Interest to launch NATURE NOW, an outdoor environmental program for students in grades, 4th and up, that provides hands-on science & character education.

Goals of Nature Now are to help youth:

1. Build skills related to earth and life sciences
2. Adopt virtues that reflect a strong character  centered on environmental literacy    ​

Our Approach is to take students on day trips to public wild places including near by state and national parks. We will also frequent a private campground located in the redwood forest only 30 minutes away from Watsonville. Students will use science field equipment, for example, to study water quality or microorganisms. We will provide interactive initiatives, cooperative games, experiential exercises, and reflective activities that teach character. 

Content and Outcomes
​in Environmental Science

• Diverse ecosystems
• Identify plants and know their properties and traditional uses
• Study native animals & identify their tracks
• Hands-on survival skills such as firemaking and water purification
• Study different types of rocks and learn about geology
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Fungus and mushrooms
• Alternative forms of energy

• Increase environmental literacy
• Build Naturalist skills
• Understand earth systems and cycles
• Understand climate change and how to slow it down
• Nurture a love for nature through direct experience

Content and Outcomes
​in Character Education

• Integrity
  
• Wisdom
  
• Responsibility 
• Compassion
• Community-oriented
• Respect for all livings things​

• Personal motivation to make choices that show a concern for the environment
• Community leadership to be environmentally conscious
• Participate in actions of  environmental stewardship
• Collaboration  & problem solving skills

Tell us what you think about such as program model. What do you think about a model that interconnects science and character education? Care to donate to our fund drive to secure a van for Nature Now? Click on the donate button at the top of the page.