Sly Park Environmental Education Center
Imagine a place where the classroom extends beyond four walls into the vibrant natural world to bring learning to life. Welcome to Sly Park Environmental Education Center, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of California’s breathtaking wilderness.
Since 1970, this extraordinary outdoor education center has transformed the lives of K-12 students, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional textbook learning.
Founded through a visionary partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), Sly Park is a beacon of exploratory education. Students can hike through lush forests, conduct hands-on experiments in bubbling streams, and gaze in wonder at the star-filled night sky. These are the moments that spark curiosity, foster a love for learning, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Sly Park Environmental Education Center, located approximately 60 miles east of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, sits at approximately 3,500 feet in forested foothill terrain. Visiting students reside at Sly Park for three, four, or five days, during which time they engage in a variety of outdoor activities in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. Students sleep in cozy, heated cabins with bunk beds, enjoy private showers and indoor bathroom facilities, and savor hearty, balanced meals in our welcoming cafeteria.
As an accredited California Resident Outdoor Learning Center, our program aligns with California Next Generation Science Standards and our credentialed teachers offer lessons and hands-on experiences in:
- Ecosystem exploration
- Wildlife and insect guides
- Geological investigations
- Environmental awareness
The Power of Outdoor Education
At Sly Park Environmental Education Center, we believe that nature is the ultimate classroom. Our programs, certified by the California Outdoor School Association, are designed to:
- Enhance academic performance
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Promote environmental stewardship
- Build social and emotional skills
All lessons are designed to address not only the NGSS standards (Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts) but also California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts. Lessons will be supported with a Science 5E Instructional model with live instruction, hyper-docs, videos, and digital resources. There are also short self-guided activities for students to complete between lessons known as Home Investigations.
A Legacy of Excellence
Sly Park Environmental Education Center has been at the forefront of outdoor education for over 50 years. Our rich history began with a groundbreaking announcement in June 1970, marking the start of a revolutionary approach to learning.
Today, we continue to innovate and inspire, guided by the expertise of the Sacramento County Office of Education and our dedicated staff.
Sly Park Environmental Education Center is a permittee of the Eldorado National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Here are a few additional USFS resources:
- Forest Service Kids
- Background Resources for Teachers
- Clearing Houses for Conservation Education Resources for Elementary School
Join the Adventure
Sly Park Environmental Education Center invites you to be a part of our thriving community of educators, students, and nature enthusiasts. Embrace the power of outdoor education and watch as your students flourish in ways you never imagined.
More than a field trip, Sly Park is a transformative experience that will resonate with your students throughout their academic journeys and beyond.
Join us in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, critical thinkers, and passionate learners.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to catch glimpses of the magical moments unfolding at our center every day. From students identifying native plants to challenging themselves on our indoor climbing wall, you’ll see firsthand how outdoor education is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Note: For information on the Sly Park Recreation Area (a seperate entity from the Sly Park Environmental Education Center), please visit their Web site.
