As part of our long-term regional goals, the Northcoast Regional Land Trust is dedicated to education and outreach opportunities to engage the communities that we serve in our conservation efforts. Through collaboration, education and outreach, the Land Trust endeavors to strengthen our community by integrating youth, professionals and committed citizens in the stewardship of our lands. Please join us for Upcoming events and opportunities to get out to the places that make our region so special.

Stewards of Tomorrow    |    Field Trip Programs    |    Marsh Monitoring    |    Youth Events    |    Wetlands & Working Lands Interpretive Walks    |    Canoe the Slough    |    Interpretive Hikes    |    Other Events

Stewards of Tomorrow
The Stewards of Tomorrow program uses experiential learning to promote environmental awareness and increase the capacity of youth to become the future stewards of our lands. Participants are exposed to the local challenges surrounding land-use decisions in regards to economic viability, wetland restoration, ecology and conservation.

Field Trip Programs
Cows and Cattails
Come learn about wetlands and working lands at one of the Land Trust properties. We will explore all of the amazing critters that live in a wetland as well as the specially adapted plants they depend on. What do cows have to do with a wetland anyway? We will also discuss the relationship between working lands and the beautiful natural landscapes that make Humboldt County so unique.

We have a variety of age-appropriate activities that can be specially tailored to support your students' in-class learning. This is a naturalist-led, inquiry-based field trip program with an optional pre-trip classroom introduction for any and all grade levels. All curricula are aligned with Science content standards for California Schools. Events are free though transportation is not included. Field trips are offered throughout the year, weather permitting. Contact us to schedule your next field trip!

Farm to School
The Farm to School Education Program of Humboldt County has been active since 2002, and is currently run through the local field office of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF). The Northcoast Regional Land Trust is proud to be a partner of Farm to School in Humboldt County. The program aims to revitalize agricultural, environmental, and nutrition education through engaging, hands-on activities that excite Humboldt County students about food and farming.  Erin Derden-Little, the Farm to School education coordinator, works primarily with K-5th graders and has reached students from over 20 schools in the county.

Marsh Biological Monitoring
The Scientific Method at Work
Join professional biologists and botanists in monitoring marsh and agricultural lands at Freshwater Slough. Students participating in our biological monitoring program will collect data each year regarding the hydrology, soil chemistry, water quality and wildlife of Freshwater Farms Reserve. This site is a 54-acre plot bordered by Freshwater Slough and including Wood Creek, both of which eventually enter Humboldt Bay. The property includes approximately 19 acres of pastureland historically used to graze cattle. In fall 2009 this site was restored to provide 35 acres of native brackish and freshwater marsh habitat. Data from successive years will be used to evaluate and predict biological and chemical changes resulting from restoration activities at the site and will evaluate the naturalization process of the newly created wetland. All curricula are aligned with Science content standards for California Schools. Events are free though transportation is not included. Field trips for biological monitoring are offered throughout the year, weather permitting. Contact our outreach coordinator to check for availability in our monitoring schedule.

Youth Events
We provide a hands-on outdoor education program available to teens in northern California. Numerous outdoor activities are offered to engage teens in our community including kayaking trips, naturalist-led interpretive hikes, and native plant restoration days. Our program integrates principles of rural land management and economic sustainability with those of ecology and conservation.

Wetlands & Working Lands Interpretive Walks
Put on some sturdy footwear and join a Northcoast Regional Land Trust naturalist for a walk through the meadows, wetlands, and estuary of the Freshwater Farms Reserve. Learn about the natural history of the bottomlands, and about the historic and current land use practices around the bay. Families are encouraged. Rain or Shine - dress appropriate for weather conditions. Walk is approximately one mile over uneven terrain. No bathrooms on site. Free. Check out our Upcoming Events to find a day that works for you.

Canoe the Slough
Experience the slough
Come enjoy the network of beautiful slough channels and the majestic Humboldt Bay in a canoe or kayak with the Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) and Humboats Kayak Adventures. You will be led on an interpretive paddle through tidal salt marshes, past cattle grazing with herons and geese flying overhead. We will discuss current NRLT projects as well as the unique history, environmental attributes and economics of our bottomlands. The exact location and time of our canoe events changes so check our Upcoming Events for the next paddle. All boats and gear will be provided by HumBoats. Events are $45 ($30 with your own gear) and part of the proceeds will go to NRLT's land protection work. Contact us today to organize a trip for your organization today!

Interpretive Hikes
Learn about the history, environment and economics of our bottomlands
We offer a variety of interpretive hikes that explore the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental issues in our county. Themed events may include a mix of topics such as medicinal plants, bird-watching, working lands or wetland ecology. Events are free though donations are appreciated. Contact us today to organize a trip for your organization today!

Other Events
A rare chance to visit the rural working lands of Humboldt County.
Periodically, the Northcoast Regional Land Trust partners with landowners to offer interpretive hikes, picnics and tours of the working ranches, timberlands and watersheds protected by conservation easements that were facilitated by NRLT . These events offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy rural Humboldt County in areas that are not accessible to the general public. These very special events only happen a couple of times a year so check our calendar frequently for the next scheduled events.