Nature education for all!
Lessons are always hands-on, interactive, and conducted in our beautiful 254-acre open-air classroom. Programs are centered on the natural and cultural history of San Jose, protecting the Guadalupe Watershed, and cultivating awareness and creativity within our natural world.
Classes and programs meet at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor and Education Center located at 438 Coleman Avenue OR at the Heritage Rose Garden picnic area located at 412 Seymour Street. Please check your confirmation carefully to ensure that your group meets at the correct place. In order to maintain appropriate student to teacher ratios and sufficient materials, advance registration is required for all programs except Beginning Environmental Explorers (BEE). The registration deadlines vary by program and are listed on the individual program listing. All programs must be reserved online; each class, workshop or program listing will have a link to click in order to sign up.
Discover lifecycles of salmon and trout, the history of Santa Clara Valley and San Jose, archaeology, flower anatomy and pollination, composting and vermiculture -that’s worms! School field trip programs meet California State Education Standards, and there are scholarships available for program and transportation for those who qualify. We are currently offering Virtual Field Trips only and are not offering In-Person Field Trips at this time, but hope to safely host groups at the beautiful Guadalupe River Park again soon!
In every station, my students were always engaged, excited, and asking a lot of questions. Those field trips ignite my students’ inquiry skills and help them extend their knowledge. We appreciate this program and we are looking forward to next year’s trip!
Beginning Environmental Explorers (BEE): An early introduction into environmental science for ages 3-6. This FREE program is taught by GRPC environmental educators. Topics include rivers, frogs, birds, and more! We now offer two classes: in English and Spanish on Saturdays.
Community Homeschool Investigators of the River Park (CHIRP): Our science class for homeschool students, with sessions for children 5-8 & 9-12. Themes change monthly, and every week is a different lesson!
Our Small Group Programs are available for groups of 20 or fewer every day of the week! Are you the leader of a small group? Do you homeschool your children? Do you simply want to bring a group outside to learn? Sign up for a small group program and join us for an adventure! With topics ranging from salmon to compost to pollinators and more, there is sure to be a program that will suit your group!
GRPC offers field trip programming designed for persons with special needs, including those with autism, Down syndrome, ADD, ADHD, deafness, blindness, and mobility impairments. The Open Space Authority has worked with us to create this program, funded by a generous grant from the Yahoo Employee Foundation and Open Space Authority.
Taught by Bay Area experts, explore a variety of topics such as composting, grey-water basics, photography, flower arranging or wreath making. You can even practice yoga, take a guided hike or bike tour. Check back with us often to see what’s new!
We also have options for you to learn together as a family by downloading worksheets made by our Guadalupe Interns!