SCVAS is dedicated to educating our community about local bird ecology through programs for both children and adults. Your membership, time, and financial support are crucial to the success of these programs. Please consider becoming a member, making a donation, or joining our volunteer team.
For more information on any of these programs or to sign-up, please follow the instructions or contact programs@scvas.org or (408) 252-3740.
For Teachers
Classroom Visits Our volunteers and/or staff visit classrooms at the request of teachers. They present an environmental education unit using one of our existing programs. Programs are available in person and virtually. Cost is $125 per class, programs with * may have additional charges for materials. Contact programs@scvas.org for scheduling.
Bird ID & Adaptation Presentation
Bird Beak Investigators On Hold
Birds of Santa Clara County: An Intro to Birds and Birding
Wetland Birds
Raptors of Santa Clara County
Owls of Santa Clara County
Nest Box Building *
Owl Pellet Dissection *
Click here for more information on these programs.
Wetlands Discovery Program (WDP) Our flagship education program, the Wetlands Discovery Program, has introduced thousands of students to wetland habitats, birds, and ecology through hands-on classroom activities. These engaging activities prepare students for a docent-led field trip to local wetlands. Read how to participate in our Wetlands Discovery Program.
Bird Walks Whether on your school campus, at our office in McClellan Ranch Preserve, or along the Baylands, our staff and docents are happy to lead classes through nature walk to introduce students grades 1-12 to our local birds and ecosystems. Binoculars are provided, inquire for pricing.
For Families and Groups of Mixed Ages
Young Audubon Program SCVAS engages children and their families in nature exploration outside of the school setting in our Young Audubon Program. Activities include field trips, creek explorations, and Wildlife & Harvest Day, our annual fall festival. You can also schedule a guided birding trip for your own small group. It's easy to join Young Audubon - view the Kid's Calendar for announcements about Young Audubon events.
Guided Walks at McClellan Ranch Preserve SCVAS welcomes scout troops, homeschool, families, and other youth groups to explore the grounds surrounding our headquarters in McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino. SCVAS staff or volunteers are available to guide groups through this historic site and nature preserve. Groups and individuals can also venture out on their own with our handy trail guide and copy of Birding at the Bottom of the Bay. We are also happy to accommodate Girl Scouts for their “In the Flyway” program! Suggested donation of $5/scout.
Wildlife & Harvest Day Held annually in late October, this is one of the premier festivals in the Bay Area where hundreds of people come together to learn about birds, nature, ecology, and wildlife. This festival includes a California Native Wildlife Poster Contest featuring artwork of local wildlife. Learn more about Wildlife & Harvest Day here.
John Muir Laws Drawing Courses The Bay Area Nature Journal Club is a diverse community of artists and naturalists, of all levels, who meet together to connect to nature through art. Join us each month for a 1.5 hour technique workshop at McClellan Ranch. Each workshop will focus on a different technique or topic (schedule available online at www.johnmuirlaws.com). The club and workshop program is inter-generational and family friendly. Both seniors and families - with mature children who have demonstrated an interest in nature sketching - are encouraged to participate.
For Adults
Classes, Field Trips, and Presentations We are proud to offer varied opportunities for adults to learn about birds, nature, and ecology through various classes and field trips. Our Monthly Speaker Series program also features different topics regarding birds each month! We also offer guided bird walks and John Muir Laws drawing courses.
Eve Case Discussion Group Join the Eve Case Discussion Group to learn about birds through research and group discussion about a predetermined bird during a monthly meeting.
Library Our library contains over 1,300 donated books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and videos about birds and their environment. The library also contains bird checklists and field guides for many different areas, including international and domestic. Our members may check books out. Book donations for this library are gratefully accepted. Come visit the library at our McClellan Ranch headquarters!
For Environmental Educators
Mid-peninsula Environmental Educators Alliance (MEEA) MEEA is an informal association of environmental educators who work together to maximize resources and achieve common goals. The group's member organizations are located across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Members meet on a monthly basis to discuss topics of common interest. Click here to learn more about MEEA, including how to join.