In the foothills of Tulare County, California, SCICON offers a unique educational experience for fifth and sixth graders to learn about science and conservation. Operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, SCICON sees over 8,000 students pass through its doors each year. The Outdoor School of Science and Conservation covers 1,170 acres and adjoins National Forest land, ensuring the preservation of the area for future generations.
SCICON’s Director Dianne Shew emphasizes the importance of teaching students about nature and fostering self-respect and mutual respect. Students like Gavin appreciate the fresh mountain air and have a newfound awareness of how human actions impact the environment. Recently, flooding in the area caused damage to SCICON, particularly affecting the delicate salamander habitat. In response, the Friends of SCICON organization received a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund to support conservation efforts and restore the salamander habitat.
Disney “VoluntEARS” joined in the effort to restore the salamander habitat, underscoring the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Shew believes that instilling a love and respect for earth in children will help create a positive impact for future generations. With support from grants and community volunteers, SCICON aims to inspire students to make a difference in preserving our planet.
In addition to exploring nature and hiking at varying levels of difficulty, students at SCICON also have access to an aquatic center where they can learn about water conservation and local ecosystems. They visit a museum showcasing local flora and fauna that allows them to gain insights into their surroundings.
Director Shew believes that education is essential for creating a sustainable future. By teaching students about science and conservation at SCICON, she hopes that they will become responsible citizens who care about their environment.
Overall, SCICON is more than just an educational institution; it’s an oasis where children can discover nature while learning vital lessons about sustainability.
SCICON has been operating since its founding in 2005 with funding provided by grants from various organizations such as California Fish & Wildlife Department (CWDF) Foundation’s Science Education Enhancement Program (SEEP), The Nature Conservancy’s Local Stewardship Program (LSP), Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Resource Conservation District Program (RCDP), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program through Tulare County Economic Development Agency (TCEDA), The Green Initiative grant program through Tulare County Environmental Health Services (TCEHS).