Audubon California believes that nature education is a vital part of our conservation work, and that is why our organization devotes considerable time to introducing children and adults to the wonders of birds and nature.

The first reason we do this is because we love this stuff and we want to share it with as many people as possible. California’s outdoors are a spectacular gift that we should all appreciate and enjoy. The second reason is that it is a sad truth that we will probably always need to fight to protect California’s birds and habitats. And we should do everything in our power to make sure that our children are ready to take up that fight when we’re gone. We’ve made tremendous progress in protecting California’s natural places, but the only way to build upon those victories is to instill a love of nature in our children.

Our programs can take many forms. It could be a summer day camp at the Audubon Center at Debs Park in northeast Los Angeles. Or it could be an in-class visit by our staff to a school in Marin County. Or perhaps a nature festival at the Audubon Kern River Preserve, a Junior Biologist class at the Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary, or a work day sponsored by our Landowner Stewardship Program in Yolo County to teach hands-on conservation skills to high school students. In all, Audubon California provided quality nature education to nearly 16,000 children in 2009, and the number of children that participated in programs provided by local chapters was even greater.

The links at left will take you to more information about these Audubon California nature education programs.