School and Youth Programs
More than 15,000 Orinda school children have experienced the programs at the Nature Area since 1970. All programs are coordinated and taught by Toris Jaeger, who has overseen the Nature Area’s programs since 1978. Toris retired from Orinda Union School District as District Naturalist in 2009 when her position was eliminated, but continues to serve the Nature Area with donations collected by FWRNA. To donate, click here.
Elementary School Field Trips. These are only offered through the Orinda Union School District.
Please note that the bulk of the Nature Area is currently closed and so these programs are no longer being taught.
Second Grade Programs
2nd Grade science: One-day program featuring hands-on study of plants, rocks, ponds, & insects.
Third Grade Programs
Native American Studies: In-depth, hands-on, 2-day program covering Native American ethnobotany, tools, artifacts, cooking and games.
Pioneer Days: 1-day hands-on program: Inspect artifacts from Museum of Historical (1880’s) Wagner Ranch, hike the original homestead, make crafts of the era, leave with an appreciation for Pioneer life in 1880’s Orinda.
Fourth Grade Programs
4th Grade Science: Hands on 1-day study of Environments & Living things, soil erosion/deposition, native animals, predators/prey, food web.
Rancho Days: In-depth, 2-days hands-on study including History of Ranchos in East Bay, land changes, map making, Rancho cooking, songs, crafts, adobe brick making. Also offered in a one-day program which eliminates the cooking and restricts other aspects.
Fifth Grade Programs
5th Grade Science: Hands-on 1-day program in-depth plant life cycle study (planting seeds, composting, soils study) and aquatic life study (water sample, biotic index)
Colonial History: 1-day hands-on program of colonial life including plants and their uses, occupations, crafts
Summer Camp
Please note that the bulk of the Nature Area is currently closed and so Summer Camp is no longer being taught.
Week-long summer camp in the Nature Area! Hikes, discovery, education, crafts - these camps have it all.
See the Summer Camp page for more information.
Volunteering Opportunities
Sixth – Eighth Grades
Others First Program through Orinda Intermediate School
OIS Green Team
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Club
Families, Scout Groups, Community Groups
Sunday in the Nature Area - work with others to maintain the Nature Area and Organic Garden and help with small projects
Scout/Volunteer Projects:
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Rotary Clubs and many other community organizations and individuals have contributed thousands of volunteer hours for special projects at the Nature Area. Through their work, they have enriched wildlife habitats, developed educational resources, and improved accessibility to promote nature and inspire others. The following is a partial list of projects completed:
Elementary School Field Trips. These are only offered through the Orinda Union School District.
Please note that the bulk of the Nature Area is currently closed and so these programs are no longer being taught.
Second Grade Programs
2nd Grade science: One-day program featuring hands-on study of plants, rocks, ponds, & insects.
Third Grade Programs
Native American Studies: In-depth, hands-on, 2-day program covering Native American ethnobotany, tools, artifacts, cooking and games.
Pioneer Days: 1-day hands-on program: Inspect artifacts from Museum of Historical (1880’s) Wagner Ranch, hike the original homestead, make crafts of the era, leave with an appreciation for Pioneer life in 1880’s Orinda.
Fourth Grade Programs
4th Grade Science: Hands on 1-day study of Environments & Living things, soil erosion/deposition, native animals, predators/prey, food web.
Rancho Days: In-depth, 2-days hands-on study including History of Ranchos in East Bay, land changes, map making, Rancho cooking, songs, crafts, adobe brick making. Also offered in a one-day program which eliminates the cooking and restricts other aspects.
Fifth Grade Programs
5th Grade Science: Hands-on 1-day program in-depth plant life cycle study (planting seeds, composting, soils study) and aquatic life study (water sample, biotic index)
Colonial History: 1-day hands-on program of colonial life including plants and their uses, occupations, crafts
Summer Camp
Please note that the bulk of the Nature Area is currently closed and so Summer Camp is no longer being taught.
Week-long summer camp in the Nature Area! Hikes, discovery, education, crafts - these camps have it all.
See the Summer Camp page for more information.
Volunteering Opportunities
Sixth – Eighth Grades
Others First Program through Orinda Intermediate School
OIS Green Team
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Club
Families, Scout Groups, Community Groups
Sunday in the Nature Area - work with others to maintain the Nature Area and Organic Garden and help with small projects
Scout/Volunteer Projects:
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Rotary Clubs and many other community organizations and individuals have contributed thousands of volunteer hours for special projects at the Nature Area. Through their work, they have enriched wildlife habitats, developed educational resources, and improved accessibility to promote nature and inspire others. The following is a partial list of projects completed:
- Owl Box
- Mason Bee Box
- Bat Box
- Miwok House Replica
- Display Kiosk at Nature Area Entrance
- Water Catchment System
- Cynthia Crespi Bell Tower
- Decorative Masonry Bench
- Picnic Tables in Olive Grove
- Gate Surrounding Ann Morton Pond
- Directional and Historical Signs
- Native Tree Plantings
- Trail and Walkway Restoration
- Irrigation Projects
- Deer Fencing
- Raised Bed and Garden Upgrades
- Dr. Phil Loggins Memorial
- Butterfly Garden Bed
- Wheelchair Accessibility