Education resources
In-Person Field Trips
Enrich your students’ learning with a visit to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. We invite you to bring your students to walk the trails, explore the wonders of the many habitats, conduct field investigations, and ask questions about the marvels they encounter.
Teachers are welcome to choose between two offerings, Estuary Investigations or Self-Guided Explorations. Our Estuary Investigations field trips are grade-level specific and align with California’s NGSSs. These field trip experiences include hikes and field investigations that connect to grade-level science themes.
Photo by Lisa Zaretsky
Work with the Reserve Education staff to design a naturalist-led visit that complements your teaching goals with hands-on activities that provide your students with time to experience and explore the wonders of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve.
Days: Wednesday-Sunday.
Time: Open between 9:00am-5:00pm.
Duration: 1-3 hours.
Group size: 60 or less.
Chaperones: Minimum 1 per 12 (K-12) students. Please inform your chaperones that they are meant to be active participants.
Grade Level: K-College.
Required: A 15-minute orientation with a naturalist before entering the Reserve.
Trail Walk: Choose from any of the trails, conditions permitting, and conduct your own activities and/or investigations.
Estuary Investigations activities are organized in grade bands K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Choose 3 activities under your grade level for your visit.
K-5: Slough Sleuthing
All about observation; what can you see with your eyes and hear with your ears?
K-1st
Animal Babies – Story book and matching game
Insect Shake – Search for insects under a tree
Observation Rings – Count living things inside observation ring
Visitor Center scavenger hunt
2nd-3rd
Predator Prey – Match predators to prey
Insect Shake – Search for insects under a tree and sort by body type
Observation Rings – Count different kinds of plants inside observation ring
Visitor Center scavenger hunt
4th-5th
Slough Sleuth - Explore the sensory adaptations of animals
Insect Shake – Search for insects under a tree and sort by body type
Quadrats – Count different kinds of plants inside quadrats
6-8: Wetland and Watershed Wonders
Middle schoolers learn to ask questions and investigate the world around them.
Insect Shake – Search for insects under a tree and sort by body type, graph distribution
Quadrats – Count different kinds of plants inside quadrats and graph, discuss distribution
Watershed and wetlands explored in the Visitor Center
9-12: The Slough and You
Activities encourage high school students to pause and consider the human impacts they are observing around them and to discuss solutions and alternative scenarios.
Water Quality data collection
Plant distribution between marsh and grassland, with climate change discussion
Oak Grove canopy cover calculations
Trail walk worksheet – Human impact
Critical thinking activity in the VC
SAMPLE FIELD TRIP, 4th grade, 36 students:
9:30
Arrive
9:45
Orientation
10:00
Group A – Trail Walk (teacher led)
Group B – Insect Shake (staff led)
Group C – Sensory Adaptation (staff led)
11:00
Group A – Insect Shake
Group B – Sensory Adaptation
Group C – Trail Walk
12:00
Lunch
12:30
Group A - Sensory Adaptation
Group B – Trail Walk
Group C – Insect Shake
1:45
Depart
Teachers can combine time in the Visitor Center with a Reserve trail walk. Students will learn about the habitats and wildlife found on the Elkhorn Slough Reserve while they explore the trails and Visitor Center exhibits.
This is a self-led visit; a teacher and/or chaperone is required to be with students at all times.
Days: Wednesday-Sunday.
Times: Open between 9:00am -5:00pm.
Duration: Up to the teacher.
Group size: 40 or less.
Chaperones: Minimum 1 per 8 (K-12) students.
Grade Level: K-College.
Required: A 15-minute orientation with a naturalist before entering the Reserve.
Trail Walk: You can choose from any of the trails, conditions permitting; educational kits and binoculars are available for check-out. Lunch and snacks can be eaten on the picnic tables.
A unique opportunity for high school students to work with a Reserve steward and learn about conservation.
There is limited availability for this unique field trip. High school students spend time learning about a Reserve restoration project and then learn how to use various tools before heading out into the field to work alongside a Reserve steward. Group size is limited to 20 max, plan on a 4-hour commitment. Field work is seasonal and based on available projects. Phone Reserve Volunteer Coordinator to arrange a field trip.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
We are excited to announce that all of our educational activities and kits support the Next Generation Science Standards. We have created an environmental education program that encourages investigation, exploration, analysis, and engagement, and moves students towards environmental literacy.
We are here to support you.
Please phone with any questions and to discuss how we can bring the Reserve to you, 831-728-2822.
Elkhorn Connects Us
Much of our work at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is powered by volunteers.