a field of brown grass blowing in the wind with clouds in the background over some hills

Earth Academy

Curiculum

Offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust, E.A.R.T.H. (Ecosystems, Agriculture, Research, Trout in the Classroom, Horticulture) Academy began in 2018 to promote environmental education in underserved communities.

The EARTH Academy curriculum is tailor-made for the students of Tulare County, and focuses on the environmental issues of the area. Students from schools around the county apply to and interview for the program. If chosen, these students become EARTH Technicians, gaining a valuable understanding of their local environment, insight into the perspectives of different stakeholders, and hands-on experience working with environmental professionals.

Learn More

What is something you have learned about yourself during EA?

"I learned that environmental science and conservation are what I want to dedicate my life to. The work and lessons inspired me. I also learned that there is a wealth of possibility and hope in the Central Valley."

—Michelle Brown, senior at Monache High School
"Something that I have learned throughout my Earth Academy journey is that I am more capable of understanding issues than I initially thought."

 - Jennifer Sarmiento (Junior from Woodlake HS)
"I love being outside, especially with people that enjoy the same interests as I do."

- Aileen Hernandez (Junior from Woodlake HS)
"I enjoy helping kids and I love being out in nature and learning new things."

- Lorena Leon (Freshman from Monache HS)
"I care a lot more about hands-on learning than I thought I did because learning in a class did not teach me as much as those little trips we did to show us nature."

- Erica Mayorga (Sophomore from MOHS)
"I really enjoyed learning outside at the preserves."

- Jacqueline Garcia (Sophomore from MOHS)

What is something you have learned about leading educational activities during EA?

"I have learned that leading educational activities requires clear communication and the ability to explain complex topics in a simple way."

- Jennifer Sarmiento
"That I enjoy teaching people about nature."

- Oscar Olvera (Sophomore from MOHS)

What was your favorite part of EARTH Academy?

"I liked touring nearby reserves because before joining I didn't realize we had any reserves near where I lived and nature felt so distant."

- Erica Mayorga

Do you feel better prepared for a career in conservation/Land management? How so?

"I feel confident and prepared to pursue a career in conservation/Land management. A reason why I feel prepared is because I have learned the basics we must know if we want to pursue a career in the environment path. For example, I have learned about climate change, habitat management, and I have quite an understanding of how organisms interact with each other and their environment."

- Jennifer Sarmiento
"I feel as though I learned a general understanding that would help me if I decided to pursue further education on this subject."

- Jacqueline Garcia

Take Part in the Action

Want to learn more about EARTH academy and bring it to your school? Fill out this form for more information.
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