About
Youth Exploring Climate Science offers field-trip programming where students take part in climate science lessons, guided informational walks, guided hikes, and worksheet activities. Trip options include Youth Exploring Sea Level Rise Science, Youth Exploring Biodiversity Science, and Youth Exploring Wildfire Science. Students explore local landscapes, learn about the relationship between sea level rise and climate change, learn about climate impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, and gain a better understanding of wildfire management, fire safety, and mitigation efforts in San Mateo County.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Trips are offered from Fall to Spring; each Sea Level Rise and Biodiversity session is 120 minutes, and Wildfire Science sessions are 120 minutes at Stulsaft Park or 180 minutes at Skyline Ridge (not including transportation).
The Youth Exploring Climate Science program is offered by the County of San Mateo Sustainability Department, which was established in July 2014. The program is in partnership with the Parks Department and local non-profits and serves 7th through 12th grade students in San Mateo County. The YECS Program includes in-person field trips, student worksheets for each field trip, and a pre-trip video lesson for teachers and students to solidify foundational climate change knowledge and introduce the subject material prior to the trip. Trips focus on local climate challenges such as sea level rise, biodiversity, and wildfire management, and students see real-world examples of climate solutions. Capacity is 60 students per trip for Sea Level Rise and Biodiversity trips, 60 students per trip at Stulsaft Park, and 30 students per trip at Skyline Ridge for Wildfire Science trips. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are featured in each program. The Sustainability Department’s mission is to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability in the county’s operations and the wider community by leading efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources through waste reduction strategies, with a vision of building a community that fulfills the needs of everyone today and in the future. The leadership contact for the program is Jess Dominick ([email protected]).
Last updated December 22, 2025.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Trips are offered from Fall to Spring; each Sea Level Rise and Biodiversity session is 120 minutes, and Wildfire Science sessions are 120 minutes at Stulsaft Park or 180 minutes at Skyline Ridge (not including transportation).
The Youth Exploring Climate Science program is offered by the County of San Mateo Sustainability Department, which was established in July 2014. The program is in partnership with the Parks Department and local non-profits and serves 7th through 12th grade students in San Mateo County. The YECS Program includes in-person field trips, student worksheets for each field trip, and a pre-trip video lesson for teachers and students to solidify foundational climate change knowledge and introduce the subject material prior to the trip. Trips focus on local climate challenges such as sea level rise, biodiversity, and wildfire management, and students see real-world examples of climate solutions. Capacity is 60 students per trip for Sea Level Rise and Biodiversity trips, 60 students per trip at Stulsaft Park, and 30 students per trip at Skyline Ridge for Wildfire Science trips. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are featured in each program. The Sustainability Department’s mission is to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability in the county’s operations and the wider community by leading efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources through waste reduction strategies, with a vision of building a community that fulfills the needs of everyone today and in the future. The leadership contact for the program is Jess Dominick ([email protected]).
Last updated December 22, 2025.
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