Solano PreK-12 Environmental Resource Guide for Educators by Solano County Office of Education

PRE K - 12 EDUCATOR RESOURCE GUIDE

Quickstart ideas for teaching students within and about the environment in Solano County

Quickstart

Teacher

Art

Energy,

School

Green

Native

Place-based

Outdoor

Early

School

MISSION AND VISION

MISSION VISION

Solano County Office of Education’s mission is to promote equity and excellence by working with our school districts and community partners to create opportunities that address the needs of every student

SCOE’s strategic vision is to prepare students to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY GOAL

Solano County Office of Education works with our school districts and community partners to prepare students to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success by leading, collaborating with and supporting programs that promote opportunities for students to learn within and about the environment

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY

Environmental Literacy pla role in supporting Solano C

Superintendent of School’s of high-quality teaching an readiness and skill develop and enrichment for all stud safety and student wellnes education advocacy and le

Environmentally literate st awareness, knowledge, ski appreciation of the environ individually and with other ecologically sound, econom prosperous, and equitable for present and future gen Students become environm through lived experiences, lessons, experiential educa learning and play.

Now is the moment to elev environmental literacy as a element of a 21st century e California, and to establish collaboration, strategic par necessary funding to ensur environmental literacy for students.

Resource: CA Environmental Principles and Concepts

Reference: CA Blueprint for Environmental Literacy

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations.

We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands

Approved by Yocha Dehe Tribal Council (July 23, 2019)

Patwin [PUTT-win]

Cachil Dehe [CATCH-ill DEE-HEE]

Kletsel Dehe [KLET-SELL DEE-HEE]

Yocha Dehe [YO-chuh DEE-HEE]

Wintun [WIN- tune]

Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E

GET STARTED TODAY FOR FREE WITH LITTLE OR NO PREP

HOW TO TEACH NATURE JOURNALING

Use a nature journal or piece of paper as a tool for noticing similarities and differences between two objects found in the outdoors

Quickstart Nature Journal

NATURE JOURNAL DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

This handy quick-start guide includes everything you need to get started nature journaling.

Quickstart: Free Digital Download Guide

MOVING LEARNING OUTSIDE

The Start-up Toolkit is designed to help you imagine, plan, and implement outdoor learning at your school using selected tools from Green Schoolyards America

Quickstart: Start-up Toolkit

SCHOOLYARD ACTIVITY GUIDE

Schoolyard Activity Guides is designed for a wide range of outdoor activity ideas for schools that work with students between the ages of 3 and 18 years old.

Quickstart: Schoolyard Activity Guides

RECESS PLANNING IN SCHOOLS

Recess is an important part of the school environment It provides physical activity outside during the school day and supports students' physical health and social and emotional well-being

Quickstart: CDC’s Guide to Recess Planning

FARM TO FORK: FOOD SYSTEMS

FoodSpan is 17 lessons designed so teachers can work through the entire curriculum or teach lessons individually

Quickstart: Farm to Fork Curriculum

EAT THE RAINBOW

Students will learn about the health benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Consider partnering with nutrition services on campus

Quickstart: Farm to Fork Curriculum

WHAT IS A SIT SPOT?

A sit spot is taking time to be in one place in nature by yourself. Learn the basics of how to do a sit spot to support and how it can support student learning and mental health and well-being

Quickstart: Introduction to Sit Spots

SIT SPOT LESSON PLAN

Students will learn what a sit spot is, how it can be used to observe nature, and think about where to create their own sit spot. The practice supports mindfulness, builds routine and increases focus.

Quickstart: Wildsight Education Lesson

LEADING NATURE WALKS

Join Cornell Lab of Ornithology Education Specialist Kelly Schaeffer and Outreach Coordinator Lindsay Glasner as they share helpful tips for leading kids through the great outdoors

Quickstart: Leading Nature Walks

WATERSHED

Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E

PARTNER WITH EXPERTS IN SOLANO COUNTY

EXPLORERS - GRADE 3

An introductory program teaching basic ecology concepts and stewardship responsibilities The goal is to help students develop an awareness of the outdoor, natural world

Quickstart: Watershed Explorers

BENICIA WATER - GRADES 4 & 5

Students learn where their drinking water comes from, where their storm and wastewater goes, and how to be good stewards of their water resources

Quickstart: Benicia Water Education

SUISUN MARSH WATERSHED - GRADE 6

Suisun Marsh Watershed Program deepens student understanding of watershed ecology and the ramifications of human behaviors on the system

Quickstart: Suisun Marsh Watershed

BIOMONITORING - HIGH SCHOOL

Students study stream ecology and focus on a single creek, evaluating watershed health through physical, chemical, and biological assessments

Quickstart: Biomonitoring Local Creek

SOLANO TEACHER INSTITUTE

Grow your instructional practice and deepen your content knowledge through the award-winning Project WET curriculum as well as presentations by local experts

Quickstart: Water Institute for Teachers

WATER EDUCATION PROGRAM K-12

The in-class education programs as well as the resource materials and assembly programs are innovative, fun, multidisciplinary and aligned to the content standards for California public schools for all grade levels (K-Twelve)

Quickstart: Fairfield Suisun Sewer District

BAY DELTA CLASSROOM AQUARIUM

Using eggs provided by a hatchery, classes set up and maintain an aquarium to observe fish development prior to releasing them back into nature Curriculum is provided to support learning across curriculum areas

Quickstart: Aquarium Education Program

WHATS GROWING ON IN SOLANO?

Sustainable Solano has grown their youth engagement across our various programs, including opportunities for Solano high school students Their events page has opportunities for youth and community engagement. Find out what’s going on.

Quickstart: Sustainable Solano Events

MARSHES MATTER AT RUSH RANCH

Bring your class on a field trip to Rush Ranch Local kids have been coming to Rush Ranch Open Space on field trips for many years to learn about the importance of the marsh in our local ecosystem.

Quickstart: Rush Ranch Field Trip

LOMA VISTA FARM

Loma Vista Farm provides students with experiential learning opportunities that bolster their academic skills in a farmbased setting. The Farm is a five-acre outdoor classroom that provides hands-on educational activities

Quickstart: Loma Vista Teacher Resources

TEACHER CALL TO ACTION

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND HEALTH AND WELLNESS

CA ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY INITIATIVE

It is our responsibility to empower students with the knowledge, support, and skills they need to face their future. All of California’s students deserve equitable access to learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom

BENEFITS TO LEARNING WITHIN AND ABOUT NATURE

Students who learn within and about the natural environment have increased engagement, and have physical and mental health benefits. Learning in nature is often referred to as an opportunity for students to “refuel in flight.”

(Kuo, Browning, and Penner)

“ … It is time to bring nature and nature-based pedagogy into formal education– to expand existing, isolated efforts into increasingly mainstream practices.”

County Office of Education

- KUO, BARNS, AND JORDAN

CURRICULUM, CAMPUS, AND COMMUNITY

A system-wide approach to environmental literacy focuses on three key areas: curriculum, campus, and community Schools embed sustainability into the curriculum to ensure students learn about environmental issues across grades and subjects On campus, green practices like water conservation, energy efficiency, school gardens, and outdoor classrooms transform schools into living labs Local organizations partner with schools to offer hands-on learning and field trips to parks and open spaces, promoting community-wide experiences for learning and family involvement. This approach empowers students to become informed, engaged stewards to care for the plant and be future leaders in our community.

ART IN NATURE

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Creating art in nature can increase environmental awareness and connection to nature, as well as increase student wellbeing. (Moula, Palmer and Walshe, 2022)

WILD WONDER NATURE JOURNALING

Involve learners of all ages in nature journaling and outdoor learning with 31 activities, emphasizing specific journaling skills and focusing on distinct aspects of the natural world

OUTDOOR ARTS INTEGRATION

Humboldt County Office of Education’s environmental education teacher offers lessons to integrate with your curriculum to increase knowledge and build in time for creativity and social and relationship skills

GREEN SCHOOLYARD ACTIVITY GUIDE

Green Schoolyards America has created a free activity guide designed for a wide range of outdoor activities for ages 3-18. Beginning on page 23 you will find art activities for students to do outside on the schoolyard campus.

PBS LEARNING MEDIA - ART SCHOOL

Join PBS art school where student artists learn about the elements of art while creating, painting, collating, and sculpting outside with PBS Learning

ART IN NATURE CONTINUED

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

ARTS BENICIA TEEN ART PROGRAM

Arts Benicia’s Teen Art Program (TAP) supports the artistic development of teens through a variety of programs, which include visiting artists in public schools, after school art clubs, and art classes in the Arts Benicia classroom

SOLANO COUNTY GALLERIES

Connect with a local gallery and invite a plein air artist to share about their outdoor art or exhibit Collaborating with galleries and artists for tours, workshops, and interactive sessions strengthens teaching and learning experiences for educators and students

SOLANO STUDENT ART SHOWCASE

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) Youth Development Department collaborates with local community-based organizations to develop a countywide Student Art Showcas

SOLANO COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Solano Arts Council works with individuals, groups, and schools to support projects, provide networking opportunities, coordinate space for projects, and produce events including Art in Schools, Eco Art, Art Festivals and more

ENERGY, AIR, AND CLIMATE

AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Maintaining air quality through clean energy measures helps create a healthy outdoor environment for students and the community SCHOOL

NOAA: SEA TO SKY

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Education resources created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and their partners Resources can be filtered by grade level, subject, resource type, topic, NGSS standard and more!

US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Environmental and science-based lesson plans, activities, and ideas from EPA, other federal agencies, and external organizations Topics include air, climate change, ecosystems, energy, health, waste, and water.

CLIMATE GOV

Resources for teachers to examine climate resiliency, mitigation strategies and more. Includes activities, videos, curriculum, demos and experiments, and data visualization tools. Can filter subject, grade level, and climate and energy principle.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

K-12 curriculum for geography and species populations, air, water, energy, and resource management. This curriculum helps students see the relevance of science and engineering to their lives Written prior to NGSS, however, contains valuable resources (including visual aids, readings, activities, and maps) that can be integrated into NGSS standards

ENERGY, AIR, AND CLIMATE CONTINUED

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

YOLO-SOLANO

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Yolo-Solano Air Quality District hosts a K-12 art contest for students annually The program includes a Clean Air Art/Calendar Contest, classroom visits, and presentations To request a class presentation or District participation in a school event contact the public outreach coordinator

BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), aims to raise awareness about air quality issues among young people. It offers resources, programs, and educational materials to engage students and educators in understanding the importance of air quality and promoting sustainable practices.

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE

Lawrence Hall of Science's tool aids teachers in pinpointing curriculum connections in grade-level units focusing on environmental concepts and helps integrate outdoor learning into classroom routines It also facilitates school partners in providing outdoor programs aligned with in-class science learning

ENERGY IS EVERYTHING

Energy is Everything, a California-based non-profit education program of The Energy Coalition, offers complimentary STEMfocused curriculum resources covering topics such as agriculture, greening, air and transportation, circuitry, climate literacy, electricity, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and waste management

SCHOOL GARDENS

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

KIDS GARDENING

Kids Gardening supports educators by providing lessons, tools, and resources for hands-on learning experiences and inquirybased exploration. Lessons include worms at work, designing accessible gardens, object-based storytelling, photosynthesis, the soil is alive, garden to give and so much more.

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Dig through lessons for teachers, after-school coordinators, and anyone educating students in all grades Ag in the Classroom is dedicated to supporting educators and youth throughout California about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives

FOOD SPAN: FARM TO FORK

Johns Hopkins' Center for a Livable Future offers 17 free high school lessons to explore food system issues, promoting healthy choices and inspiring advocacy for change.

DIG IN: NUTRITION EDUCATION

The U.S. Department of Agriculture shares their Dig In! Standards-based nutrition lessons from the ground up. Includes ten inquiry-based lessons that engage 5th and 6th graders in growing, harvesting, tasting, and learning about fruits and vegetables

SCHOOL GARDENS CONTINUED

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

SUSTAINABLE SOLANO

Solano County movement for sustainability supporting school and community gardens High schoolers can join a certification program addressing environmental challenges, with internships in cooking and youth wellness, and an air quality monitoring youth program

LOMA VISTA FARM

Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo provides students with experiential learning that bolsters their academic skills in a farm-based setting The Farm is a five-acre outdoor classroom that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals for children of all ages and abilities

EDIBLE SCHOOLYARDS

The Edible Schoolyard Project seeks to bring students’ lived experiences into the classroom to connect their lives to their learning The Edible Schoolyard Project supports students, teachers, and families by offering curricula and resources at no charge.

SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Educators and eligible students may enroll in courses at Solano Community College to learn more about local horticulture. The horticulture program is designed to provide theory and practical experience needed to enter the horticulture field or prepare for advancement or certification

GREEN SCHOOLYARDS

According to the State of Our Schools Report, public schools use approximately 2 million acres of land. Providing equitable access to green schoolyards can support overall academic achievement and health and wellness for educators and students.

TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

Community Schoolyards Program aims to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Educators are encouraged to serve on district and county facilities committees or work groups to encourage green schoolyards

WHAT IS A GREEN SCHOOLYARD?

Learn what a green schoolyard is and the benefits to educators, students and the community. Learn how to get started, make the case, and move forward with educational leaders.

SCHOOLYARD FOREST SYSTEM

Support a schoolyard forest system by engaging students in the design, implementation, and stewardship of the system. Teachers can use the space as an extension of the classroom to engage students in learning about science, math, English language arts, social studies and civic engagement, career technical education, arts, world languages, and health

CHILDRENS NATURE NETWORK

Expand the classroom into the outdoors, and on campus to create nature-based learning spaces that enrich the adopted curriculum and increase student engagement by providing an outdoor lab for learning

NATIVE CULTURES

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Educational resources for teachers to use for professional learning and within their classrooms for teaching about the environment through the lens of history, culture, science, writing, stories, art, and more!

MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

This Smithsonian museum offers resources, lessons, and professional development for educators through the Native Knowledge 360 team Includes images of primary sources

YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION RESOURCES

A diverse collection featuring books, crafts, flyers, collateral, and recipes, each meticulously selected to provide insights into the rich traditions and values of the Yocha Dehe community

NATIVE LAND MAPS

This map resource is a tool for educators to bring history and geography into classrooms through a historical and cultural lens. The map doesn’t represent official legal boundaries and has been made by contributions of the community.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE: TRIBAL NATIONS

Learn about how Tribal Nations are effectively addressing the impacts of climate change with the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, developed by NOAA with partners like NASA. Indigenous communities prioritize self-determination in crafting resilient strategies aligned with their needs, leveraging Indigenous Knowledge and values in climate actions Traditional knowledges and new approaches are used together to address climate change and related impacts

PLACE-BASED NATURE WALKS

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

“Kids who have direct access to nature are better learners Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase attention spans” -Richard Louv

THOUGHT SWAP

Provide an opportunity for students to notice, observe, and talk about a topic or phenomenon Students practice listening, sharing reflections, and using scientific language in a small group or class discussion Students share their ideas and learn to value differing perspectives.

NATURE WALK: 5 STEPS TO SUCCESS

Education Specialists from Cornell Lab of Ornithology share helpful tips for leading kids through the great outdoors Consider bringing a hand lens for students or using birdidentifying apps to incorporate technology if desired

GRATITUDE NATURE WALK

Bring students to walk in nature-based areas on campus or to a nearby park or garden area students note what they are grateful for and then create a collaborative art piece of their thoughts, ideas, and experience

SOLO NATURE WALK

Plan a solo walk using thought prompt cards on campus or at a nearby park. The cards turn an ordinary walk into an exciting learning journey that may also foster a connection to the campus and community. Customize the cards to align with the curriculum. Upon return, consider using the Thought Swap lesson idea included in this guide.

PLACE-BASED NATURE WALKS CONTINUED

Download the Xplore Solano App LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Guide to Solano County Outdoors: Parks and Open Spaces

SOLANO RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Solano Resource Conservation District supports K-12 students and educators with in-class lessons and field trips to local parks Educators can sign up for their annual educator training highlighting local open spaces and learning from the award-winning Project Water Education Training curriculum.

WALKING FIELD TRIP

Create opportunities for students to learn science, math, and literacy outdoors while they explore and learn in and about the environment. Map accessible locations to learn, observe, count, write, and more with these lessons designed for grades K-5, but can be modified for all grades.

PLACE-BASED LEARNING: FIELD GUIDE

Encourage students to explore nature on campus, in their neighborhood, or in a local park Students then create a field guide of the plants and animals they observe and research Extension - present to local experts, create an exhibit or video of student work, or act as naturalists to younger students for a tour.

NATURE HIKES: ADULT EDUCATORS

Educators are invited to join docents with Solano Land Trust on Saturdays to explore spaces such as Vallejo Swett, Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, and Lynch Canyon to learn about historical culture, birds of prey, native plants and animals, and more! Check the events calendar Some fees may apply

OUTDOOR PLAY

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Outdoor recess provides a variety of benefits to students, including physical health, cognitive/academic, and social and emotional. Through play, recess is a time for students to build relationships, and learn to communicate, problem-solve, and exercise. Public schools educate nearly 51 million students annually and recess is an important developmental opporurtunity during the school day

LIINK PROJECT

Liink Project supports school-wide professional learning for administrators and educators based on research in the U.S. and other countries to incorporate an inclusive, innovative model of recess.

PLAYWORKS GAMES FOR SEL

Playworks Pro provides training and ongoing professional development to school administrators, teachers, and staff to create and maintain a great recess throughout the school year Dowload their Games for SEL today!

GREAT RECESS FRAMEWORK OBSERVATIONAL TOOL

The Great Recess Framework (GRF) Observational Tool can be used by educators and administrators to observe and document the campus playground and to collect baseline data to use for decision-making.

ADOLESCENT MOVEMENT

Adolescents need unstructured play and movement breaks to the same degree as elementary students Students can rejuvenate, refocus and come back to class ready to learn. Students are more cognitively efficient and have a chance to practice social skills, leadership, cooperation and communication.

*Elementary school children in California are required to have daily recess beginning during the 2024-2025 school year

EARLY LEARNING

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RESOURCES

The Children’s Nature Network highlights the benefits of nurturing children in nature, noting it can improve the immune system, cultivate emotional resilience, increase the ability to focus, improve teamwork, strengthen skills for academic success, and more.

PROJECT LEARNING TREE

Project Learning Tree is an environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with children from preschool through grade 12. They offer several complimentary sample lessons for teachers to try with the option to purchase their curriculum books.

CREATE WITH NATURE

California Academy of Sciences encourages all children to engage with nature through tinkering, playing, creating meaningful conversations, and more. Naturebased lessons can be filtered based on resource type, grade level, language, and more!

POWERFUL ROLE OF PLAY

Guide for best practices for planning curriculum for young children Outdoor play benefits children's development and creating outdoor environments for play enables teachers to observe and assess children's interactions and use of play spaces.

OUTDOOR PLAY IS ESSENTIAL - NAEYC

Outdoor, unstructured play is important for children to explore their environment freely, engage with nature, and develop a sense of stewardship towards the natural world This article also acknowledges the challenges to outdoor play and offers strategies for educators and caregivers to encourage and facilitate outdoor play opportunities for children

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

By integrating CTE into environmental education across pathways, California prepares its youth for future careers in green industries while promoting ecological awareness and responsibility.

STUDENT CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Student Conservation Association - Bay Area provides paid opportunities for students to learn about parks, explore local ecology, and unlock personal potential Students move through conservation experiences and develop leadership roles and increase their job skills to succeed in their professional pursuits.

GREEN JOBS - PROJECT LEARNING TREE

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CAREERS

This curriculum aims to introduce students to various careers in conservation and management It includes activities, lesson plans, and resources designed to engage students in exploring forest-related professions and understanding the interconnectedness between ecosystems and human livelihoods North America Association for Environmental Careers emphasizes the interconnectedness between the environment and multiple career paths, encouraging individuals to consider environmental aspects in their professional pursuits

GREEN PATHWAY INTEGRATION

Today‘s youth must understand that the choices they make affect the environment and will impact many career paths and opportunities well into the future. Integrating Environmental Literacy into Career Readiness Programs is easy! Check out this guidebook that offers lesson plans, resources, and how Environmental Literacy can easily be integrated into Career Technical Education

SCHOOL TO HOME CONNECTION

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Please join Solano County Office of Education as we offer ideas and places to explore with students and families. With almost 910 square miles in Solano County, there are plenty of places to learn, explore, and play!

SOLANO OUTDOOR EXPLORER QUEST

Bring friends and family to get outside and explore! The Solano Outdoor Explorer Quest is a wildlife course with QRcoded signs leading to videos about local plants and animals Ideal for students to explore, enjoy the outdoors, learn, and connect with nature

SOLANO PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Check out Solano County Office of Education’s website to learn more about local plants and animals. Teachers may use the informational resources in the classroom, and families may enjoy exploring local parks to see how many species can be found! Happy exploring.

SOLANO COUNTY PARKS

Solano County Parks are stewards of Solano County's natural and cultural resources and create safe environments and showcase facilities for visitors to enjoy diverse recreational experiences

BENICIA STATE RECREATION AREA

Cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and roller skaters enjoy the park’s 2 1/2 miles of road and bike paths. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, bird watching, and fishing. Three "Enroute" campsites are available for an overnight stay on a "first-come, first-served" basis with no reservations possible Tents are not permitted

RESOURCES

Blueprint for Environmental Literacy

Educating Every Student In, About, and For the Environment (link)

California Academy of Science: Expanded Learning Science Action Club (link)

California Environmental Literacy Initiative (link)

California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network - Region 4 (link)

Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-andEffect Relationship (link)

Do Lessons in Nature Boost Subsequent Classroom Engagement? Refueling Students in Flight (link)

Environmental Principles and Concepts

Examines the interactions and interdependence of human societies and natural systems (link)

Solano County Office of Education Environmental Education Resources (link)

Solano Youth Outdoors Map (link)

A Systematic Review of Arts-Based Interventions Delivered to Children and Young People in Nature or Outdoor Spaces: Impact on Nature Connectedness, Health and Wellbeing (link)

A Teacher Call to Action for Environmental Literacy (link)

SOLANO COUNTY DIRECTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY PARTNERS

AIR QUALITY DISTRICTS

Solano County is served by two air quality management districts; the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District The goal of each district is to protect health and property from the harmful effects of air pollution, oversee policies, and adopt regulations for the control of air pollution within each district

https://www.ysaqmd.org

(530) 304-5833

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management

Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, and Suisun areas

Yolo-Solano Air Quality District hosts a K-12 art contest for students annually. The program includes a Clean Air Art/Calendar Contest, classroom visits, and presentations. To request a class presentation or district participation in a school event contact the public outreach coordinator

https://www.baaqmd.gov

(707) 428-9138

Bay Area Air Quality Management

Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista areas

BENICIA WATER DISTRICT

The Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District takes pride in its Educational Programs by creating partnerships and collaborating with schools and community organizations to increase knowledge and create positive changes in behavior that limit impacts on wastewater systems and the environment.

www fairfieldsuisunsewer ca gov/ (707) 678-1655

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Watershed Explorers Third Grade

The Suisun Marsh Watershed Education Program runs annually during the fall semester. It includes three class lessons and a field trip to Solano Land Trust's Rush Ranch Open Space in the Suisun Marsh. This program provides students with an opportunity to experience a rare and special watershed The program deepens student understanding of watershed ecology and the ramifications of human behaviors on the system

Benicia Water Education Fourth and Fifth Grade

The Benicia Water Education Program engages fourth and fifth-grade students in exploring their local watershed Students learn where their drinking water comes from, where their storm and wastewater go, and how to be good stewards of their water resources Includes field trips to the water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant The fifth-grade program includes a field trip to the Lake Herman watershed Includes transportation

Suisun Marsh Sixth Grade

Creek Biomonitoring

High School / March or April

The Biomonitoring program is an intensive, hands-on program that includes three classroom presentations on stream ecology and watersheds, macroinvertebrate identification, and data interpretation Students also participate in a field trip to a local creek, during which they collect chemical and physical data on the site, as well as collect and identify macroinvertebrates to aid in a biological assessment of the waterway

LOMA VISTA FARM

Loma Vista Farm is a 5-acre outdoor classroom that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals for children of all ages and abilities. We seek to increase students’ knowledge of nature and nutrition while enhancing academic learning, ecoliteracy, and psychosocial development. Loma Vista Farm is a public and private venture between the Vallejo City Unified School District and the Friends of Loma Vista Farm, a community-based nonprofit organization established in 2003. The farm was started by the Vallejo City Unified School District in 1974.

https://lomavistafarm org

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Class Field Trips

Available year-round

Enjoy a day with students at the farm Field trips are open to schools, daycares childcare centers as well as garden clubs, community youth clubs, and more.

Cost $5/student

Free for VCUSD students

Duration: Approx 1 - 2.5 hours

(707) 556-8765

Teacher Resources

Downloadable Resources

Loma Vista Farm provides teachers with resources including downloadable worksheets on farm animal anatomy, animal study grap and resources for language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as recipes to try!

FAIRFIELD-SUISUN SEWER DISTICT

www.fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov/

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

School Water Education Program

Grades K-12

The School Water Education Program (SWEP) in-class education programs as well as the resource materials and assembly programs are innovative, fun, multidisciplinary, and aligned to the content standards SWEP’s offerings encourage students and adults to develop a healthy attitude of personal responsibility toward our environment and to develop the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the decisionmaking process on issues involving our resources, in particular conserving our most precious natural resource, water.

Field Trip to the Treatment Facility

All Grades

Teachers can bring students for a free tour of the plant to learn about improving water quality and the fragile downstream environment of the Suisun Marsh and San Francisco Bay Transportation cost share (50%) is available for schools within the sewer district service area (i e the cities of Fairfield and Suisun City

EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONTINUED

Suisun Marsh Program Sixth Grade

The Suisun Marsh Watershed Education Program enhances understanding of ecology and human impacts. Its goal is to equip students to protect their environment. Focused on a specific watershed, it extends lessons from the Watershed Explorers Program Participants learn to: Explain stormwater pollution effects, including motor oil, pet waste, chemicals, and trash Identify and conserve their drinking water source

Fairfield Suisun Sewer District Education Program & Tour Seventh Grade

Students gain an understanding of wastewater's journey from their community to Suisun Marsh and FSSD's role in protecting it. Through the program, students: Understand water's path from source to treatment to outflow into Suisun Marsh Identify wetlands' vital functions, like those of Suisun Marsh Describe FSSD's wastewater treatment processes

SOLANO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Solano RCD’s environmental education programs impact thousands of Solano County students and works to get students outside to learn about local resources Solano RCD also has educational programs for teachers

2024 Solano RCD Watershed Education brochure.

1170 N Lincoln, Ste. 110 Dixon, CA 95620 www solanorcd org

education@solanorcd.org

(707) 678-1655

SOLANO LAND TRUST

Solano Land Trust seeks to inspire a love of the land and preserve it for people, food, and the natural environment Solano Land Trust was founded in 1986 as the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation as a result of open space advocates, land developers, and a municipal government working together to benefit the whole community

info@solanolandtrust org

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Marshes Matter - Rush Ranch September - June

Teachers may bring their class on a field trip to learn about the importance of the marsh in our region. Students learn about flora and fauna, how the ecosystem works together, and how individual choices affect the health of the water in the Suisun Marsh Students experience the wildlife, history, and geography of a working ranch located on the largest estuary on the West Coast during this three-hour walking adventure

Jepson Prairie Preserve March - May

Educators can arrange field trips to Jepson Prairie for a special tour in March, April or May. Docents will lead students on a special tour for your class while the wild flowers are blooming The tour can be similar to our public tours, or customized to fit your class’ content or special interests

(707) 420-1041

Hike with Docents Saturdays

Educators are invited to join docents on Saturdays to explore preserved open spaces such as Vallejo Swett, Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, and Lynch Canyon to learn about historical culture, birds of prey, native plants and animals, and more! Check the events calendar Some fees may apply

SUSTAINABLESOLANO

Sustainable Solano started with community gardens and has grown to include an emphasis on creating sustainable, regenerative environments, community capacity building, supporting local food systems, and building youth leadership and workforce skills for a better future

https://sustainablesolano org/

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Youth Leadership Council Volunteer Leadership Service

Youth Leadership Council strives to educate and empower youth to become leaders within their communities through advocacy, collaboration and outreach to nurture a more sustainable Solano County. The YLC is for high school students who have already interned with Sustainable Solano and wish to continue their volunteer service.

Youth Wellness Program

Approximately 10 weeks

High school students connect with seasonal, local food while also connecting with each other through this program, which emphasizes time spent planting and growing in the garden, preparing and sharing healthy meals with local produce, and spending time together while also learning about mindfulness, self-care and mental health resources Students leave with practical skills, an understanding of where their food comes from and how to prepare it, and a greater sense of community

info@sustainablesolano org

Youth Resiliency Internships

Stipend Provided

High school students have the opportunity to engage around environmental injustices and climate challenges in their own communities while exploring solutions at an individual and community level to create change Internships can explore community resilience around air quality, flood risk, heat mitigation and more Students participate in guided community outreach, education and engagement for community-driven action

LEARNING

WITHIN AND ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

VALLEJOFLOODAND WASTEWATERDISTRICT

We provide high-quality educational programs to students in the greater Vallejo area Treating the wastewater that comes through our plant and preventing pollution from flowing through Vallejo's storm drains to the Bay is a complex and important job, and we are proud to have served you for more than 65 years Being your partner, in public health and environmental protection, is what we're all about We appreciate the valuable partnership with the Solano Resource Conservation District for providing skilled educators, expertise, passion, and innovative teaching approaches to our school programs

https://www vallejowastewater org/3 38/Community-Outreach

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Watershed Explorers Third Grade

Vallejo third-graders can explore their watershed along the banks of the Carquinez Strait between Vallejo and Benicia through Watershed Explorers This free program utilizes science and place-based learning to build awareness and understanding of how stormwater affects the unique ecosystems of local creeks and watersheds and how peoples' behavior plays an important role in watershed health.

Field Trip Tour of Wastewater Treatment Plant

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Teachers can bring students for a field trip to our wastewater treatment plant Includes the cost of the bus Tours are one and a half hours Teachers receive a pre-tour packet with classroom activities and a video link to ready students for their onsite visit

(707) 652-7812

Suisun Marsh Watershed Sixth Grade

The Suisun Marsh Watershed Education Program provides participants with an opportunity to experience a rare and special watershed Students learn how to identify the source of their drinking water and how to conserve it Students also learn about threats to Suisun Marsh and the solutions to those threats

Creek Biomonitoring High School

The Biomonitoring Program works with Vallejo high school students at Jesse Bethel, Vallejo, and MIT Academy High Schools to study stream ecology and focus on a single creek, evaluating watershed health through physical, chemical, and biological assessments