Nestled in the foothills of Tulare County, California, SCICON is an outdoor school dedicated to educating students about science and conservation. Run by the Tulare Office of Education, the school hosts over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders every year. The director, Dianne Shew, describes SCICON as a magical place where students can learn about nature, developing respect for themselves and others, and caring for the earth.
Covering 1,170 acres and bordering National Forest land, SCICON provides its students with ample opportunities to explore the outdoors through hikes of varying difficulty levels, lessons on aquatic life, and visits to a museum showcasing local flora and fauna. One student, Gavin, appreciates the fresh mountain air and recognizes the impact of human actions on the environment.
In early 2023, SCICON suffered severe flooding caused by historic rains in California. The flooding endangered the fragile salamander habitat prompting the Friends of SCICON organization to receive a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund. Disney’s “VoluntEARS” participated in habitat restoration efforts by helping clear debris left behind by flooding. The grant will aid in restoring the salamander habitat and educating students about conservation efforts.
Shew believes that instilling a love for the environment in students will benefit future generations. By encouraging children to take small actions in their daily lives to protect earth, SCICON aims to make a positive impact on the planet. Disney supports SCICON’s conservation efforts as it is their parent company; they believe that every individual can contribute to preserving our one and only earth.
Gavin was particularly grateful for his experience at SCICON because he learned about how human actions affect nature. He also appreciated being able to spend time outdoors exploring different habitats like forests and streams.
Overall, SCICON is an important resource for Tulare County students who want to learn more about science and conservation while enjoying nature’s beauty. With support from organizations like Disney Conservation Fund and local volunteers like “VoluntEARS,” SCICON continues to inspire young minds towards protecting our planet for future generations.
SCICON is more than just an outdoor school; it’s an adventure into nature that teaches children essential skills such as respect for themselves and others while promoting environmental consciousness through hands-on experiences like hiking trails of varying difficulty levels or learning about aquatic life through lessons.
The recent flooding incident was devastating but did not deter SCICON staff or its supporters from taking action towards restoration efforts led by Disney’s “VoluntEARS.” As a result of this support from organizations like Disney Conservation Fund and local volunteers alike