At Sequoia Riverlands Trust, we believe that leading youth in connecting to the land through education is an integral part of land conservation. Our Nature Explorers program has been instrumental in empowering students and community members to build upon their knowledge and appreciation for our surroundings.

This year, Sequoia Riverlands Trust partnered with local schools including Crowley, Willow Glen, Highland and Washington Elementary, by leading immersive workshops and field trips focused on watershed education, local ecology, and sustainable land use. A highlight of this year’s program was the recent field trip to Kaweah Oaks Preserve on Saturday, December 14th where participants learned how to craft decoy ducks and jewelry out of native plant species. These lessons led by Jennifer Malone and Johnny Sartuche, two local indigenous people, also taught about the vital role that nature plays in our communities.

Among the program's many success stories is Manuel, a first grader who has developed a new appreciation for nature. Reflecting on the experience Manuel said he was “very proud of my [his] duck” that he had crafted from Tule Reeds. Manuel plans to return with his whole family to go on hikes.

The impact of Nature Explorers extends beyond individual participant experiences. By fostering a culture of love for our lands and the plants and animals that grow upon them, we’re cultivating a generation of leaders equipped to preserve and protect our natural lands. 

We are proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to expanding Nature Explorers in years to come. Thanks to the support of our donors, volunteers, and partners like Visalia Unified School District, Pro-Youth and their afterschool HEART program, we can continue inspiring people of all ages to connect with the land and take an active role in its preservation and continued revival.

Written by Zachary Arnold (AmeriCorps SNAP Member), December 2024