Educational Programs

San Diego Audubon Society educational programs are designed for 2nd through 6th grade students, but can be adapted to serve other age/grade groups. Our purpose is to develop appreciations and understanding of the world of birds and their habitats through specific activities and nature awareness habitat walks. Special programs can be arranged for your class or group

Classroom Activities

Recognition for Matt Orlando. The San Diego Audubon Society would like to recognize the volunteer contribution of Patrick Henry High School student, Matt Orlando and his GIS instructor, Mr. Abbott. 

Matt, under the guidance of his teacher, assisted us in determining where we might expand our new environmental education program that was launched last year in partnership with the Sierra Club, San Diego Natural History Museum, and Harmonium.  He used GIS (geographic information systems) to produce a map and spreadsheet that identified 125 different elementary schools in the San Diego metro area in which our experiential nature education program can be operated (based on proximity to an urban canyon/open space and availability of an afterschool program).  We thank Matt for donating his time and energy to this project and commend him for work well done.

Bird Adaptations is most suitable for grades 2 or 3. We find out what makes a bird a bird, then examine a variety of bird beaks and feet, from cased specimens, to determine the food choices and favored habitats of those birds. There is no fee for this presentation which takes 30 to 45 minutes. Students often finalize their learning by finishing a bird drawing, adding an appropriate beak and feet to match the habitat.

Owl Pellet Dissection is the most requested among teachers and students. This investigation meets science standards and is tailored to grades 3-5. Students dissect an owl's regurgitated pellet to discover recent meals, identifying bones, and observing the similarities among mammal skeletons. San Diego Audubon provides all dissection materials, handouts, and expertise. The fee is $1.00 per pellet (pellets are sometimes shared between two students). Audubon subsidizes the cost. Each dissection is one to one and a half hours in length, depending on the classroom teacher's time allotment. Classes of 35 or less are best for a quality experience by all.                     Susan Breisch enchanting kids with owl pellet dissection

Outdoor Learning

Nature Awareness and Habitat Walks are suitable for any age group. The outdoor adventure is geared to a location selected by the teacher. This might include a nearby open-space, park, canyon, lake, creek, bay, or beach. Children have an opportunity to explore wonders along the trail while searching for flora and fauna of the area. A hand-lens is provided to each child for the outing. There is no charge for nature awareness and habitat walks. Travel time is not included, in the 45 minutes to one hour experience. Groups of 20 or fewer are best, so that every child has the maximum time to discover and share his or her findings.

How to Create a Wildlife Friendly Garden that uses native plants, saves water and provides a natural habitat for wildlife is the topic of this class. The two-session workshop will teach you how to select, plant and maintain native plants that are adapted to our environment, attract birds and butterflies, and are beautiful. Watch here to see an announcement of our next class.

                    The March 3, 2007 graduating class with successfuly completed final exam

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers to assist and present programs are always welcome. We'll train you, no experience is necessary. Sharing the wonders of birds and the out-of-doors is all you need. Interested persons are welcome to contact us to participate at redfern@sandiegoaudubon.org.