“I have tried all of the top environmental educational programs available, yours was by far the best location, best curriculum. Thank you! We will be back.”
~ Rene Malaki, Science Teacher, Holy Spirit Parish School
Our environmental education programs are ideal for school field trips that align with science standards.
Our curricula align with Common Core, NGSS, and STEAM. Any curriculum is only as good as the person teaching it. We hire and train exceptional staff: research scientists, teachers, naturalists, and world-class mountain guides. Supported risk-taking, embodied peak experiences and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) ensure that your time with us is deeply transformational and educational. We make learning fun, experiential, and personally relevant.
The root word for ecology means “the study of home”. Our 4Roots Method informs all of our programming and fosters powerful inquiry into the eco-systems of self, each other, and the natural world. We cultivate relationships with wonder and awe. Our students strengthen their resilience and grit, clarify their needs and values, and align with what matters to them. We spark enthusiasm for learning.
Climate Change
Explore historical climate patterns and how they shaped the Sierra Nevada
Discuss current climate change research and future questions to address
Investigate local issues, such as climate refugia, snowpack and water storage, drought and development
Identify current plant and wildlife adaptations to a changing climate, and consider future challenges
Contemplate current and future solutions to mitigate and reverse the effects of climate change
Snow Science
Students may visit the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab to learn about climate, meteorology, and snow studies taking place on Donner Summit
Hands-on measurement of snow pack and snow density
Learn to calculate Snow Water Equivalent
Learning the anatomy of a snowflake and many unique crystal formations
Discover the Sierra’s critical role as California’s water bank
Forest Ecology
Hikes through the forest to search for animal tracks and learn how animals adapt and survive on Donner Summit
Tree identification and the many benefits of a healthy forest
Hands-on assessment of the carbon sequestration capacity of local trees
Rich discussion connecting the carbon sequestration lesson to students’ carbon footprint
Meadow Ecology
Riparian habitat/streamside surveys, and wetland studies in Van Norden Meadow
Participation in field studies that are conducted in collaboration with the UC Davis Center for Watershed Science
Data collection may include macroinvertebrate surveys, stream transects and maps, amphibian surveys, groundwater measurement, and vegetation surveys
Discussions about current issues in Van Norden meadow. Career opportunities in wetland ecology and restoration led by local experts in the field
Historical impacts on the meadow ecosystem and South Yuba Watershed, from native populations, settlers, and modern development
Geology
Explorations of the volcanic and granitic landforms of Donner Summit
How the Sierra Nevada mountains were formed
Glacial movement and the creation of watersheds
Human History
Walk back in time to explore:
Tunnel Six, the most difficult section of the entire Transcontinental Railroad and how Chinese Emigrants were able to work successfully in the difficult conditions where others were not
The craggy gap that the emigrant Stevens and Donner parties struggled through with their wagons
Some of the oldest petroglyphs found in the Sierra
Immigrant and indigenous people’s history, making this personally relevant by sharing our own immigration stories
Well Rounded Programs
In addition to science academics, our programs offer games, team-building, group challenges, reflection and mindfulness activities, nature journaling, art, take-home exercises for personal empowerment, evening programs with campfires, student skits, dance, music, yoga and environmental films. Using the science of awe and systems thinking, students connect the dots between the personal and the universal. Each student returns home with a deeper sense of relationship with the natural world, and how this can inform their personal choices, health and well-being – both in school and in their lives. Learn more about SEL
LODGING:
All our programs stay in one of two lodges, both of which are centrally located on Donner Summit. These locations all provide a stunning nature experience in locations in the heart the area we use for our programs. This benefits your experience because there is almost no driving time – you spend more time in the field and less time driving!
The main lodge we use for most of our programs is the historic Sierra Club Clair Tappaan Lodge. (Google Map)
For smaller groups we also use the Hutchinson Lodge. (Google Map)
Clair Tappaan Lodge
Clair Tappaan Lodge is a historic, rustic mountain hostel nestled in the woods near Lake Tahoe, California. With accommodations for up to 80 guests, our lodge is the perfect home base for year-round recreation and relaxation in the Sierra Nevada. The friendly, casual atmosphere, proximity to endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and affordable nightly rates make Clair Tappaan the perfect rustic getaway to the Truckee-Tahoe area.
Clair Tappaan Lodge was built by a dedicated group of Sierra Club volunteers in the early 1930s. Today, guests continue the tradition of adventure and exploration on Donner Pass, much like the pioneers before them. With such a rich history and a wide variety of programs, the Lodge has played an important role in introducing people to the outdoors and providing a safe and friendly environment in which to do so.
Hutchinson Lodge
Built in 1924 as a winter retreat for lovers of the Sierra Nevada, Hutchinson Lodge, originally named the Sierra Ski Club, is a rustic, un-staffed lodge situated in the woods next door to Clair Tappaan Lodge. It is enjoyed year-round by a variety of groups. Guests bring their own bedding and pillow, towels, toiletries, and food. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, two sleeping lofts with bunk beds, an 8-person sauna, showers, and toilets. Two efficient wood-burning stoves provide heat. Max capacity is about 25.
Dozens of winter activities are available at Donner Summit. Groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails start right out the front door. Several downhill skiing areas are in the immediate area with a weekend shuttle service. Spring, summer, and fall activities include hiking, swimming in mountain lakes, biking on-road and off-road, and rock climbing. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearby and Lake Tahoe is just 25 miles away.
