural environment. Students will gain a greater understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving and protecting public lands.
Grades: 3rd-12th
Length: 1 - 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum
JUNIOR FOREST RANGER
Students journey through a series of three activities where they will have hands-on opportunities tolearn skills that will excite them about the forest, while completing the Forest Service Junior Forest Ranger workbook. Students will learn basic principles of fire ecology, learn the different parts of a compass, complete an orienteering course, and explore the natural world using their many senses to improve their observation skills. This program provides continued learning through workbook activities that motivate children to explore and embrace their responsibility to the natural world.
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Length: 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum
NEW THIS YEAR! - TREE PLANTING ~ SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Students actively engage in forest restoration by participating in the largest volunteer-led tree planting initiative in Southern California, “Forest Aid” where students plant native trees in areas impacted by wildfire. Students will understand the important role trees play in the environment; learn forest restoration techniques, and the role of the Forest Service and local community agencies in forest restoration.
Grade: 5th-12th
Length: 4 hours *program is offered at the 3 hour rate ($200, every 30 students)
Students: 80 Maximum
(Field Trips are schedule for March & April 2010)
ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
Lessons revolve around activities with which students may be familiar: hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, and more. This curriculum was developed in conjunction with Tread Lightly! and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. This program teaches land ethics, stewardship, safety and environmental awareness and can be taught in full or segmented into desired chapters. No fee charged for this program. Program can be conducted in the field or classroom.
Grades: 3rd - 7th
Length: 1 hour per chapter, up to 9 chapters total
Students: 30 Maximum
BORN TO BURN
This lesson explains the importance of fire and its vital role in the ecosystems that make up the SanBernardino National Forest. Concepts include the components of fire, valuable attributes of fire, and how to protect against harmful wildfire. Students will also learn about general ecological principles, forest health, stewardship, and environmental responsibility.
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Length: 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum
PATHWAYS TO STEWARDSHIP
This program will provide students with an opportunity to discover the wonders of their environment. Through investigations at Children's Forest, youth will gain appreciation and stewardship for the world around them, as well as fundamental ecological principles. This program focuses heavily on how students' lives connect to the forest through the multiple uses available to them, including how the forest provides products that are used in everyday life. Includes a 2-part tour, a winter ecology lesson on snowshoes (weather-dependent), and a spring service learning forest restoration activity.
Grades: 6th
Length: Two 3-hour tours
Students: 30 Maximum
Fee Information
Program Fees are based on length of program.
Fee Schedule:
3 hours: $200 for every 30 students; Additional Students $7 each
2 hours: $150 for every 30 students; Additional Students $5 each
1 hour: $75 for every 30 students; Additional Students $2.50 each
*Snowshoeing - $50 extra/class
DATES: Field trips are offered 5 days a week, year round. Please call a month in advance for reservations.
LOGISTICS: Teachers must ensure that participants are prepared for the trip and arrange transportation and chaperones.
INFORMATION FOLDER: All registered groups will receive a complete information folder, which includes maps, a list of recommended clothing and preparation guidelines.
WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS: Groups may reschedule trips due to bad weather. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled at no extra fee. Other cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will result in full charge.
PAYMENT: Invoice will be sent in information folder once reservation is confirmed. Payment needs to be received two weeks before program date.For details and reservations, please contact:
Stacy Gorin
SBNFA Education Manager
PO Box 66
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2794