NatureTrack Family Days

Come enjoy what K-12 students have been enjoying since 2011 — discover the beaches and trails in Santa Barbara County led by knowledgeable and fun docents.  They will give everyone opportunities to explore nature in the ‘outdoor classroom’ where learning comes alive along with fun.  Finding the balance in one’s life includes nature as a vital element.

NatureTrack’s Family Days field trips (https://naturetrack.org/news-events/)  are for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy nature games and activities together.  Learn more about the North Campus Open Space (NCOS) at the Sunday, July 14th outing scheduled from 10am – 2pm.  Parking 6925 Whittier Drive in Goleta, off Storke Rd.

The benefits of nature are well-documented as being in nature really does make a difference. There’s even a name for not having nature in the mix of your life – “nature deficit disorder.” https://richardlouv.com/blog/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder.  Plan to get your dose of ‘Vitamin N’ with us on this field trip. Be sure to wear sunscreen.  You’ll be amazed at how the NCOS has blossomed and attracted more wildlife and birds to the reclaimed golf course.

Freedom Trax units will be provided to people who use wheelchairs or to those who might need extra assistance on the trails at no charge.  Please RSVP  to abby@naturetrack.org.

All this at no charge, just like NatureTrack (NT) has been doing since its’ formation for schools!  Every Field Trip for students is free and 30,000 students can’t be wrong – they’ve called the NT Field Trips the “best day ever.”  Just come ready to have fun and learn something new while you’re at it.

Info: abby@naturetrack.org

(970) 739-6743

www.naturetrack.org

Film about bringing back the wetlands here: https://www.ncos.ccber.ucsb.edu

Map of NCOS with each of the overlooks, bridges and paths.  https://arcg.is/04W4XrVisitor

Story Boards of NCOS:  https://cityofgoleta.stqry.app/1/tour/15149/item/156994?show-detail-modal=true

Photo Credit: Ken Pfeiffer

NatureTrack is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides outdoor docent-led field trips during the usual school day for Santa Barbara County children at no cost to the schools or students, utilizing local trails and beaches throughout north and south county. NatureTrack’s mission is two-fold: to encourage students to embrace our natural world with respect and wonder, inspiring them to be stewards of our natural resources, and prepare school-aged students with the attitudes, leadership skills, and habits for lifelong learning. Recently NatureTrack expanded its mission of connecting kids to nature and is now connecting people who use wheelchairs of all ages to get out into nature using Freedom Trax. This device quickly changes a manual wheelchair into a battery powered, all-terrain vehicle which can easily traverse sand and trails. Now NatureTrack wheelchair users of any age can enjoy natural areas previously inaccessible to them using Trax. https://naturetrack.org. NatureTrack is expanding its reach up to San Luis Obispo and down to Ventura County with the Trax program. Thanks go to the grantors including: UCSB’s Coastal Fund, California State Coastal Conservancy, Parks California ‘Route to Parks’ grant and the Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund. And now, the California Access for All grant to expand the Freedom Tracks program up to North SB County.