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The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex welcomes groups to take part in our environmental education programs. Programs and/or activities are available by reservation only and can take place at Sacramento NWR, Colusa NWR, Llano Seco Unit, or at your school.
Keep the following in mind (more information under Programs and Guidelines below):
- The Sacramento NWR is located in Glenn County about 10 minutes south of Willows. It is not in the city of Sacramento.
- Every season, the weather can be different! Often we can reschedule if there is heavy rain. Staff are weather resistant but sometimes we will cancel or alter a walk if it's very windy for the safety of the students, teachers, chaperones and staff.
For Educators
2024-2025 Programs
Our Visitor Center is open! It is a brand new, empty building that will eventually be filled with exciting educational and interactive displays, a new Environmental Education Classroom, a Discovery Pond and Native Plant Garden.
As we build back our volunteers, complete the Visitor Center interpretive displays, and develop new and exciting programs, we will get back to offering staff- or volunteer-led educational programs in the future. Given capacity, programs for the 2024-2025 school year will be teacher-led only, with materials (loaner binoculars, bird guides, etc.) and lesson plans provided by Visitor Services staff and volunteers if requested and available.
If you are interested in receiving updates or would like to schedule a self-guided visit, please download and fill out our Reservation Form and email to the refuge at sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov
Information about bringing your Group to the Complex
Plan Your Field Trip (needs a reservation):
Educational activities are available from late October through February as this is the best time to see large flocks of waterfowl (limited rest of year). Please go through the following linked pages before submitting your Reservation form:
- Programs Click to check out what Educational Programs are available that need a Reservation.
- guidelines Click here to read our Field Trip Guidelines, scheduling details, communication, preparation, materials, and more.
- Reservation Form Click here to submit a Reservation Form (email form to sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov)
- FUNDING: If you are in need of funding to cover your busing costs (through your school) we may be able to help. Contact the refuge for information at 530-934-2801 or sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov . Sponsored by Altacal Audubon Society and the refuge bookstore.
Learning Opportunities/Activities that do not need a reservation:
| Grade 2 | What is a refuge? |
| . | What should I bring? |
| . | What wildlife lives on the refuge? |
| . | Writing a story |
| . | Post visit postcard |
| Grade 4 | Put this paragraph in order (Wetlands), answer sheet |
| . | Put this paragraph in order (Waterfowl), answer sheet |
| . | Post visit postcard |
| All-Ages | Visitor Center and interpretive panels |
| . | Discovery Room and diorama (see: Discovery Room Program Outline webpage, Worksheet for 3rd-5th grades, Worksheet for 1st-2nd grades) |
| . | Wildlife exhibits |
| . | Educational videos |
| . | Wetland Walk (see: Wetland Walk Program Outline webpage, Wetland Walk Brochure, Wetland Walk Map) |
| . | Auto Tour and viewing platform |
Other Websites or Organizations that offer Learning Opportunities:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Sleuth K-12 Lesson Plans - this website link takes you to resources and links for monthly lessons.
California Waterfowl - offers programs for schools in Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
California Regional Environmental Education Communities (CREEC)
CREEC is an educational project whose mission is to develop a communication network which provides educators with access to high quality environmental education resources to enhance the environmental literacy of California students.
Point Blue (formally Point Reyes Bird Observatory)
Point Blue Conservation Science is a non-profit organization with a mission to conserve birds and the environment using science to understand and find solutions to problems threatening wildlife populations and ecosystems.
Owl Pellets - Here are some organizations that might offer pellets to learn about their diets: Pellets Inc. and Acorn Naturalists.
For Kids
Sacramento NWRC Junior Wildlife Ranger Booklet
Our Junior Wildlife Ranger Booklet is available online and at the Visitor Center. Complete the booklet and earn a badge. Suggested ages are 5-12, but anyone can become a Junior Wildlife Ranger! If you choose to work on it remotely or the visitor center is closed, contact us at sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov to get your badge mailed to you.
Junior Wildlife Ranger - Neighborhood Badge Program
Looking for a free hands-on activity to do with the kids in your life outside this summer? The first-ever neighborhood badge program awards youth 7 and up a badge for learning about environmental science and wildlife conservation. Complete all of their activities to earn all your badges! When you're done, scan the QR code to claim your digital badge. Learn More
California Junior Duck Stamp Program
Learn about the Junior Duck Stamp Program, which is open for students in K-12th grade. Learn about ducks, geese, and swans and draw what you have learned to win prizes. Learn more by clicking here.
Free Virtual Programs
Check out some of our past programs on Facebook:
- Science at Home: Seed Dispersal Science Project
- Owl Pellet Dissection (recorded dissection)
- Program on Eggs
- Hummingbirds of the Refuge
- Fun with Feathers
- All About Monarchs
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