Outdoor Science Education Program
Valentine Camp Reserve / Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory (SNARL), 2380 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
About
The Outdoor Science Education Program offers nature-based outdoor education where students learn about nature, art, Indigenous culture, responsible recreation, and how to become stewards of the land and waters. Activities include place-based learning at SNARL and Valentine Camp, age-appropriate, field-based learning opportunities at Valentine Reserve and SNARL, and thematic tours on wildlife, history, geology, wildflowers, birds, and bears. The program also includes an after school program focused on the science of water and the science of fire, and all learning in the Outdoor Science Education Programs takes place outdoors and is place-based at SNARL and Valentine Camp.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Spring 6-week afterschool program at SNARL that runs once each week from March to April; sessions run in 6-week blocks
Valentine Reserve became part of the University of California Natural Reserve System in 1972, when Mrs. Edward R. Valentine donated the reserve to the University. The Outdoor Science Education Programs provide nature-based outdoor education for thousands of children each year and are divided into school year field trips for elementary school children from Mono and Inyo Counties, weeklong summer camps, and after school programs. The Outdoor Science Education Programs aim to deepen the public understanding and appreciation of the Eastern Sierra and foster continued environmental stewardship of this ecologically and economically important region. The leadership team includes Dr. Conner Philson, Executive Director; Laurie Cussalli, Management Services Officer; and Sarah Sikich, Senior Director of Development. The reserve where programs take place has been protected from entry and grazing since the early 1900s and contains an unusually diverse sample of Eastern Sierran habitats, including remarkably pristine sub-alpine habitat such as montane forest, montane chaparral, Great Basin sagebrush, high montane riparian vegetation, wet montane meadow, and seep and spring vegetation. Virtual programs can be accessed from anywhere so students can participate no matter where they live. There is no food or custodial service at Valentine Reserve.
Last updated June 25, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Spring 6-week afterschool program at SNARL that runs once each week from March to April; sessions run in 6-week blocks
Valentine Reserve became part of the University of California Natural Reserve System in 1972, when Mrs. Edward R. Valentine donated the reserve to the University. The Outdoor Science Education Programs provide nature-based outdoor education for thousands of children each year and are divided into school year field trips for elementary school children from Mono and Inyo Counties, weeklong summer camps, and after school programs. The Outdoor Science Education Programs aim to deepen the public understanding and appreciation of the Eastern Sierra and foster continued environmental stewardship of this ecologically and economically important region. The leadership team includes Dr. Conner Philson, Executive Director; Laurie Cussalli, Management Services Officer; and Sarah Sikich, Senior Director of Development. The reserve where programs take place has been protected from entry and grazing since the early 1900s and contains an unusually diverse sample of Eastern Sierran habitats, including remarkably pristine sub-alpine habitat such as montane forest, montane chaparral, Great Basin sagebrush, high montane riparian vegetation, wet montane meadow, and seep and spring vegetation. Virtual programs can be accessed from anywhere so students can participate no matter where they live. There is no food or custodial service at Valentine Reserve.
Last updated June 25, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.