We're excited to announce that Ventana is going Virtual this summer! Thank you for your patience as we finalize the new schedule. Sign up to receive an email the moment we post the dates.

Meaningful experiences in nature are what inspires passion for stewardship, whether it be quietly journaling in the shade of a giant redwood, kayaking into Elkhorn Slough, or having a condor soar so close overhead that the rustle of its feathers can be heard, 

Nature activities also offer participants improved physical and emotional health, which is why we are developing Monterey County's first Nature Prescription Programming that aims to encourage doctors and patients to take advantage of the benefits of physical activities in nature.  A pilot project is in development with the County of Monterey, Alisal Health Center, in Salinas, CA, where bi-lingual instruction and transportation to parks is provided by Ventana Wildlife Society to serve as a regional solution to the national movement of ParkRx. 

Youth Programs

Summer

Single-day and week-long experiences
​for ages 4 - 17

School Year

Weekly spring, summer and fall sessions for ages 4 - 17

Presentations

Visiting with a group?
​We offer a variety of educational opportunities that groups of all ages and levels can enjoy. 

• Presentations
• Condor Tours
• Education Classes
• Tablings

For Parents

meet our staff

cancellation policy

CANCELLATIONS
Up until two weeks before a regular program’s start date you may receive a full refund, less processing fees (15% of program cost), if you cancel your reservation. Should a program need to be cancelled due to incremental weather or dangerous conditions, VWS will issue either a credit or a full refund.

refund policy

REFUNDS
It is VWS policy that no refunds will be made due to late arrivals, early withdrawals, or participant dismissals due to misconduct (see below). Refunds requested in writing, by fax, mail or email, will be considered according to these guidelines. Refund requests should be directed to:
 
Ventana Wildlife Society
9699 Blue Larkspur Ln
Monterey CA 93940
 
or Fax (831) 455-2846 or email cathyhamilton@ventanaws.org
 
PARTICIPANT MISCONDUCT
VWS has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy towards any type of violence (hitting, pushing, kicking, verbal assaults, etc.) and will not hesitate to dismiss a participant from a program due to violence or other misconduct, in order to maintain a high level of safety and comfort for our other participants. Participants with discipline issues consistently require our staff to direct their time and energy from the rest of the program - this is unfair to the other participants who enrolled to be in a fun, educational and safe environment. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR PARTICIPANTS DISMISSED OR WITHDRAWN FROM PROGRAMMING DUE TO BEHAVIORAL ISSUES.

scholarship forms

All scholarships are awarded by participant and are available on a sliding scale. The maximum scholarship award available is 75% off the program fee

Fill out the application by logging in or register for an account.
Please allow 3-7 business days for a response after submitting application. 

2019 Student Enrollment

TOTAL STUDENTS

STUDENTS FROM UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES