Why Children and Nature?
The San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative (SDCaN) is a group of about 60 local organizations that share a common concern that today’s children have fewer and fewer opportunities to experience nature. Knowing that children who learn and play in nature are happier, healthier, and smarter, SDCaN works to preserve and expand access to nature experiences for all children in the San Diego region. Together, we’re investing in the future of our children and ensuring a healthier environment for current and future generations of San Diegans.
The Collaborative is beginning to shape three initiatives for the San Diego Region: Healthier by Nature, Happier by Nature, and Smarter by Nature. This will move us locally toward the vision that all of San Diego’s children can play, learn, and grow with nature in their everyday lives.
Featured Nature Place
Oakoasis Preserve
12620 Wildcat Canyon Rd.
Lakeside
This preserve boasts 397 acres of chaparral and woodlands; Oakoasis is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely walk. Trails are well marked, and this is part of the future projected Trans-County Trail system which will ultimately go all the way from the Torrey Pines State Reserve to Anza-Borrego Desert. The preserve features acres of woods, hills, multi-use trails, and views. Dogs on leash and horses are welcome.
Special Event
Kids First Fair w/ nature activities
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Kids First Fair at Camp Pendleton is sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services and is likely to draw 5,000 children and parents. The “Military Families Nature Area” will provide fun ‘how to’ activities in the outdoors, such as setting up a tent, loading a back pack, exploring nature in the backyard, natural history on the base, and more.
Special Event
Nature-based Science Learning, SDCaN meeting
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 4:00 - 6:00 pm
"Nature-based science learning: Local high school students, projects, and possibilities.” Bi-monthly meeting of San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative-SDCaN. The meeting will feature teachers and students in the UCSD ScienceBridge program that are doing class projects in their nearby natural areas; the students recognized for their nature-based projects at the 2012 science fair; and suggestions from science education specialists on the values of observing and learning science in nature, benefits of science curiosity, and awareness of careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Contact Nancy Sunday, nsunday21@yahoo.com for more info.
