Plants Archives - PORTS Program

Fog Friday

3-5, Climate, Plants, PORTS Programs, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Science, STEAM

Fog Friday Join us to learn about a secret to survival in a coast redwood forest at Samuel P. Taylor State Park! In this program, we will learn about the role of fog in an ecosystem, discuss how the plants and animals in this environment have adapted to depend on fog,... Read MoreRead more about Fog Friday

Fire and the Forest Lesson Plans (California Educators Together)

https://www.caeducatorstogether.org/projects/pdlrxb/fire-and-the-forest-6-8-grade-unit#new_tab

Fire and the Forest Lesson Plans (California Educators Together)

6-8, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Instructional Resources, Plants, Science

https://www.caeducatorstogether.org/projects/pdlrxb/fire-and-the-forest-6-8-grade-unit Read MoreRead more about Fire and the Forest Lesson Plans (California Educators Together)

Big Sur River, with a rocky river bottom and trees on both sides of the river.

Steelhead Adaptations Challenge

3-5, Animals, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Steelhead Adaptations Challenge Are you curious about what it takes for both a Steelhead Trout and Coastal Redwood to live long and healthy lives? Do you want to be immersed in the riparian landscape that they inhabit? Join me in learning about the climatic and human... Read MoreRead more about Steelhead Adaptations Challenge

Once Upon a Redwood

3-5, Animals, History, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Science

Once Upon a Redwood Step into the story of the tallest trees with Once Upon a Redwood! In this interactive virtual program, student will uncover the missing chapters of the redwood forest's story in Redwood National and State Park and explore how these ancient trees... Read MoreRead more about Once Upon a Redwood

Building the California Delta: A Story of Chinese Immigration and Agriculture

3-5, Arts and Culture, History, Locke Boarding House, People, Plants, PORTS Programs

Building the California Delta: A Story of Chinese Immigration and Agriculture Join us as we explore the most complete example of a rural Chinese agricultural community in the United States! In this program, we will explore the Locke Boarding House Museum to discuss... Read MoreRead more about Building the California Delta: A Story of Chinese Immigration and Agriculture

California Redwoods vs. Climate Change

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Small Actions, BIG TREES: The Story of the Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia Forests

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, History, People, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Tough Trees: Fire Adaptations of Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Battle of the Extremes: Giant Sequoia vs. Coast Redwood

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Fire! A California Story

Animals, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Columbia State Historic Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

The Cost of Gold: Environmental Impacts of the Gold Rush

Animals, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Columbia State Historic Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Working Hands: The Labor that Built the California Dream

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, California Citrus State Historic Park, History, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs

Working Hands: The Labor that Built the California Dream Explore the work and the workers that created the massive success of the California citrus industry. Follow your guide through the citrus groves and packing house to learn about the contributions of various... Read MoreRead more about Working Hands: The Labor that Built the California Dream

In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach

3-5, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, Pismo State Beach, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach Explore Pismo State Beach! There are two types of field trips offered at Pismo State Beach: Northern Chumash Education Field Trip: Join California State Parks Interpreters for our Northern Chumash program. This 2 hour field... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach

Monarch Butterfly on tree at Pismo State Beach

Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation!

3-5, K-2, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation! California State Park Interpreters will take students on a virtual journey to discover the Western monarch overwintering habitat at Pismo State Beach. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a special... Read MoreRead more about Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation!

Discovering The Dunes

3-5, Animals, K-2, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Discovering The Dunes Join us at Oceano Dunes SVRA for a 45-minute virtual field trip to learn all about how sand dunes are formed! This program is designed for students 2nd-5th. We will learn how sand is formed, how our big sand dunes were made, and the plant and... Read MoreRead more about Discovering The Dunes

Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Donner Memorial State Park, History, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains PORTS Program registration begins Monday, August 24 at 3:30 pm! Join a Donner Memorial State Park Interpreter sharing stories of the diversity of people who came through the Donner Lake area in the Sierra Nevada... Read MoreRead more about Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Following the Paper Trail

3-5, Animals, Arts and Culture, Climate, History, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Science

Following the Paper Trail Learn about California's first paper mill at Samuel P. Taylor State Park! Following a paper trail is about finding and analyzing evidence to understand how something happened and who was involved. It may sound simple on paper, but this mill... Read MoreRead more about Following the Paper Trail

In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, K-2, Places, Plants, Science

In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park Located in Anderson Valley, along Highway 128, Hendy Woods acts as a great stop for those traveling any distance from inland locations to reach the coast. Our educational... Read MoreRead more about In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park

In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, History, Places, Plants, Science, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Explore the Water Cycle at Silverwood Lake SRA! During this two hour fieldtrip, students will learn where all of California's water comes from, through the establishment of The California Water Project.... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park

3-5, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, Chino Hills State Park, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park There are two types of field trips offered at Chino Hills State Park: The Biodiversity Connections Field Trip: Embark on an exciting 3-hour field trip to explore the rich diversity of Chino Hills State Park, where nature... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park

An ocean cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve with a rocky shoreline covered in brush.

Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Climate, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, PORTS Programs, Science

Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface Join us for an unforgettable kayaking adventure at the “crown jewel of the California State Park System”, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. We will paddle above the enchanting underwater kelp forest in... Read MoreRead more about Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface

Salmon and Sediment: Fueling the Redwood Forest

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, PORTS Programs

Salmon and Sediment: Fueling the Redwood Forest Learn about the anadromous life cycle of Salmon living on the north coast of California. These fish, and many other systems, connect the Redwood Forest to the Pacific Ocean. Maybe, your classroom can reflect on your... Read MoreRead more about Salmon and Sediment: Fueling the Redwood Forest

In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Half Moon Bay State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park Welcome teachers! There are 4 different field trip offerings available at Half Moon Bay. Please read the descriptions below for details about subjects, grade levels, and locations! Want to find more PassPORTS Programs?... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park

Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips

Animals, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Plants, Science, STEAM

Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips Explore Anza Borrego Desert State Park! Please visit the Field Trip Guide landing page to learn all about bringing students on a self-guided field trip to Anza Borrego. When you are ready to schedule, please use the... Read MoreRead more about Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips

Mount Tamalpais In-Person Field Trip

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, History, Mount Tamalpais State Park, People, Places, Plants

Mount Tamalpais In-Person Field Trip Explore the Panoramic Mount Tam! ount Tamalpais State Park is a large, beautiful mountain park in Marin County. Though not far from the heart of San Francisco, Mt Tam, as it is affectionately nicknamed, offers miles and miles of... Read MoreRead more about Mount Tamalpais In-Person Field Trip

Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, K-2, Places, Plants, Science

Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip Explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park! School fieldtrips to Calaveras Big Trees are offered through the California Big Trees Association. Both guided and self-guided options are available for booking. Reservations can be made... Read MoreRead more about Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip

The american river pictured from above with beautiful yellow, orange and green trees lining the river, at dawn with purple pink clouds in the sky.

The History of Coloma Told Through Trees

3-5, History, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

The History of Coloma Told Through Trees Join us at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP as we explore the history of the Coloma Valley before, during and after the Discovery of Gold. During our program, the trees of the Coloma Valley help us tell the story of the gold rush... Read MoreRead more about The History of Coloma Told Through Trees

monarch butterflies hanging onto tree leaves, barely leaving enough space to see the leaves.

Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, K-2, Natural Bridges State Beach, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour Come visit Natural Bridges virtually! During this program, your students will have the chance to discover the life cycle, migration, adaptations, and conservation of monarch butterflies here at Natural Bridges and all across... Read MoreRead more about Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour

a close up of a beetle with black and white stripes on a light yellow leave

Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat Explore one of the most sensitive and endangered ecosystems in the greater Santa Cruz area, the Santa Cruz Sandhills. This habitat does not support Coast Redwood trees, but instead, a community of unique plants and animals, many of... Read MoreRead more about Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat

Why Do Redwoods Live Here?

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Why Do Redwoods Live Here? Henry Cowell RSP is home to an abundance of biodiversity and during your virtual field trip you'll have a chance to explore a glimpse of some of Henry Cowell's most precious natural, cultural, and historic resources. This program is... Read MoreRead more about Why Do Redwoods Live Here?

Built to Last: Coast Redwood Adaptations

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Climate, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Built to Last: Coast Redwood Adaptations Rooted in Survival is an exciting virtual field trip that brings the wonders of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park straight to your classroom or learning space! Designed for students in grades K–8, this live online science... Read MoreRead more about Built to Last: Coast Redwood Adaptations

Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Leo Carrillo State Park, Places, Plants, Science

Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip! Explore Leo Carrillo State Park! The tidepools of Leo Carrillo are an incredibly unique place where many plants and animals live together under extreme conditions. Meeting on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains in... Read MoreRead more about Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip!

Image shows the ocean on the left with a wet sand covering the beach, reflecting the sky and clouds in the distance. Some clumps of kelp sit on the wet sand. Mountains are nestled under the clouds in the distance.

Explore Our Shore

3-5, Animals, Carpinteria State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Explore Our Shore Join us as we learn about the diverse organisms that inhabit our shore and coastal environments at Carpinteria State Beach. Habitats may include tidepools, estuaries, dunes, tar seeps, the Santa Barbara Channel, and more! We will use our observation... Read MoreRead more about Explore Our Shore

Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder

3-5, Animals, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, Silver Strand State Beach

Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder Explore the unique eelgrass habitat at Silver Strand State Beach! In this program, students will learn about how eelgrass in the San Diego Bay provides numerous benefits to the bay ecosystem and is a... Read MoreRead more about Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder

Black and white photo of a gentleman using a long stick to pull tar from a barrel.

Tar, Not Just a Nuisance!

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Carpinteria State Beach, Climate, History, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Tar, Not Just a Nuisance! Let’s discover the active tar seeps at Carpinteria State Beach! Students will learn about why and how tar continues to seep on our coast. We will then observe a series of historical or modern scenes of tar and discuss and decide whether this... Read MoreRead more about Tar, Not Just a Nuisance!

In-Person Field Trips to California Citrus State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Blended-Access Field Trips, California Citrus State Historic Park, History, K-2, People, Places, Plants

In-Person Field Trips to California Citrus State Park Explore - California Citrus State Historic Park! During this 2 hour multisensory tour, participants will learn how California's second gold rush (citrus) helped shape and develop California today, the... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trips to California Citrus State Park

Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Gaviota State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas Join us along the Gaviota Coast to discover the importance of marine protected areas (MPA’s)! Throughout our program, we will examine a number of species likely to benefit from the MPAs, and explore the diverse... Read MoreRead more about Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas

Interpreter stands in front of large redwood tree trunk. She's looking at a device on a tripod, interpreting to kids about the redwoods.

Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog

3-5, 6-8, K-2, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Science

Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog Join a state parks interpreter from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for a virtual field trip to the redwoods! Nestled on California’s north coast, Prairie Creek protects 14,000 acres of old growth redwood forest and... Read MoreRead more about Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog

All About Acorns: A California Staple

3-5, 6-8, Arts and Culture, History, K-2, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, State Indian Museum State Historic Park

All About Acorns: A California Staple Explore a traditional food staple of California Native Peoples before European contact. We will examine the history of Indigenous peoples of California and their deep, enduring connection to the land. Learn how acorns, known... Read MoreRead more about All About Acorns: A California Staple

Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change PORTS Program registration begins Monday, August 24 at 3:30 pm! Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change: (Recommended for grades 5th-12th) As the keepers of a complex ecosystem, the coast redwoods interact with our... Read MoreRead more about Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change

Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations PORTS Program registration begins Monday, August 24 at 3:30 pm! Towering above all else that grows in nature, the coast redwood is a marvel among trees. Able to survive for over 2,000 years, these gentle giants display a wealth... Read MoreRead more about Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations

The Yurok People Are Still Here

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, History, K-2, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Sue-Meg State Park

The Yurok People Are Still Here A virtual walk through Sue-meg Village with 3 stops: the Yurok Redwood Living House, Dress House, and The Sweat House. As we visit each stop, students can explore the different uses of each Redwood structure and learn about traditional... Read MoreRead more about The Yurok People Are Still Here

Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Blended-Access Field Trips, Places, Plants, Richardson Grove State Park, Science

Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips Explore Richardson Grove State Park! It began with 120 acres, but with the help of Save the Redwoods League and other generous donors, the park has grown to 1,800 acres. A four-hour drive from San Francisco, the park... Read MoreRead more about Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips

In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, K-2, MacKerricher State Park, Places, Plants, Science

In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park! Explore MacKerricher State Park! Bring your learning to life with an in-person field trip to MacKerricher State Park. On your field trip, you and your students will join Interpreter Kat Gabrielson for a guided hike... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park!

Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, K-2, Places, Plants, Refugio State Beach, Science

Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip! Explore Refugio State Beach! Gaviota and Refugio State Beaches are ideal places to explore marine protected areas, sandy beaches, coastal erosion, and so much more! Programs are designed to enrich learning and inspire... Read MoreRead more about Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip!

California Citrus: The Groves and Beyond

3-5, 6-8, Arts and Culture, California Citrus State Historic Park, History, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs

California Citrus: The Groves and Beyond During this 45 min virtual program, students will learn how California’s second gold rush (the citrus industry) helped shape and develop California today. They will also learn how various groups of people played a significant... Read MoreRead more about California Citrus: The Groves and Beyond

Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Carpinteria State Beach, K-2, People, Plants, Science

Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip Explore Carpinteria State Beach! Bring your lessons to life at California’s natural, cultural, and historic resources! Carpinteria State Beach is an ideal place to explore tidepools, sandy beaches, tar pits, and so much... Read MoreRead more about Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip