Cordelia Slough Youth Education Program

Fairfield, CA – Teaching the Next Generation of Wildlife Advocates

Overview

What is a slough? How does it support birds and other wildlife? And why does it matter to all of us, even if we don’t live nearby? International Bird Rescue’s newest education program at Cordelia Slough connects students in Solano County and the Greater Bay Area to the fascinating wildlife in their own backyard. Situated along the Pacific Flyway, this 40-acre natural haven of marsh and riparian habitat offers an ideal outdoor classroom where students explore real ecosystems, learn from the stories of birds in our care, and see how human actions can affect wildlife survival and habitat health.

Why It Matters

Birds are facing growing challenges in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to foster a sense of wonder, stewardship, and advocacy for not just birds, but all wildlife in young people from all backgrounds.

Program Highlights

• Docent-led nature walks
  Explore Cordelia Slough with experienced guides, learning how habitats support wildlife and how human actions impact survival.
• Ecosystem immersion
  Learn about native and introduced species, food webs, and ecosystem interconnectedness using real examples from birds in care and the plants and wildlife that call Cordelia Slough home.
• Scientific exploration
  Engage in hands-on STEM activities, including feather anatomy, adaptations, and conservation practices that help species thrive.

Program Details

• Grades: Designed for grades 3-5 and NGSS-aligned; adaptable for grades K-2 & 6-12
• Duration: 3 hrs.
• Dates: Monday-Friday, September-June (*No Wednesday programs October-February)
• Participants: Minimum 12 – Maximum 60 students per day
• Teacher Requirements: At least 1 adult per 6 students for a safe, hands-on experience
• Age Requirements: Ages 5 – adult
• Location: Pacific Flyway Center – Gold Hills Property, Ramsey Rd., Fairfield, CA 94534 *Please note this program does not take place at International Bird Rescue’s SF Bay Delta Wildlife Center.
• Cost: Free

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

• Our program is designed to support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) supported by this program include:
  • LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience (3-LS4-4)
  • LS4.C: Adaptation (3-LS4-3)
  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans (3-LS4-4)
  • LS1.A: Structure and Function (4-LS1-1)
  • LS1.D: Information Processing (4-LS1-2)
  • ESS2.E: Biogeology (4-ESS2-1)
  • LS1.C: Organization for Matter & Energy Flow in Organisms (5-PS3-1)
  • LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems (5-LS2-1)
  • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter & Energy Transfer in Ecosystems (5-LS2-1)
  • ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems (5-ESS3-1)

Request a Field Trip Here!

*Please submit your Request Form ideally 6 weeks prior to the date you would like to reserve. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for bookings less than 4 weeks prior to the event.

The Cordelia Slough Youth Education Program is offered FREE OF CHARGE to all Solano County classrooms, but it takes time, care and resources to make it happen. Support access to nature-based education by donating here. 

You can also support our program by donating needed supplies via our Amazon Wish List.

This program is run by International Bird Rescue on land managed by our partners at the Pacific Flyway Center. Learn more about them here.