School and Youth Programs
rMore than 10,000 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.
2021 Fall After School Nature Camp for students in grades 3 - 5:
Students will have outdoor learning experiences exploring creeks and ponds and finding native plants and animal species that have lived in Orinda for hundreds of years. Investigative themes include: ecology of woodlands and streams, cultural history of the area; also earth science, and garden projects, which meet grade-appropriate science and history standards. Attendance is purely optional.
The sessions run from September 13 - October are all individual day events and will contain students from Grades 3-5. You will sign your student up for a single date at a time, but can sign up for multiple sessions. There will not be a waitlist. The sessions will run Monday 2:30 - 4:30, and Tuesday - Thursday 3:30 - 5:30.
The fee to attend Nature Camp is $40 per day. Your additional tax-deductible donation above that amount will help us grow the Nature Area programs and is greatly appreciated. To pay the fee click here. This will also allow you to make an additional donation if you would like.
Click here to sign up (we are using Signup Genius to handle registration).
Attending Fall After School Nature Camp requires a signed permission and waiver form. Click here for the form. Instructions are included on the form. We also have an information sheet that you can print out that tells what to bring, what to wear, rain policy, etc.
For questions about Nature Camp, call/text Brad McCullough at
925-348-6707.
Elementary School Field Trips (ON HOLD DUE TO COVID):
Third Grade
Animal Camp: One full day of animal habitat, food chain, ecosystems studies.
Fourth Grade
Native American Studies: Two full days of California history with a focus on the cultures of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok tribes.
Rancho Days: Two full days of California history.
Fifth Grade
First Thanksgiving: One full day of foraging, outdoor cooking, and early American history.
Pioneer Days: Two full days of California history.
Sixth – Eighth Grades
Others First Program
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Education
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:
2021 Fall After School Nature Camp for students in grades 3 - 5:
Students will have outdoor learning experiences exploring creeks and ponds and finding native plants and animal species that have lived in Orinda for hundreds of years. Investigative themes include: ecology of woodlands and streams, cultural history of the area; also earth science, and garden projects, which meet grade-appropriate science and history standards. Attendance is purely optional.
The sessions run from September 13 - October are all individual day events and will contain students from Grades 3-5. You will sign your student up for a single date at a time, but can sign up for multiple sessions. There will not be a waitlist. The sessions will run Monday 2:30 - 4:30, and Tuesday - Thursday 3:30 - 5:30.
The fee to attend Nature Camp is $40 per day. Your additional tax-deductible donation above that amount will help us grow the Nature Area programs and is greatly appreciated. To pay the fee click here. This will also allow you to make an additional donation if you would like.
Click here to sign up (we are using Signup Genius to handle registration).
Attending Fall After School Nature Camp requires a signed permission and waiver form. Click here for the form. Instructions are included on the form. We also have an information sheet that you can print out that tells what to bring, what to wear, rain policy, etc.
For questions about Nature Camp, call/text Brad McCullough at
925-348-6707.
Elementary School Field Trips (ON HOLD DUE TO COVID):
Third Grade
Animal Camp: One full day of animal habitat, food chain, ecosystems studies.
Fourth Grade
Native American Studies: Two full days of California history with a focus on the cultures of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok tribes.
Rancho Days: Two full days of California history.
Fifth Grade
First Thanksgiving: One full day of foraging, outdoor cooking, and early American history.
Pioneer Days: Two full days of California history.
Sixth – Eighth Grades
Others First Program
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Education
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
