The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Third Grade Naturalist Program is celebrating its 30th year, and the impact on the local PV community has been profound. Holly Gray, Director of Education, reflects on the program’s significance, noting, “One immediate impact of the program is the joy that children experience as they get out in nature. Kids are naturally drawn to the outdoors, and exploring nature instantly ignites their curiosity.”
Since its inception, the program has cultivated a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural environment that surrounds the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Gray highlights how this connection stays with children long after the program ends. “When I bump into graduates, they are often bursting with stories of wildlife they have suddenly taken notice of. Now they recognize that the bush growing behind their mailbox is a native lemonade berry, or that a great horned owl has been roosting at their school.”
The program’s multi-generational impact is also evident. “We have parents who can reflect on their experience as a child in the program, now volunteering for their own child’s field trip,” Gray shares. Many former students even return as interns and docents, inspired by their time in the program. One memorable story involves a third grader who came back as a docent and is now pursuing a degree in environmental law at UCLA. “This continuity builds a culture of appreciation and caring for the local environment that is powerful.”
A core element of the program is the field trips to the natural preserves, combined with classroom lessons. Gray explains, “The foundational work we accomplish in the classroom comes alive during the field trip as students connect their knowledge with observations made directly in nature. That excitement fosters curiosity, which in turn propels scientific inquiry.” Whether students are smelling sagebrush, tasting lemonade berries, or hearing the call of the California Gnatcatcher, these experiences foster a deeper understanding of science and nature.
The program’s alignment with Next Generation Science Standards ensures that it stays relevant and effective for schools. “We’ve carefully aligned our program with California State Content Standards,” Gray says. “It provides a way for educators to link global curricular concepts to local examples that are tangible.” Teachers often continue incorporating the program’s lessons long after it ends, creating lasting connections between students and the environment.
Docents play an essential role in delivering these lessons. “Our docents are the heart of this program,” says Gray. “Their love of the natural world instantly sparks the students’ curiosity. The students treat our docents like celebrities, flocking to them with questions and eager to trade tales about their experiences in nature.” Many docents have been involved since the program’s inception, with some teachers even transitioning to docents upon retirement. This enduring dedication underscores the program’s impact on the community.
Looking ahead, Gray is excited about new initiatives, such as moving classroom sessions outdoors. “Not surprisingly, the students have thrived in the outdoor classroom,” she says. “We hope to build on this success to maximize the students’ outdoor experiences.”
As the Third Grade Naturalist Program continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: to inspire future generations of environmental stewards through a deep connection with the natural world. “The cumulative impact of 30 years of this program is incredible,” Gray concludes. “We are creating a community that truly cares for and appreciates the natural environment.”
