Educational Activities


School-based Programs

Education Programs

Southern California is one of the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth. The Conservancy’s education programs help children understand the beauty and significance of the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s natural areas and empower them to play a role in its preservation. From elementary school science programs to student research projects, the Conservancy’s goal is to create a commitment to science and nature and to inspire excitement about the outdoors.

Third Grade Student Naturalist Program

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.

Self-guided Field Trips at
White Point Nature Preserve

Are you interested in bringing your class to the White Point Nature Education Center and Preserve? With several miles of nature trails, a beautiful native plant demonstration garden and an engaging nature center this can be the perfect destination to get your students out in nature. On Wednesdays (by reservation) our staff are available to open the Nature Center to your group and provide a brief age-appropriate welcome talk (including information about the nature preserve, local wildlife and trail safety.) You can then lead your students through exploration of the nature center and out on the trail. Our staff will be in the nature center to answer questions and engage students in our exhibits. We are also happy to help you plan your trip, including providing digital trail maps and wildlife guides. Self-guided field trips are free of charge, but we do require pre-registration and that  groups bring enough supervision to ensure student safety and safety of the sensitive habitats that they are exploring. For more information:

contact: Holly Gray, Education Program Manager
email: hgray@pvplc.org