Petaluma Wetland Activities for Schoolchildren
2007-2008

Shollenberger Park, located in Petaluma, is the center of 500 acres of publicly-owned wetlands. It is frequented by over 175 species of birds, some of which are migratory while others nest here in the spring. There are other animals and scores of flowering plants. Additionally, there are opportunities to learn the importance of wetlands and how they function.

City-appointed docents will offer educational activities to 2nd – 4th grade students, using a hands-on style of learning.  Trained docents have a common interest in sharing their love of nature and our local wetlands.  We have a small group student/docent ratio of 5 to 1.  During the last school year, we provided services to 900 schoolchildren in Petaluma.

There are no charges for any of the following activities but early notice will help you obtain your desired dates.
 

ACTIVITIES FOR 2ND GRADE STUDENTS

The following activities are available the months of November 2007 and March 2008:  

CLASSROOM (40 minutes):
Slide Presentation -- photos on the wetlands with its flora and fauna

and

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (about 80 minutes):
A 1.3 mile nature walk to examine the wonder of plants and animals adapted to the wetlands at Shollenberger Park

ACTIVITIES FOR 3RD AND 4TH GRADE STUDENTS

The following activities are available October-November 2007 and March-May 2008:

CLASSROOM (110 minutes, which includes 40 minutes for slides and 70 minutes for activities)
Slide Presentation – photos of the wetlands with its flora and fauna,
Wetlands Model – wetlands’ ecosystems and their importance,
What Makes a Bird a Bird – feathers, bills, adaptations for survival,
Who am I? – a question-and-answer game about the wetland’s animals.

and

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (three hours):
Bird Walk--a 1.3 mile walk to identify birds and their behavior, using binoculars and viewing scopes (provided),
Mud and Water - a study of micro-organisms, water salinity, and temperature,
Habitat Walk - a look at habitats in the park, plant and animal adaptations.

The following activities are available only in January and February 2008:

CLASSROOM (40 minutes):
Slide Presentation - photos of the wetlands, including its migratory birds

and

Migratory Bird Walk (90 minutes)::
Nature Walk - a 1.3 mile walk around Shollenberger Park with emphasis on migratory birds and their behavior, using binoculars and viewing scopes (provided).

 

Blackline support materials will be provided to teachers prior to all classroom visits.

 SIGNING UP FOR ACTIVITIES

The following information is needed. We suggest you sign up as early as possible to secure desired dates.

1.  Name of teacher and school, with telephone and e-mail information.

________________________________________________________________

2.  Home phone________________Home e-mail__________________________

3.  Services requested_______________________________________________

4.  Grade level__________________ Number of students___________________

5.  Dates desired for classroom activities_____________________Time_________

6.  Dates desired for park activities_________________________Time_________

7.  Availability of a darkened classroom and screen for slide presentation:  yes/no

8.  Special needs?__________________________________________________

At the end of activities, the teacher-in-charge will be asked to complete an evaluation.

Note: There are four large picnic tables available at the front of the park where students may eat lunch. Extended at-the-park activities allow for snack time.

Reservations are now being taken for the 2007-2008 school year. Contact Senior Docent Bob Dyer at 763-2934, or nrdyer@comcast.net , or mail the completed form to him at 1708 Granada Court, Petaluma 94954. For questions relating to the educational content of our program, contact Sharon Mansfield at 778-6558, or sharonamansfield@yahoo.com

Information and photos of the wetlands are on www.petalumawetlands.org.

This program is funded by the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance.