Effie Yeaw Nature Center Day Camps

Effie Yeaw Nature Center Day Camps include activities such as walking oak woodland trails and exploring the scenic American River. Campers take part in spotting wildlife like acorn woodpeckers and salmon and learning about Nisenan tribal culture. The program is part of a broader set of offerings at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center that also include a speakers series, tours, and volunteer programs.

For 50 years, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center has inspired curiosity, connection, and stewardship of the natural world. Its mission as a nonprofit is to provide engaging educational programs, interpretive experiences, and resources that help people of all ages explore and understand the unique ecosystems of the American River Parkway. The center is the Interpretive Center of the American River Parkway and is described as a gateway to one of the region’s most treasured natural resources. The organization states a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, and it includes a land acknowledgment recognizing that the Effie Yeaw Nature Center sits on the unceded land of the Valley Nisenan peoples. The American River Natural History Association, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and Sacramento Regional Parks are co-stewards of the land and state that they will continuously work to uplift and affirm the voices of the local tribal nations through a mutual partnership. Educators throughout the Sacramento region visit the facility year-round, and adults participate in speaker series, tours, and volunteer programs, alongside the day camps and other educational and environmental programs offered throughout the year. The leadership team includes Executive Director Rachael Cowan; Director of Strategic Development Christina Preston; Administrative Manager Ariana Asmaie; Fund Development Coordinator Jaclyn Teofilo; Volunteer Coordinator Sydney Yankee; Bookkeeper and Retail Coordinator Elias Lozano-Enciso; Animal Husbandry/Naturalist Jacob Sasscer; Senior Naturalist/CalNat Instructor Brena Seck; Naturalists Kristen Angelini, Hannah Steurer, and Julian Hawkins-Strode (who also serves in weekend reception); Weekend Reception staff member Claire Larke; and Grounds and Building Maintenance staff member Steven Wolcott.

Last updated July 2, 2026.