School and Youth Programs
More 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 Spring Nature Days:
We have 3rd Graders coming now!
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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.
An optional $35 donation per student helps the nonprofit Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area cover the costs of teachers and supplies for the day. Any additional tax-deductible donations will be greatly appreciated. To donate - click here
4th and 5th grades are complete.
3rd grade programs - all dates are 3:45p - 6:15p and run from April 27 - May 13.
3rd grade signup link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449aaa62ea75-3rdgrade4
Attending Spring Nature Days requires a signed permission 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.
Summer 2021 Nature Camp:
We are offering Summer Nature Camp in the Wagner Ranch Nature Area. For more details, please see our Summer Camp Page
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 Spring Nature Days:
We have 3rd Graders coming now!
**************************************************
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.
An optional $35 donation per student helps the nonprofit Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area cover the costs of teachers and supplies for the day. Any additional tax-deductible donations will be greatly appreciated. To donate - click here
4th and 5th grades are complete.
3rd grade programs - all dates are 3:45p - 6:15p and run from April 27 - May 13.
3rd grade signup link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449aaa62ea75-3rdgrade4
Attending Spring Nature Days requires a signed permission 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.
Summer 2021 Nature Camp:
We are offering Summer Nature Camp in the Wagner Ranch Nature Area. For more details, please see our Summer Camp Page
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
