Fall Teacher Training with School Garden Network - Community Science in the Schoolyard

[Michelle]

Community Science in the Schoolyard - Teacher Training

October 24, 2025, 9am-3pm

Pepperwood Preserve, Santa Rosa, California

🌿 Learn how to engage students in your school garden or habitat space through the exploration of local species and ecosystems!

We’ll spend the day at the beautiful Pepperwood Preserve in Santa Rosa, California, discussing how community members of all ages can participate in real-world scientific research by documenting the diversity of life all around us. Through an introduction to a myriad of community science platforms geared for TK-12th grades and beyond–including iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, eBird, Budburst, and many more—participants will explore which outdoor project- and place-based approaches are best suited for their unique settings. 

Throughout the day we'll explore the biologically diverse woodland and grassland habitats in the preserve, practicing how to identify and document plants, birds, insects and more with our technological aids as well as our timeless tools: binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides. We’ll also have a birdwatching and feeder demonstration, learn a fun way to combine scientific descriptive language with art, and conclude the day with peer sharing and giveaways.

A fresh, vegetarian lunch will be provided.

Training Objectives:

• Gain new tools and curricula to empower your students to connect to the natural world and identify as scientists by partaking in real-world research through inquiry, observation, and ecoliteracy development.
• Gain a deeper familiarity and understanding of the range of resources, activities, and NGSS-aligned platforms to understand and teach about local Sonoma County ecology and conservation.
• Learn real-world research about the academic and health benefits of outdoor learning environments.
• Cultivate relationships with other educators while sharing ideas, challenges, and solutions for schoolyard and garden-based nature education.

More info and register today at www.schoolgardens.org > Trainings

This teacher training is made possible by School Garden Network of Sonoma County and Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District.