Bird Education and Awareness in Communities or BEAC!
PRBO has been providing hands-on bird science programs including both classroom and field activities for 1st - 5th grade students in the Canal Community of San Rafael, CA since 2004.
What does the program include?
- Classroom and field-based bird science activities in Canal Community schools
- After-school "Bird Club" program at the Pickleweed Community Center Kid's Club
- Fun, interactive science-focused activities adapted to grade level that address several Science Content Standards for California Public Schools.
Contact: Missy Wipf, Conservation Educator
Canal Program Goals
- Teach scientific observation skills.
- Bridge a connection between Canal Community, San Rafael, CA 4th and 5th grade students and the ecology of their community park, Pickleweed Park.
- Increase awareness of the important habitats and bird communities that exist within Pickleweed Park.
- Present future career options in science.
- Educate and inspire a new generation of scientists.
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Classroom Programs
Programs consist of up to a 9-part program including two field visits with pre- and post-classroom visits. In each of these programs, the goals include teaching students about science as it relates to bird and habitat conservation in their community. In addition, we focus on the importance and connection to the ecology and natural resources of the community's local green space, Pickleweed Park. The program culminates with a student-led community tour of the park giving students the opportunity to share their knowledge learned during the program and connect others to the park's important natural resources.
The school communities including the students, principal, teachers and garden coordinators have greatly supported our program and are key to its success!
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After School Program "Bird Club"
An after school program at the Pickleweed Community Center, San Rafael, CA in partnership with Catholic Charities CYO and Kids Club.
Bird Club weekly visits include:
- Hands-on habitat-focused units introduced to students through bird identification
- Bird walks around Pickleweed Park to make bird and habitat observations
- Field journals
For grades 1st - 5th usually divided into two age groups 1st - 2nd and 3rd - 5th grades.
Bird Club Goals:
- Broaden participant’s perspective on Pickleweed Park as habitat
- Broaden participant’s perspective on science and scientists
- Gain awareness of natural history of local birds (migratory vs. residents)
- Learn bird identification skills
- Introduce the concept of conservation through bird science activities
- Introduce the concept of “habitat association”
- Educate and inspire a new generation of scientists
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Contact Information:
For more information about these programs contact Missy Wipf, PRBO Conservation Educator 707-781-2555, x 302.
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Partners
Bahia Vista Elementary School
Bay Nature
Coleman Academy
Marin Art and Garden Center
Marin Community Foundation
Catholic Charities CYO and Pickleweed Community Center Kid's Club
San Pedro Elementary School
The Bay Institute
PRBO is deeply grateful to the Marin Community Foundation for continuing to support our bird science programs in the Canal Community of San Rafael, CA.
