The Outdoor School of Science and Conservation (SCICON), located in the foothills of Tulare County, CA, is an outdoor education program operated by the Tulare County Office of Education. Every year, over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders visit SCICON to learn about the importance of science and conservation. The director of SCICON, Dianne Shew, believes that the purpose of the school is to help students develop a love for nature and learn how to take care of our planet while developing respect for themselves and others.
SCICON covers 1,170 acres of land and borders National Forest land, ensuring that the area remains preserved for future generations. Students have the opportunity to go on hikes of varying difficulty levels, learn about aquatic life, and explore a museum featuring local items and animals. Sixth grade student Gavin enjoys the experience of being surrounded by fresh mountain air, which has made him more aware of the impact humans have on the environment and the importance of conservation.
In early 2023, SCICON experienced major flooding due to historic rains that caused significant damage to fragile salamander habitat. The Friends of SCICON organization received a grant from Disney’s Conservation Fund to restore the salamander habitat and support global conservation efforts. Disney “VoluntEARS” also pitched in to help clean up and revitalize the habitat. Shew believes that instilling a love for nature in children will make a difference for future generations.
Disney is committed to supporting environmental conservation efforts through its parent company ABC Localish station as well as its global initiatives like Disney Conservation Fund. By educating children about taking care of our planet, they hope each child will return home with a newfound passion for protecting our environment.
The school’s impact goes beyond just one day at SCICON; it inspires students to make positive changes in their everyday lives that contribute to a better future for all living beings on Earth.
