When people have meaningful outdoor experiences, their health, quality of life, and social well-being improve, and in turn, communities become stronger and more sustainable. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors, because when people connect with nature, we all benefit. Let's break through the barriers!
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Also check out our Big Sur Discovery Center and our proposed S'MORE project at Andrew Molera State Park
Since 1992, we have focused on providing meaningful outdoor experiences to youth. Each of us here at Ventana Wildlife Society can remember back to a young age when we first connected with nature - perhaps it was one moment, perhaps many, that helped inspire us to become nature-lovers, conservationists, biologists, and educators. We are dedicated to providing those opportunities for all children to experience the awe and excitement of the natural world, setting them on their own journey of stewarding our planet.
Thanks To Our Community Supporters . . .
Community Hub programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
Youth Programs are funds provided by the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) for the Youth Community Access Grant Program.
Wellness Through Nature, a Nature Prescription Program is supported by State Coastal Conservancy to provide coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges to accessing or enjoying the coast.
MWEE for Educators and Teens is a program funded by NOAA California Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program promoting Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). The MWEE is a learner-centered framework that focuses on investigations into local environmental issues and leads to informed action.
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Thanks To Our Members . . .
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We own and operate four, 15-passenger vans so that we can overcome transportation barriers facing many individuals when it comes to experiencing the spectacular natural areas of Monterey County. Many youth have been raised within a short distance from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, it’s beaches and viewpoints, but have never had the opportunity to play in the sand along the shore, identify birds as they forage along the beach, or spot otters in the surf.
A huge thanks to the Tanimura Family Foundation, Carmel Rotary Club, and many individuals including the VWS Board of Directors who contributed a total of $34,420 in 2023 so that we could buy a fourth van and increase capacity to serve! |
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Meet Our Educators
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Coordinators:
Patricia Castellanos - East Salinas Family Nature Program Coordinator
Cece Gutierrez - Community Bird School and Nature Program Coordinator Yulissa Ochoa - Nature Prescription Program Coordinator Graciela Rodriguez - Youth Programming and Outreach Coordinator Samantha Schmitt - Teen and Teacher Program Coordinator |
Instructors:
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Join Us
free - Youth Crafts at Farmer Markets
Coming Soon weekly nature classes for youth
Classes focus on connecting to nature through increased awareness. Core routines of the program include opening/closing discussions, story-telling, using journals, sit-spots, and wildlife observation. The program’s goal is to provide a meaningful experience and get students excited about nature. Contact Graciela Rodriguez for information or to register. become a community partner
VWS provides limited free programming to underserved communities. If you operate a youth program for an underserved community in Monterey County, and would like to explore a partnership, please contact Alena Porte. EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Using nature as a classroom, our Education Programs foster understanding and appreciation of wildlife and natural processes, encouraging children to contribute personally in everyday life to the protection of our precious wild ecosystems. Whether it’s journaling in the shade of a giant redwood tree, watching sea lions from a kayak, exploring tidepools, or watching a condor take flight, our programs generate memories that will last a lifetime. Vertical Divider
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What Parents Are Saying
“Once again the boys not only had a lot of fun, they now really have a very strong interest in wildlife conservation.”
“...they want to go every week! Thank you for providing a nourishing summer program!”
“Thank YOU all for providing a fun-filled week for the kids. Nothing but good stories have been told. Keep up the good work and we will see you all in the wild!”
“As long as Ventana Wildlife Society is offering this camp, my kids will be taking it! Thanks for offering such an important piece of our children’s education.”
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CondorKids.org
Created by our partners at Santa Barbara Zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CondorKids.org is a place for students to learn about the California Condor Recovery Program including access to free, downloadable, condor-centric curriculum. |
Education Partners
We have worked with youth and family focused organizations and programs since 1999 to provide free, meaningful outdoor experiences for underserved communities.
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Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County
BSA Scouts of America Cachagua Community Center City of Gonzales Parks & Recreation City of Marina Teen Center City of Marina Youth Center City of Salinas Public Library Community Human Services Community Partnership for Youth First Tee of Monterey County Gilroy Youth Center Girl Scouts of America Gonzales Leadership Club Greenfield Community Center Jacob's Heart John Muir Charter School King City Police Activity League La Paz Middle School |
LIFE Program
Monterey County Free Libraries Monterey County Office of Education Alternative Education Monterey County Home Charter School Monterey County Office of Education Migrant Education Monterey County Probation Youth Center Monterey County Probation Juvenile Hall Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Alternative Education North Monterey County Recreation District North Monterey County Unified School District Rancho Cielo Youth Campus Recruitment in Science Education Salinas Police Activities League Salvation Army, Kids Café San Jerardo Migrant Camp Santa Barbara Zoo Soledad Mission Recreation District U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
