September 2 - December 19, 2008 Grades 1-3 Only
Session times: 9:30-12:30, Tuesday - Friday

Students will learn about ecosystem diversity, endangered species and the role a healthy habit playes in the health of our community. Activities and lessons reinforce grade-specific science standards that include habitats, animal life cycles and adaptations for survival.

February 3 - June 5, 2009 Grades 1-6
Session Times: 9:30-12:30, Tuesday - Friday

Introduction to watersheds. Emphasis of activities reinforces grade-specific science standards that include the water cycle, seasons, weathering, erosion and depositin resulting from water flows, the Sonoma County watershed, non-point source pollution and the effects of water pollution on living organisms and the environment.

October 9, 10, 16, 17, 2008 (Thursdays & Fridays)
Grades 1-6
Festival Hours 9 am - 4 pm

The Ultimate Fall Field Trip! Learn about life on the farm at Tolay Lake Regional Park. Make farm crafts, see a Native American Village and farm animals. Enjoy a hike and a hayride. And of course, get a pumpkin!

Field trips flyer
Field Trip Information
Request a field trip at the EDC
Request a field trip to the Tolay Fall Festival

Rockin’ and Recycling Session times are: 9:30am-12:30pm, Tuesday-Friday

The field trip will focus on the properties of the common rocks and minerals in the park and the processes that formed them. Students will also learn the importance of recycling products manufactured from minerals and rocks, like glass and aluminum, as a simple way to conserve natural resources.

Weather or Not Session times are: 9:30am-12:30pm, Tuesday-Friday

Students will learn the science behind weather and weather patterns. They will learn about some of Sonoma County’s many microclimates within the parks and forecast local weather based on observation and
data collection. Students will also learn about the role a healthy water cycle plays in weather patterns.

Our new traveling program will light up your classroom and activate students with science activities, live marine animals, and hands on science curricula without having to take a step out your door or provide transportation. The Environmental Discovery Center will come to your campus and teach standards-based science lessons.

Field trips flyer
Field Trip Information
Request a Field Trip in the Parks
Request a field trip at the Tolay Fall Festival

NOTE: Because these are outdoor hiking field trips, the Environmental Discovery Center reserves the right to cancel due to weather conditions.

The Center

The Center offers multi-sensory, hands-on activities for people of all ages. Rotating exhibits focus on a different aspect of the natural resources of Sonoma County.

Location

Map - Directions: From Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa, turn south onto Channel Drive. Take the first right onto Violetti Road. Turn right into Spring Lake Regional Park. The Environmental Discovery Center is located to the left of the parking lot.

Center's Features

• Nature Trails
• Outdoor Amphitheater
• Storytelling Cavern
• Science Activities
• Technology Tent - interactive computer games
• Theater - Educational videos

Discovery Circle Partners

The Environmental Discovery Center of Sonoma County is a partnership established by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation.

Sponsors

• North Bay Corporation
• Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
• Sonoma County Water Agency
• Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works - Integrated Waste Management
• Sonoma County Department of Health Services - Environmental Health
• City of Santa Rosa - Public Works Department
• Sonoma County Regional Parks Department
• Sonoma State University - Hutchins School of Liberal Studies
• Sonoma County District Attorney's Office
• Agilent Technologies
• Sonoma County Office of Education

Top of Page