The program serves 24 schools annually, with approximately 2,000 youngsters coming from elementary schools in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Lomita, Carson, Wilmington, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Los Angeles. About half of the students come from low income areas and Title One schools.

The Program is fully aligned to 3rd Grade “Next Generation Science Standards,” and takes place both in the classroom and brings schoolchildren out to the preserves for meaningful first-hand learning experiences with the natural world.

The program begins with a series of four carefully designed classroom lesson plans that inspire lively, interactive, and artifact-rich experiences. Children are immersed in the processes of scientific inquiry as they examine fossil specimens, native plants species, native animal pelts, mineral samples, and native Tongva tools. Emphasis is placed upon the geology, early inhabitants, history, native plants, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The critical role that humans play in the protection and preservation of these lands and the greater planet, is embedded throughout.

The final session is a field trip to a nearby natural area.  As children explore, education program staff, trained education docents and parent volunteers present activities at learning stations that help students enjoy learning experiences applied in the real world setting along with a stewardship activity for hands-on experience restoring native plants and supporting the survival of local wildlife.