The Pismo Beach Docent staff offers several youth interpretive programs for teachers and students. All school programs are available at either 10:00AM or 1:00PM. Select only one program per visit. Programs currently available are:

MONARCH BUTTERFLY PROGRAM
This is available at the Monarch Grove from November to February. Students learn general knowledge of insects and Monarch migration and life cycle. Visual aids and games are used to reinforce learning. Best suited for grades 1-6. Contact the Pismo Rangers at 805-489-1869. It is also available to teachers year round for presentation in the classroom. Contact George Smith at 805-549-8385.

CHUMASH PROGRAM
This interpretive program is presented at the Nature Center. It is an hour and a half program which involves a "talk" on Chumash culture, a "walk" to observe native plants used by the Chumash and a "hands-on" station where students grind acorns, dig roots, play a Chumash game using walnuts and make an acorn/wood necklace to take home. This program is for third and fourth grade students only and has been aligned with the State Framework for Science and Social Studies. Maximum of 60 students can be accommodated. Contact Judy Espiau at garyjudy.esp@verizon.net or 805-934-0999. If you use email, please include Pismo School Program in the subject line.

TURTLES AND TORTOISES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This program can be viewed at the Arroyo Grande Turtle Farm or can be adapted to the classroom. Live turtles and tortoises are available for viewing by students. Best suited for grades 2-5. Contact Bob or Judy at Thomas-turtles@Juno.com or call 805-481-5222.

Please take into account the following when requesting your reservation:

-School programs differ in length

-Reservations must be requested at least 3 weeks in advance of the desired date

-A maximum of 60 students per group - depending on the program

-There should be two adult chaperons for each 15 students

-A name tag for each student and chaperon is requested

-All programs involve outdoor activities and walks, so closed toe shoes are required

-The weather in Pismo can be windy and cool, so warm jackets are often necessary