Teacher Resources



Click on the categories below to view more information on
Inland Empire Resource Conservation District's Teacher Resources.

Teacher Resources
IERCD Mini-Garden Grant
The IERCD is excited to announce the beginning of its Native Plant Garden Mini-Grant! This grant aims to provide local schools within our District with the opportunity to start a new or expand an existing on-site native plant garden.  The grant will only take place while funding lasts, so please submit an application if you are interested! To download a grant application, please navigate to the Youth Education Programs section within Education & Resources and select Grants & Giveaways.
 
For more information on other Free Education Programs, Opportunities and Giveaways, please explore the Education tab. If you have questions about the Grant, please call Project Manager Katie Heer at (909) 799-7407 x 102.
Teacher Resources

The Education Department of the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District has been fortunate enough to establish relationships with multiple environmental education partners, through involvement in community events, trainings, and conferences. Many of these potential partners have resources not only for environmental educators, but have them for classroom teachers as well. The following is a list of organizations with which District staff has worked, that offer consistently updated information on upcoming educational opportunities as well as classroom activities, local native species information, and free or low-cost classroom and/or outdoor education programs for kids.

 

CREEC

California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) is an excellent resource for teachers. CREEC’s mission is to link all educators to environmental education activities and resources throughout California. Educators can find links to activities, trainings, and grants on the CREEC website.

 

PROJECT LEARNING TREE

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is a multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students. PLT is a program of the American Forest Foundation. Professional development training and educational materials are available through workshop participation.

 

PROJECT WET

Project Wet (Water Education for Teachers) is a water based curriculum activity guide for educators. Professional development training and educational materials are available through workshop participation.

 

PROJECT WILD
Project WILD is a wildlife-based conservation and environmental education program that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. Project WILD Activity guides provide curriculum specially designed for educators of kindergarten through high school youth. Professional development training and educational materials are available through workshop participation.

 

SAWA

The Santa Ana Watershed Association (SAWA) is committed to the protection of and improvement of areas within the Santa Ana River Watershed. SAWA offers free environmental education projects taught by Naturalists who specialize in focusing on water conservation, watershed issues, ecology, and biology. Please visit http://www.sawaedu.org/ for more information.

 

Local Environmental Education Centers
Local Environmental Education Facilities
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER AT THE SAM J. RACADIO LIBRARY
This environmental learning center is located in Highland, Ca and is attached to the local library.  The building itself is LEED Gold certified.  They have a varying number of programs, including eco-friendly film and documentary screenings each month.
 
 
Phone:
(909) 425-4700
 
Address:
7863 Central Avenue,
Highland, Ca 92346-4107
 
Hours: 
Monday- Wednesday:  10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday-Friday:  10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:  9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
MARY VAGLE NATURE CENTER
The Mary Vagle Nature Center is located in the city of Fontana, near the Jurupa Hills. The center's mission is to heighten awareness, deepen understanding, and increase appreciation for living in an caring for our natural world. Their extensive site includes outdoor trails, gardens and indoor learning facilities.  The center hosts a variety of programs for every age group.
 
Website:
 
Phone:
(909) 349-6994
 
Address:
11501 Cypress Avenue,
Fontana, Ca 92337
 
Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
CHINO CREEK WETLANDS PARK
The park is located in Chino, California and features a history of the Chino Valley, the importance of water in our region's economic development, and the importance of water conservation and wise water use.  Visitors will realize the importance of protecting the area watershed. The site includes trails, ponds and wetlands, native, drought tolerant plants and an overlook area.
 
Website:
 
Phone:
(909) 606-1933
 
Address:
15975 El Prado Road,
Chino, Ca
 
Hours:
Open during daylight hours
 
BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER
The Big Bear Discovery Center is located in Big Bear Valley and is an informational center all about the San Bernardino Mountains. The mission of the center is to heighten awareness about becoming a responsible caretaker of the national forest wildlife.  They offer maps and permits, but also environmental education programs and naturalist-led tours and hikes.
 
Website:
 
Phone:
(909) 866-3437
 
Address:
Located on North Shore Drive, Highway 38
Big Bear Lake, Ca
 
Hours: 
8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Winter (Beginning last week of October):  Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays
Summer (Beginning last week of April):  Open 7 Days a week