U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Learning Landscapes
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California BLM manages more than 15 million acres in the state—from sagebrush plains to old-growth forests, sand dunes to Pacific coastline, and deserts to lush river valleys. Key BLM sites in California include the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the California Coastal National Monument, and two national conservation areas—the California Desert Conservation Area and the King Range National Conservation Area along the state’s remote North Coast. Environmentally sensitive areas are also found in many other parts of the state.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS Arcata Field Office, Phone: (907) 825-2300 Headwaters Habitat & Home Students study habitats, first through an agency presentation in the classroom and later on a field trip to the Headwaters Forest Reserve. On the field trip, students analyze habitat components and study artifacts from the historic mill town of Falk. A curriculum packet for teachers enhances these activities. All materials and activities are correlated to California academic content standards. Redwood Environmental Education Fair Offered each May, this fair brings community environmental educators to teach local elementary students. Students participate in various exercises, including “Compass Conundrum,” in which they learn to use a compass, determine their pace, and follow a course; and “Natural Journal,” an observation activity, in which students find clues about endangered species that live in Humboldt County. Adopt a Beach A classroom slide show stresses the importance of beach clean-up and removing invasive beach grass. Then, students from schools near Humboldt Bay who “adopt a beach” go to the South Spit Cooperative Area, where they spend a half-day pulling exotic beach grass. After the activity, an aerial photographer takes a group picture of students using their bodies to spell a message such as “restore balance.” The event usually attracts over 500 students. Bakersfield Field Office, Phone: (661) 391-6000 Miner-49er This program explores the Gold Rush history of the central Sierra Nevada. Students participate in hands-on gold panning in a historic gold district and learn about the miner's life, mining history, and technology. Navigating Public Land These workshops for teachers and aides focus on orienteering and map and compass skills. The multi-day program includes sessions in a controlled environment, as well as sessions on map reading and compass use to locate on-the-ground features. Aquatic Adventures This aquatic habitat investigation and water quality monitoring program utilizes existing water quality curricula, including GLOBE info, River Project, Project WET, and Hands on the Land program data sheets and web pages. General Land Office and History of Public Lands A vintage U.S. Army tent is set up as the frontier “General Land Office,” circa 1880s. Kids learn about the public land survey system, participate in an Oklahoma-style “Land Rush,” and then file “claims” with the local land office. They also learn about homesteading and actual land claims in their local area. Barstow Field Office, Phone: (760) 252-6060 Junior Naturalist Program The Desert Discovery Center (DDC) presents environment-based education programs for K-12 students. Offered throughout the school year, half-day or whole-day programs for elementary and intermediate schools teach students about subjects ranging from biology and botany to Leave No Trace ethics and the Closing the Loop curriculum. Bishop Field Office, Phone: (760) 872-5000 Fish Slough Field School All 2nd- and 4th-graders in public school systems throughout the Owens Valley participate in these programs. All are geared to state grade-level curriculum standards and are coordinated among grade levels, including 6th-grade programs conducted elsewhere in the same watershed. The 2nd-grade program centers on collecting aquatic invertebrates and emphasizes metamorphosis. The 4th-grade program features four stations: geology, archaeology, ecology, and botany. California Desert District Office, Phone: (951) 697-5200 Envirothon In this annual competition for high school students, teams compete by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. Volunteer advisors, including resource specialists from BLM, meet regularly with team members from late autumn until spring. Team training includes field trips to natural resource sites, museums, or other areas of interest; listening to presentations given by natural resource professionals; and careful study of natural resource materials. Eagle Lake Field Office, Phone: (530) 257-0456 Litchfield Wild Horse and Burro Corrals Field Trips Each year, third graders from nearby schools tour the Litchfield wild horse and burro corrals. At several learning stops, the students learn about the BLM’s multiple use mission and how wild horse and burro herds are protected and managed. They learn about adoption, caring for horses and how wild horses and burros survive in the wild. A game station and lunch on the haystacks liven up the day. Willow Creek and Belfast Petroglyphs Field Trip Staff members from various disciplines lead tours of the Belfast Petroglyph site, a location well known to local residents. The site is ideal for explaining how early people made use of natural resources. In addition to petroglyphs, the site contains grinding stones, mortars and pestles and evidence of a rock-ringed ceremonial area. Students also learn about the natural resources present at this high desert site, and about the importance of the stream (Willow Creek) and its riparian corridor. Susanville Railroad Depot BLM staff members participate in leading field trips to the historic Susanville Railroad Depot, which is also the eastern terminus of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. At the depot, students learn about the logging and railroading heritage of their community. The field trips feature tours inside the railroad caboose at the BLM trailhead. El Centro Field Office, Phone: (760) 337-4400 Botany/Desert Plant Adaptations Presentation This one-hour program consists of a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on activities that explain basic botany principles and highlight desert plant adaptations in southern California. Ranger on Demand Environment-based programs tailored to individual school needs, grades K-12. Folsom Field Office, Phone: (916) 985-4474 Cosumnes River Preserve Education Outreach A variety of programs provide teacher training, as well as environmental education and service learning opportunities for K-12 students. Pine Hill Preserve Education and Outreach The program provides opportunities for students to learn about rare plants growing on gabbroic soils, participate in habitat restoration projects, and implement research and monitoring projects to support protection and management of habitat for rare plants. Hollister Field Office, Phone: (831) 630-5500 Pull a Weed, Plant a Seed This program consists of a hands-on demonstration on weed removal, an interactive talk about erosion, and hands-on native seed planting. There is also discussion about what plants do for animals and what plants need to survive. Palm Springs Field Office, Phone: (760) 251-4800 Environmental Education Curriculum This curriculum for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument’s “Classroom Outreach and Field Trip” program uses state curriculum standards, highlighting local natural and cultural history with field exercises. Through a partnership with local school districts, students learn about floral, faunal, geological, and cultural aspects of their environment. Measurement and data collection are emphasized. Summer Nature Encounter/Big Morongo Canyon Preserve This one-week course promotes understanding of the surrounding environment and is used to prepare youth for middle-school science and to support home school programs. School Field Studies/Big Morongo In this two-day natural studies encounter class for K-12, docents from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve provide an in-school program addressing topics such as biology, water, soil, plants, wildlife, and geology. On field study day, students are divided into groups of ten, with one or two instructors leading the students through a hands-on class in desert environments. In-Class Environmental Program/Big Morongo Docents provide a full day of classroom instruction in desert ecology and natural resources to grades K-12, “bringing the outside inside.” Teacher Awareness of Natural Environment This is an ecology and natural resources continuing education program for K-12 grade instructors. Water Guardians This yearly program addresses water and the role it plays in the development of alluvial fans, stream terraces, and braided stream channels. Bird Time Budget This lesson, tied to state standards, includes a classroom presentation and field trip. In the classroom, students learn about the physical adaptations of birds. In the field, students review different bird behaviors, and predict which will be the one most observed on the field trip. Student pair up and observe bird behavior, using a data sheet to tally different behaviors. H.I.K.E. Each year, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument presents H.I.K.E. (Healthy Initiative for Kids in the Environment) to the 4th-grade students of the Desert Sands Unified School District. The program consists of a classroom visit and field trip led by the monument interpretive specialist. Teacher and parent chaperones accompany field trips. Holey Habitat This lesson, tied to state standards, includes a classroom presentation and field trip. In the classroom, students learn about burrowing desert animals, each using a set of pictures to categorize and compare traits. Students learn to take metric measurements by measuring the diameters of “burrow holes” painted on the “Holey Habitat.” They chart the diameters and results are compared. Science Fair Workshop Students can beat the science fair blues and design a super science project at this free workshop that provides research tips from science experts. Redding Field Office, Phone: (530) 224-2100 Clear Creek Greenway programs In cooperation with the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (WSRCD) and numerous local grade schools, BLM cosponsors environmental education programs on Clear Creek throughout the school year. These programs include study of native and invasive plants, watersheds, aquatic biology, and soil science. BLM and WSRCD also assist educators by providing native plants for student to plant in conjunction with the ongoing Clear Creek Restoration Program. Upper Ridge Trail Days, Magalia, CA A variety of partners team up each year in April and May to present a three-day educational and community service program for 100 fifth grade students. Students learn about fire prevention and protection, identification and conservation of native plants and wildlife, and community service. At the end of the event, a few students are selected to go with a truck they have loaded with cut firewood (from dead trees along the trails) and make deliveries to needy families in the Magalia area. Ridgecrest Field Office, Phone: (760) 384-5400 Sand Canyon Environmental Education Program (SEEP) Sand Canyon Environmental Education Program (SEEP) is a community-based program in Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley. The program is designed to give 4th graders an appreciation of natural ecosystems and to emphasize the importance of water conservation in the desert environment. The program involves school sessions, followed by field trips. Community volunteers provide instruction at the schools and at the field stations in Sand Canyon. Learning experiences in the canyon focus on desert and riparian ecology, aquatic invertebrates, native plants, bird-watching, archaeology, and local history Desert Awareness Outreach Program The program is conducted at local schools and preschools. Skits and puppets teach students to respect, protect, and enjoy the desert. At the end of the program, children are “sworn in” as Junior Rangers, pledging to protect the desert, watch animals and plants but not disturb them, and obey adults in charge. Each child is given a Junior Ranger badge.
BEYOND SCHOOL Arcata Field Office, Phone: (707) 825-2300 Headwaters Hikes People can learn more about old growth forest ecosystems and local history by participating in hikes through the Headwaters Forest Reserve. At the north end of the 7,000-acre reserve, a self-guided hike takes participants through the site of Falk, a historic mill town. Hikers can continue on an 11-mile round trip hike into a grove of 1,500 year-old redwoods. BLM staff members lead guided hikes into an old growth redwood grove on weekends from spring through fall, leading discussions about conservation of natural resources. Godwit Days As part of a weekend of events in several areas of Humboldt County, a BLM wildlife biologist and a park ranger conduct tours at the Headwaters Forest Reserve to look for trailside birds. The program also includes an historical and natural history overview of the Reserve and biologist-conducted tours at the South Spit Cooperative Area to look for marine birds. Bakersfield Field Office, Phone: (661) 391-6000 Habitats, Homes and Habits--Who Lives at the Gorge This program explores aquatic and terrestrial life at the San Joaquin River Gorge and can be adapted to special group needs. Guided Nature hikes: by reservation only. Over 22 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails are available for year-round use at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Visitors may explore these trails on their own, or make arrangements for a guided hike for groups large and small. Guided hikes will focus on seasonal topics such as spring wildflowers and wildlife migration. Project Archaeology: Cultural Heritage Awareness This program offers hands-on archaeological and ethnographic studies of local Native American culture, including scientific concepts of archaeology, anthropology, site stewardship and preservation, as well as experiential activities designed to explore historic cultural practices and activities. Programs can be tailored to special audiences such as scout groups, at-risk youth and young adult groups, groups with special needs, college and university classes. Geology: Rockin' at the Gorge! This standards-based study of the science of geology includes landforms, rocks and minerals, soil formation, deposition, erosion, transport, and geologic history of the San Joaquin River Gorge. This program can be adapted for special audiences upon request. Get Energized! Hands-on activities focus on various forms/sources of energy, emphasizing site-based, wind, solar, and hydropower. The program also addresses biological sciences, energy pyramids, and cycles, including how plants and animals use energy. This program can be customized to fit special audiences. A water column and interactive model of a wind-powered turbine are available for demonstration purposes. California Desert District Office, Phone: (951) 697-5200 Los Angeles WOW Wonderful Outdoor World introduces urban youth to outdoor recreation and environmental education during an overnight camping experience in their community. WOW brings the wonders and excitement of camping and the environment directly into neighborhoods and communities of the children most in need. This innovative approach provides kids with the basic skills and encouragement to enjoy further outdoor experiences. El Centro Field Office, Phone: (760) 337-4400 Take it Outside! Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area This self-guided program consists of 25 family activity cards, designed to connect OHV kids and their families to the dune environment. Card activities increase awareness and understanding of OHV safety, dune topography and weather, outdoor ethics, plants, wildlife, border awareness, and the history of the Imperial Sand Dunes. Card sets available at the dunes or through the El Centro Field Office. Hollister Field Office, Phone: (831) 630-5500 Fire Safety Puppet Show (Bubba & Betty Jo) A ten-minute puppet show that discusses general fire safety, “two ways out,” “call 911,” “crawl low in smoke,” and other safety measures. Fire Ecology Puppet Show This ten-minute puppet show discusses prescribed fire and the effects of fire on the environment. Prescribed vs. Wild Fire A 13” x 9” pan is filled to represent a fuel-heavy forest, and another represents a forest from which “ladder fuels” have been removed. Each pan is then set on fire. The results show that a managed forest survives better than the overgrown forest. A discussion on prescribed fire and its benefits concludes the presentation. Fuel Loading Groups of four are each given a high-sided pie pan, various fuels (sticks, grass, and plant branches) and seven matches. After a discussion about the “fire triangle,” fuel moisture, and basic fire behavior, the groups arrange the fuels in the pans and attempt to start a fire. Afterwards, the groups discuss the reasons fuels will or won’t burn. Leave No Trace Puppet show (Penny & Sam) This ten-minute puppet show discusses Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Public Plantings A restoration site is prepared at Fort Ord. Native plants are brought from California State University, Monterey Bay, where they have been grown in greenhouses from seeds collected at Fort Ord. The public is invited to come to Fort Ord to plant the seedlings. Instruction and information are provided, as are entertainment and refreshments. Vernal Pools Puppet Show A puppet show that explains what a vernal pool is and what lives there. Palm Springs Field Office, Phone: (760) 251-4800 Educators Fall Festival/Big Morongo Canyon The festival provides public information and visual displays on available resources at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Hikes with interpretive presentations at various sites throughout the monument address topics including wildflowers of the San Jacinto Mountains, native plants and their uses, reptiles, roadrunners, mountain lions, and the popular “There’s a Monument in Your Backyard.” RV Fire Safety BLM specialists instruct off-road riding enthusiasts in recreation vehicle safety, walk participants through a do-it-yourself inspection, and provide traveling tips and free fire safety materials. Wind Energy This program provides an introduction to the power of wind energy. Redding Field Office, Phone: (530) 224-2100 Spring and Fall Events Interpretive events address topics such as mosses and lichens, natural history, restoration projects, bird banding, and butterflies. Sacramento River Preservation Trust Events Events include interpretive hikes and float trips on the Sacramento River.
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