Grassland Environmental Education Center: Growing Up WILD

 Our GEECe hosted field experience spotlights public and private partnerships including those among the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California’s State Refuges, Grassland Water District, and others.  We plan to split our day between the classroom and wetland trails. Owls will be a topic through which we explore interconnected ecosystems and food webs.  We plan time for thoughtful owl pellet dissections as well as a sponsored, expertly guided, personal raptor experience. Our activities will meet certification requirements and grant-funded receipt of the Growing Up WILD conservation education guide for each participant. Our activities will meet certification requirements and grant-funded receipt of the Growing Up WILD conservation education guide for each participant.

Growing Up WILD is a conservation education resource designed for those working with children ages 3 to 7. It offers both formal (pre-school and classroom teachers) and non-formal educators (everyone else) meaningful information and an abundance of activities and resources. Growing Up WILD is easily scaled up for older children and is regularly used as part of projects which have older youth trained and supported in working with younger ones. Participation in a workshop is required for accessing a grant funded guide.

$40 Workshop Fee

There are a limited number of spots for this event, and it will likely fill quickly. Please use the button below to sign up. If the course is full you will be placed on the wait list. If space opens up, we will let you know (no later than Tuesday, 2/22). You will be asked to pay a $40 non-refundable registration fee within 24 hours and be able to join us.

For more information on this event, or arranging other WILD Workshops, please contact us at 4RiversNHA@gmail.com

 Trails are hard packed dirt/pebble substrate, with zero slope. Open fields and pond areas are ADA accessible on trails and on one viewing platform. The building is ADA ramp accessible. Interior and outdoor bathrooms are both ADA accessible. Parking is available in front of the building. 

 Depending on conditions (rain/wind/air quality), after visiting GEECe outdoor spaces, we may need to travel (independently, and less than 2 miles) to another location with the remainder of our day in a large, fully accessible building. Participants will be notified of this (unlikely) adjustment no later than midday on Friday, 2/25. 

•  Before traveling, please review, take a screenshot, and/or print directions.  Your GPS may not work when in the area.
• Dress appropriately for a range of weather conditions.  Layered clothing is suggested.  Consider bringing sunscreen, a handkerchief, and a hat.
• Bring water, snacks, and lunch.
• Bring your field/nature journal, writing/journaling tools.
• Feel free to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.
• There are no entrance or parking fees.
• Note:  WiFi and phone service at the wildlife area may be limited

Image: Internet Photo

HEADING NORTH (INTERSTATE 5)

Follow I-5 N to CA-165 N/Mercey Springs Rd in Merced County. Take exit 391 from I-5 N 45 min

Follow CA-165 N/Mercey Springs Rd to Henry Miller Ave

Turn right at Henry Miller Avenue, and drive (~1 mile), watching for the Los Banos Wildlife Area on your left.  Turn into the main parking area, and continue driving straight ahead until you see the GEECe classroom and parking area at the far right edge of the parking lot. 

HEADING SOUTH (INTERSTATE 5)

Follow I-5 S to Merced County. Take exit 407 from I-5 S

Drive to Henry Miller Ave

Turn right at Henry Miller Avenue, and drive (~1 mile), watching for the Los Banos Wildlife Area on your left.  Turn into the main parking area, and continue driving straight ahead until you see the GEECe classroom and parking area at the far right edge of the parking lot. 

HEADING NORTH (HIGHWAY 99)

Follow Highway 99 to Highway 152 West, exiting to the left

Drive to Los Banos, and turn right at the CA-165 N/Mercey Springs Rd to Henry Miller Avenue

Turn right at Henry Miller Avenue, and drive (~1 mile), watching for the Los Banos Wildlife Area on your left.  Turn into the main parking area, and continue driving straight ahead until you see the GEECe classroom and parking area at the far right edge of the parking lot.

HEADING SOUTH (HIGHWAY 99)

Follow Highway 99 to Turlock and take the Lander Avenue/CA-165 off ramp (Exit 211) toward Los Banos.

Drive just past Santa Fe Grade to the 4 way stop at Henry Miller Avenue near Los Banos.

Turn left at Henry Miller Avenue, and drive (~1 mile), watching for the Los Banos Wildlife Area on your left. Turn into the main parking area, and continue driving straight ahead until you see the GEECe classroom and parking area at the far right edge of the parking lot.

VIEW MAP