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.

2023 Natural Science Discovery Camp

Dates and Registration Coming Soon

 2023 Home School Programs

​• Natural Science Awareness Classes (ages 6-12)

​10 CLASSES: Wednesdays 9:30AM-11:30AM
COST: $310 / semester (10 classes)
TO REGISTER and/or any questions: Graciela Rodriguez

Weekly nature classes meeting at different locations around Monterey County. Increase nature awareness through observation, exploration, and “dirt time”. Explore important habitats and observe the plants and animals that live in them. Identify flora and fauna and gain a broader understanding of the local watershed and the relationship we have with the environment.

2023 Outreach - Castroville | East Salinas

• Meet Us at the Farmer's Market (fun for all ages)!
FREE Natural Science Education with arts and craft for kids while you shop, drop off your children (age 6 and up) to explore our nature table and create a craft.  

Alisal Certified Farmer's Market
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 11:00AM - 4:00PM
WHERE: 632 East Alisal, Salinas
Located adjacent to the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Center

Castroville Evening Market
WHEN: Every Thursday, 2:30PM - 8:00PM
WHERE: 11261 Crane Street, Castroville
Located in the parking lot of North Monterey County Parks and Recreation Center

learn more about nature prescription

salud y naturaliza

Meet Our Educators

Yulissa Ochoa - NATURE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Cece Gutierrez -  COMMUNITY BIRD SCHOOL AND NATURE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Samantha Schmitt - TEEN AND TEACHER PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Graciela Rodriguez - YOUTH PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Patricia Castellanos - EAST SALINAS FAMILY NATURE PROGRAM COORDINATOR​​
​Sienna Carrillo - INSTRUCTOR
Karina Guzman - INSTRUCTOR
Kirby Zahl - INSTRUCTOR
Sienna Carrillo - INSTRUCTOR
​Rodrigo Garcia  - ​INSTRUCTOR
​David Valenzuela - ​INSTRUCTOR
​Noemi Cerritos - ​INSTRUCTOR
​Marily Munoz-Serrano - ​INSTRUCTOR

Policies

Cancellation Policy

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, Ventana Wildlife Society will issue either a credit or a full refund.

Refund Policy

It is Ventana Wildlife Society 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 Ste 105, Monterey CA 93940. Fax (831) 455-2846 or email cathyhamilton@ventanaws.org
 
Ventana Wildlife Society 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.