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.
Elementary School Field Trips (We are back for Spring 2022!):
Third Grade
Animal Camp: One full day of animal habitat, food chain, ecosystems studies.
Fourth Grade
Native American Studies: One day of California history with a focus on the cultures of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok tribes.
Rancho Days: Two day program on California history during rancho times (currently reduced to one day due to the pandemic).
Fifth Grade
First Thanksgiving: One full day of foraging, outdoor cooking, and early American history.
Pioneer Days: Two day program of California history during pioneer times (currently reduced to one day due to the pandemic).
Summer Camp
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
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Education
Families
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 (We are back for Spring 2022!):
Third Grade
Animal Camp: One full day of animal habitat, food chain, ecosystems studies.
Fourth Grade
Native American Studies: One day of California history with a focus on the cultures of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok tribes.
Rancho Days: Two day program on California history during rancho times (currently reduced to one day due to the pandemic).
Fifth Grade
First Thanksgiving: One full day of foraging, outdoor cooking, and early American history.
Pioneer Days: Two day program of California history during pioneer times (currently reduced to one day due to the pandemic).
Summer Camp
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
High School
Miramonte High School Environmental Education
Families
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
