Welcome! At Environmental Volunteers, we inspire people of all ages to learn about the wonders of the natural world. We train volunteers (like you!) to lead hands-on science and nature programs in schools, community organizations, and at the EcoCenter in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. To see our Mission and Vision, read Our Story.
We achieve our mission through:
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We offer School Programs to K-6 classrooms in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Our hands-on curriculum meets State of California science education requirements. Our volunteers bring hands-on learning programs to over 10,000 students each year. In the classroom, our volunteers lead hands-on learning stations in small groups. On follow-up field trips, students discover natural science concepts through guided hikes to local nature preserves.
ECOCENTER
Our headquarters is the EcoCenter, a public nature center in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. At the EcoCenter, our friendly docents and staff provide public learning programs, exhibits, and activities for visitors of all ages.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The EV brings fun, hands-on education programs to youth-serving organizations in Silicon Valley, and provides group programs at the EcoCenter. We have worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula, Catholic Charities Youth Club at St. Francis of Assisi, and more.
“LET’S GO!” FIELD TRIP FUND
Also known as the Transportation Fund, the Environmental Volunteers provides grant-based subsidies to support the cost of transportation for low-income K-12 students in the San Francisco Bay Area who would not otherwise be able to access science and environmental education field trips. Go to the EV Impact Map to see some of the schools we’ve supported.
SPROUT UP
Through our Sprout Up chapters, volunteer college students convey programs in local elementary schools to connect children with the earth, inspiring them to become stewards. Students take their programs lessons home and get their parents involved. Together we are planting the seeds for a more sustainable future, from the youngest members of society up.
By the Numbers / Year:
- 12,000 kids attend Field Trips at 85 unique locations in the Bay Area
- 10,000 children participate in hands-on learning opportunities each year
- 1,500 children attend 9 weekly programs with 283 Sprout Up volunteers each year, creating 13,500 student experiences
- 450 learning programs in schools, nature preserves, and at the EcoCenter
- 300 teachers benefit from school programs curriculum throughout the school year
- 120 trained volunteers provide lively, hands-on learning for students
- 77 schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties receive EV programs
- 49 years of serving Bay Area students since our founding in 1972