Learn about current park closures and updates.
County Parks' Discovery Program immerses students and teachers in nature-related activities designed to educate them about scientific phenomenon and history of the local environment.
Discovery Kits are customized to match the unique characteristics of each park. Each hands-on course, available through Louis A. Stelzer County Park, El Monte, Felicita, Flinn Springs, Guajome Regional, Los Penasquitos, Otay Lakes and San Dieguito, includes:
All curriculum correlates to California Science Framework standards and aligns with information in our ongoing Multiple Species Conservation Program. Sponsorships are available.
For more information call the Stelzer team at 619-561-0580.
County Parks are part of the TRACK Trails program, a nationwide network of outdoor adventures for kids, coordinated by an organization called Kids in Parks.
The program rewards kids for spending time outdoors – both with new experiences and with nature-related gifts. Kids can earn “Trail TRACKer Gear” for registering their adventures in an online nature journal, and for reaching certain milestones. There are six prizes in all including items like magnifying lenses and backpacks, designed to enhance their outdoor experiences. Learn More.
TRACK Trails exist at seven San Diego County Parks: Felicita County Park, Guajome Regional Park, Lake Morena County Park, Lindo Lake County Park, San Dieguito County Park, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, and Stelzer County Park.
Sponsorships are available. For more information, email the DPR Marketing Team.
Nature Explorers is a dynamic outdoor adventure program offered through the REC Clubs at the Lakeside and Spring Valley teen centers, providing an enriching experience for adolescents to connect with the natural world. Through a diverse range of activities, Nature Explorers aims to cultivate in teens a deep appreciation for the outdoors while instilling values of environmental stewardship and ethical responsibility. Participants engage in hands-on experiences that promote active exploration, ecological awareness, and a sense of connection with nature.
Led by experienced staff through partnerships with environmental educators, the program offers exciting opportunities for teens to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and conservation practices. From guided nature hikes and wildlife observation to eco-friendly crafting and habitat restoration projects, Nature Explorers fosters a sense of environmental consciousness and empowers teens to become advocates for the planet. By fostering a love for nature and nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility, Nature Explorers equips teens with the knowledge and skills to become stewards of the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
For more information, call (619) 667-6835 or email our Nature Explorers Manager.
Park-ology is a free, cloud-based education tool designed to teach teens, ages 14 to 18, about the parks and recreation industry. Content is split into three sections – Play, Nature and People – to provide a diverse and comprehensive look at key topics and concepts while unveiling a number of STEAM-related careers that students can learn more about as they plan their academic and professional futures. Text is balanced with videos, games and fun facts to keep students engaged and entertained.
Upon course completion, students will receive a certificate and once all three are completed, they can receive a special gift! Only one is available now – PLAY – log in to check it out! Link: https://bit.ly/3gQU5fL
