Tag: outdoor education

Fifth Graders Explore the Marin Headlands

At The Saklan School, off-campus education is not a field trip – it’s a field experience: an intentional extension of the classroom that nurtures independence, curiosity, and responsibility. Each year, students take part in experiences that grow in both depth and duration—from a single night away in 4th grade to a full environmental science week in Hawaii by 7th grade, and a culminating cultural and stewardship trip to Puerto Rico in 8th grade.

Earlier this month, Saklan’s fifth graders embarked on the next chapter of this journey with a three-day adventure in the Marin Headlands, combining science, stewardship, and teamwork. From the moment they loaded the van and set up dorms to their final project, preparing seedling pots for NatureBridge’s native plant nursery, students learned through hands-on discovery, cooperation, and reflection.

The trip began with a dorm orientation and an introduction to the area’s ecosystems. Students explored native plant greenhouses before hiking up Hawk Hill, where they studied the park’s only endemic tree—the coastal willow—and observed the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape.

After dinner, the group set out for a night hike to the beach, where they were treated to a magical surprise: glowing noctiluca, tiny bioluminescent plankton that illuminated the sand beneath their feet.

Day two brought a full day of coastal ecology—hiking from Rodeo Beach to Point Bonita, observing harbor seals, and studying plant adaptations, including tasting ice-plant bulbs. Students wrote sensory poems by the lighthouse and collected real scientific data for the National Park Service.

By day three, field science came to life. Students examined plankton under microscopes, studied local plant systems, and discussed how redwood ecosystems sustain life. Their fieldwork concluded with hands-on nursery stewardship, cleaning hundreds of pots to prepare for the next generation of seedlings.

Back at Saklan, this experience has sparked new curiosity about our trees and excitement about the upcoming redwood grove playground. Students are wondering how they might help with its design – how to make the space not only a place for play and discovery, but also the best possible ecosystem for the trees that tower above us, offering shade, shelter, and awe.

#SaklanFieldExperience

Adventures in the Redwoods

Last Friday, Saklan’s sixth graders returned from an unforgettable week at Westminster Woods, an environmental education and character development program nestled within 200 acres of redwood forest in Sonoma County.

Over the course of five days, students immersed themselves in both the natural world and in experiences that challenged them to grow as individuals and as a community. They explored the delicate ecosystems around them—hiking through towering redwoods, scouring Dutch Bill Creek for signs of life, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the interconnection of nature.

Beyond the science and discovery, the trip was also about personal growth. Students tackled team-building challenges, discovered new strengths, and learned the power of relying on one another. The adventures at Westminster Woods encouraged perseverance, cooperation, and courage—skills that will support them throughout middle school and beyond.

The lessons learned during this trip will stay with students for years to come, serving as a foundation for continued growth, resilience, and a lasting connection to the natural world.