Association for Environmental & Outdoor education

San Mateo Outdoor Education

San Mateo Outdoor Education is a residential environmental education program located on 1000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the San Francisco Bay Area of California, 12 miles from the coast. School groups of 180-200 fifth and sixth grade students spend five days and four nights studying the redwood forest, oak woodlands, pond, and organic garden through guided exploration and hands-on learning. The California coast provides exceptional opportunities for a fieldtrip day to discover sea life in the tide pools, watch the migration of Gray Whales, observe of harbor seals colonies, and explore a coastal marsh. Ultimately, we wish to provide an environmental education experience that brings about a greater social awareness for students from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and increases students’ knowledge and appreciation of nature.