School Program FAQs

We will gladly answer general questions about our programs by phone but please access our website to request a program. (916) 489-4918

Each Nature Area Tours can accommodate up to 40 students. There are two 1¾ hour tours available. The first begins at 9:15am and the second begins at 11:15am. You may need to split one of your classes between the two time slots so that the number of students does not exceed 40.

We have several wonderful non-releasable animals in captivity to present to your class. While we cannot guarantee a particular animal, you can let us know your preference – snake, turtle, hawk or owl.

Our trails are not paved and have slight unevenness to them due to buried river cobble and natural undulations in the ground. The pace for the walks; however, is leisurely since your guides will spend time stopping and interpreting the many plants, animals and sights of our preserve.

All Effie Yeaw Nature Center programs are provided rain or shine. However, if the weather becomes unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule your program.

Our Nature Center, museum and large front landscaped area is wheelchair accessible. Our trails are not paved and have slight unevenness, undulations and partially exposed river cobbles. Most wheelchairs and strollers are able to access the main trail and some of the side trails. Please let us know if you have a child that requires further assistance.

No. Adult assistants for special needs children are not counted as a parent volunteer and will not be charged.

Siblings that accompany parents or drivers are not allowed to participate in the program. If a parent driver needs to bring another child, then the parent should remain with that child and not join the tour. Parents can enter the park for free to drop off and pick up the students they will be transporting.

Children attending the tour should be prepared to be outdoors for a minimum of 45 minutes. Please make sure they are dressed for the weather, wearing sunscreen, and most importantly close-toed shoes.

There is a large open grassy area called the “game” field easily accessible from the Nature Center parking lot. The field is a great place to play games while waiting for other groups to finish their tours. The teachers and parent volunteers are responsible for providing the activities for the children.

We ask that you give us three different date choices. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice. We will contact you if none of these dates/times are available.

We are unable to hold dates. All registrations are processed on a “first-come, first-served” basis and are only confirmed when we provide you with an confirmation/ invoice number.

Most registrations are processed within two business days. You will receive a confirmation/invoice via email. Do not assume you have a reservation until you receive your invoice. If you have not received an invoice within one week please contact the scheduling desk at 916-489-4918 x234.

A $50 cancellation fee will be charged for any program cancelled within 2 weeks of the first program date on your invoice.

For a self-guided tour, please plan your tour for after 1:30pm as all areas are reserved for scheduled tours prior to this time. You will be required to pay the park entrance fee of $5 per car or $20 per bus/van. As per the American River Parkway Plan, groups walking on the trails must have 20 or fewer participants. Please call the Nature Center ahead of time and register as a walk-in group. Donations gratefully accepted!