| The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Inc. mission is to preserve and restore San Joaquin River lands of ecological, scenic or historic significance, to educate the public on the need for stewardship, to research issues affecting the river, and to promote educational, recreational and agricultural uses of the river bottom consistent with the protection of the river’s resources. They offer a wide range of educational experiences for students and the community. |
| For over 25 years, the River Parkway Trust has offered an exciting, fun, and safe day camp experience at River Camp. River Camp provides campers of all ages to spend time at the river exploring, playing, making friends, and learning about nature. The San Joaquin River is one of the most beautiful and important natural resources in the area – a water source, home to fish and wildlife, and some of the last undeveloped open space. At River Camp, children have the opportunity to experience this treasure right in their own backyard. River Camp programs are offered seasonally throughout the year as well as during the summer months. Campers enjoy exploring wildlife habitat, playing games, creating arts and crafts, and building new friendships during their seasonal day-camp experiences. The Young Explorers Enrichment Program (YEEP) is designed to supplement a child’s regular pre-school or early elementary learning through nature-based experiences. The focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is the teacher. |  |
| The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants and aligned with California’s NGSS and Common Core Standards. YEEP uses natural phenomena to strengthen foundations of learning including literacy, mathematics, science, socio-emotional learning, self awareness and critical thinking skills in participants. |
| The River Parkway Trust began offering school field trips to the river in 1989, and continues to be a leader in the field. They work in partnership with the Fresno Unified School District, Madera Unified School District, and Fresno County Parks to provide experiential learning opportunities for grades K-12. Upon request they can also provide educational experiences for high school or college groups. River field trips for 1st to 5th grade students consist of 3-4 activity stations including nature walks, educational activities or games, and art or poetry. Field trips to Sycamore Island, a 600 acre site with river access, are offered to 6th to 8th grade students and include canoeing and team building activities. |  |
 | The Youth Parkway Ambassadors (YPA) program is a 3-month program commitment in which high school students learn about the San Joaquin River and its role in our community, share memorable outdoor experiences with new friends, access and explore multiple Parkway properties, and gain experience planning events, creating outreach materials, and leading outdoor activities at free public open house events. |
| The River Parkway Trust offers a variety of family-friendly Recreation Programs throughout the year, including guided nature walks, family scavenger hunts, and seasonal events. These activities are designed to engage all ages, allowing families to explore and learn about the San Joaquin River’s natural beauty and ecology together. Family Scavenger Hunts gives children the opportunity to be outdoors, solve clues, and search for hidden items. They provide a checklist for a Neighborhood Nature Scavenger Hunt. |
 | Nature Walks are another educational experience the River Parkway Trust offers. They invite community members to come out and explore the wild and wonderful natural world of the San Joaquin River Parkway. Participants explore beautiful natural spaces while listening to bird songs, the sound of the river and breeze, and soak up the sense of peace and respite time spent outdoors can provide. The nature walks are typically 2 to 4 miles in length on fairly level ground. |
| Children 7+ are welcome on general hikes and children 12+ are welcome on birding hikes. No dogs, please. Nature walks are free of charge; donations are welcomed. They ask that large groups or organizations arrange special group tours rather than attending regularly scheduled hikes. |  |
