Youth Ecology Education

We believe that outdoor education is key to helping students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. By exploring their natural surroundings and learning how food, water, and soil are interconnected, students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to become responsible caretakers of the planet.

At Teravana’s Living Learning Center, we are dedicated to educating the next generation about the importance of sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and the connection between healthy ecosystems, food, and human well-being. Our immersive, hands-on programs offer students the opportunity to learn directly from the land, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and the food systems that support life.

 

Our educational programs are designed to engage K-12 students in experiential learning that emphasizes sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and cultural knowledge. 

Children will have the opportunity to:

Grow and Harvest Food: Students plant seeds, tend the garden, and harvest fresh produce, learning how food is grown using organic and regenerative practices. This hands-on approach helps them understand the full cycle of food production.

Culinary Lessons in Our Outdoor Kitchen: We are building an outdoor kitchen to teach how to prepare meals from the fresh ingredients they harvest. These culinary lessons empower students to make healthy food choices while exploring the cultural significance of different preparation techniques.

Environmental Stewardship: Students learn about the relationship between healthy soil, clean water, and sustainable food systems. Through nature walks and practical activities, they understand how soil health impacts the food we eat and how mindful agricultural practices help maintain ecological balance.

Cultural and Indigenous Knowledge: Our programs integrate indigenous, multicultural, and regenerative practices, teaching students the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. By learning about the history of the land and how indigenous communities have cared for it, students gain a deeper respect for cultural and ecological heritage.

Expanding Our Educational Reach

With the support of our community, we are expanding our educational programs to serve even more students and families. 

  • NGSS-Aligned Curriculum for 3rd-6th Grade: Funded by and in collaboration with the Sonoma Environmental Education Collaboration (SEEC), we are developing an outdoor environmental education curriculum for 3rd-6th grade in alignment with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Sonoma County schools for the 2024-25 school year. This curriculum will be offered to 10 classrooms by December 2025 and will focus on farm, forest, and watershed stewardship, integrating indigenous and multicultural practices.
  • Holistic Land Management Program: Our indigenous-led holistic management program teaches students how to tend to the land using sustainable practices that incorporate animals, trees, and water systems. Students will learn how to improve soil nutrients, promote clean water, and support healthy fish populations (such as coho salmon and steelhead trout) while growing food in harmony with nature.

At Teravana’s Living Learning Center, we are shaping the future of sustainability through education. We are committed to teaching young people and their families how to grow food, care for the land, and make choices that positively impact their health and the environment. Through programs that integrate ecological practices, cultural knowledge, and hands-on learning, we inspire the next generation of planetary caretakers.

 

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